Truck Accident Injuries

Commercial trucks are larger and weigh substantially more than passenger vehicles, and as such when accidents occur between trucks and other cars on the roadways, catastrophic injuries and deaths may result. In fact, statistics show that collisions involving a commercial truck (also known as a semi-truck) are 10 times more likely to result in a death than typical passenger vehicle accidents. Although the trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) many truck drivers and trucking companies fail to follow legal guidelines in order to make faster shipments and increase profit. Some of the more severe truck accident injuries are listed below.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

As you can imagine, the impact between a large commercial truck and a passenger vehicle causes incredible damage upon impact. The force is usually violent and head injuries are common. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur frequently in these types of accidents and can cause mild to serious concussions all the way to permanent brain damage needing surgeries, extended hospitalization, and life-long treatments.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Due to the force and impact of a trucking accident, the spinal cord of victims can be easily compromised resulting in either temporary or complete paralysis. In severe cases, victims can become paraplegic, quadriplegic or tetraplegic.  Some spinal cord injuries are temporary, but in severe accidents, some injuries result in permanent paralysis. In nearly every case of victims with spinal cord injuries physical and medical therapy will be needed.

Burns

Oftentimes, large trucks carry hazardous chemicals such as fuel, oil, or other toxic chemicals. When collisions happen between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, these trucks can easily catch on fire. If a victim received burns due to an accident with a large truck carrying highly flammable chemicals, a burn victim can face months or years of physical therapy and medical attention including surgeries. Most people are aware that burn victims suffer incredible pain for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence when large truck burst into flames after an accident.

Wrongful Death

In a worst-case scenario, a victim of a trucking accident will die. This may happen at the scene of the accident or after weeks or months of medical treatment. If the accident with a commercial truck results in a fatal injury, this is called a “wrongful death.” In these cases, the loved ones of the victim often face unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and loss of companionship. Additionally, the lose the future wages expected from their loved ones and face funeral costs. While no amount of compensation can ever bring back a loved one, these unexpected costs can cause a financial crisis in a family. The law provides relief by allowing family members to sue a negligent party on behalf of their deceased loved one to help pay for these unanticipated expenses.

Reach Out to us Today for Help

If you or someone you love was injured in a trucking accident, contact the Columbia truck accident lawyers at the Stanley Law Group at 803-799-4700.  We can help you understand your legal rights, help you with the complex legal matters such as building a strong personal injury or wrongful death case.

Resource:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2015

https://www.thestanleylawgroup.com/accidents-caused-by-truck-driver-fatigue/