Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. When these large vehicles collide with smaller cars, the damage can be significant, often leading to serious injuries. It’s important to understand the types of injuries that can happen and how to seek compensation for your recovery.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common injuries from truck accidents and explain how to pursue compensation to help with your recovery.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Truck accidents usually cause more serious injuries than regular car accidents because of the size and force of trucks. Here are some of the most common injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A truck accident can cause a traumatic brain injury when the head hits something inside the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Even the force of the crash alone can shake the brain inside the skull, leading to concussions or more serious damage. Brain injuries can result in memory loss, cognitive issues, or even permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord in a truck accident can lead to partial or full paralysis. These types of injuries often require long-term medical care and can change a person’s life forever. Even less severe back injuries can cause ongoing pain, making it hard for victims to return to work or go about their daily activities.
Broken Bones: Because of the force involved in truck accidents, broken bones are common. Victims often suffer fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, or face. These breaks may need surgery or physical therapy to heal properly and could result in permanent physical limitations in severe cases.
Internal Injuries: The impact from a truck accident can cause internal injuries, which may not be immediately obvious. Damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. It’s important to see a doctor right after an accident, even if you feel okay, as internal injuries can become worse over time.
Cuts and Burns: Truck accidents can lead to serious cuts and burns, especially if there is a fire or explosion. Deep cuts may require stitches or surgery, while burns can cause scarring and may need skin grafts. These types of injuries often come with emotional trauma in addition to physical pain.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are common in truck accidents. While they may seem less severe than other injuries, they can still cause long-term pain and discomfort. Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can take weeks or months to fully heal.
How to Seek Compensation After a Truck Accident
If you’re injured in a truck accident, it’s important to seek compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Here’s what you need to do:
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health should always be your first priority. Even if you don’t feel injured after the accident, it’s critical to see a doctor immediately. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Additionally, having medical records is essential when filing a compensation claim, as they prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Gather Evidence
It’s important to gather as much evidence as you can after the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information in case their statements are needed. Keep records of all your medical bills, repair costs, and any other expenses related to the accident.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and provide accurate details about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or making assumptions, as this could be used against you later.
Determine Who is Responsible
In truck accidents, several parties could be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer of faulty parts. Figuring out who is responsible is important to ensure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to. An investigation will help determine whether the driver was negligent or if there were issues with the truck’s maintenance.
Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer
While you can handle a compensation claim on your own, having a personal injury lawyer can make the process easier. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Steps to Maximize Your Compensation
To make sure you get the compensation you need after a truck accident, follow these steps:
Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers
Trucking companies and insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement shortly after the accident. While this might seem like a good idea, these offers are usually much lower than what you actually deserve. Take your time and speak to a lawyer before accepting any settlement.
Be Patient
It can take time to reach a fair settlement. Don’t rush the process, as doing so could result in less compensation than you need. Your medical treatment, recovery, and any ongoing therapies should be fully considered before agreeing to a settlement.
Keep Up with Medical Treatment
Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all treatments and follow-up appointments. This shows that you are taking your recovery seriously. Gaps in medical care could hurt your case and suggest that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim.
Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can cause life-changing injuries, but by taking the right steps after the crash, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you need. Seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and speaking with a lawyer can all help you build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve for your recovery.
