Whether it results from negligent driving by a truck driver or the wrongful actions of a trucking company, a trucking accident can mean a world of pain for those impacted. In fact, an accident involving a commercial vehicle can leave its victims with lifelong, severe, sometimes catastrophic injuries and significant financial losses.
What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident?
Due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, the severity of the potential impact, and the high speeds at which trucks typically operate, injuries sustained in a truck accident can be very serious. For example:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Often serious, head injuries can range from concussions to injuries that leave their victim with lasting cognitive or emotional issues. A head injury during a trucking accident can mean serious, sometimes life-long financial considerations, including special medical care, consultations and visits with specialists such as a neurologist and neuropsychologist, and even physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries. These injuries can range from less serious ones, such as whiplash, to chronic back and neck pain, or dislocations. In the most serious cases, where the spinal cord is impacted, a truck accident can lead to a catastrophic injury such as paralysis or partial immobility—often requiring lifelong medical treatment, therapy, and home or nursing care.
- Internal injuries. Whether it be internal bleeding, contusions, or injuries to vital organs, internal injuries can result from a trucking accident and seriously impact the victim’s life and health. They may require immediate emergency care, along with considerable aftercare.
- Broken bones. Breaks and fractures are some of the most common injuries sustained in a trucking accident. Whether they result from being crushed, being ejected, or another way, broken bones can require costly care and equipment. In serious cases, they may also require surgery and appropriate aftercare.
- Burns. A serious burn can result from several electrical, chemical, or gas fires or explosions that can accompany a trucking accident. Burn treatment is expensive, often lengthy, and causes a significant disruption for the victim and their family. In the most serious cases, plastic surgery, breathing help, and chronic pain management may be required.
- Wrongful death. The most severe and catastrophic types of injuries in truck accidents sometimes lead to the untimely and wrongful death of a loved one. Although nothing can bring your loved one back, it may be possible to recover compensation for the financial losses your family has incurred as a result of your loved one’s death. This can include lost income, the loss of care and companionship, mental anguish and emotional distress, and funeral and interment costs.
Can You Recover Damages If You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident?
Sustaining injuries in a trucking accident often means significant financial ramifications. You may incur various out-of-pocket expenses, such as the costs of medical testing, imaging, and treatments, along with any hospital stays, prescription drugs, and nursing or home care. You might also find yourself unable to work as a result of your injuries, losing income. Additionally, you might incur various general expenses, which can range from chronic pain and suffering, scarring, and mental anguish to the loss of enjoyment of activities and general decline in your quality of life.
You may be able to recover damages for those financial losses. Generally, you will need to bring a claim for negligence against the parties responsible for the accident, which can include the truck driver, the trucking company, and even various other third parties. You will be faced with negotiating with the parties’ insurance companies—a daunting concept for many, especially as insurers typically have great resources on their side. You should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer who can help you negotiate with the insurance companies and prepare a strong case on your behalf.
How Can The Francis Firm Help with Your Truck Accident Matter?
Because injuries from a truck accident can be severe and lead to significant financial losses, truck accident cases can be very complicated. They may involve multiple parties and insurance companies, and they often bring up tough questions about liability and damages. Having a trusted truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in recovering compensation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will inform you of your legal rights and options, and we will work with you to make sure you receive the medical care you need. If the insurance company refuses to offer full value in settlement, our trial-tested Texas personal injury lawyers are always ready to take them to court. Please reach out to us today for a free, no obligation initial legal consultation online or by calling (817) 617-8639. With our office in Southlake, we serve communities throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth area, Tarrant County and Dallas County and other counties of Texas.