Trucking accidents stop traffic and destroy lives. The injuries sustained from trucking accidents often leave survivors with lasting physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial stress. If you’ve suffered a trucking accident, you should hire legal representation as quickly as possible.
Let’s break down the causes of truck accidents and the most common types of injuries. Then, you will learn why you need an experienced truck accident attorney.
Understanding the Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash; that is a 43% increase in the last 10 years. Commercial trucks’ sheer size and force are difficult to maneuver and create devastating accidents. Understanding the causes of a truck accident can help determine liability and pursue financial compensation.
Negligent drivers, ignored safety protocols, and poor weather conditions could all contribute to an accident on the road.
Driver Error
A mistake while driving could be costly. Fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving can all contribute to accidents on the road. Additionally, speeding and driving under the influence can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Improper Loading of Cargo
When a company cuts corners while loading cargo, everyone pays the price. Overloaded cargo increases the risk of rollovers and loss of control. Properly securing and distributing the cargo is essential for safety.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures create catastrophic consequences. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and defective equipment are dangerous. Regular truck maintenance is critical to preventing accidents.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions quickly turn a daily drive unpredictable. Poor visibility makes visibility difficult for truck drivers. Slippery roads also lead to loss of control and collisions.
Other Drivers’ Negligence
While truck drivers often shoulder the blame, other motorists’ negligence also contribute to these incidents. Unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, and aggressive driving are all poor habits.
The Types of Truck Crash Injuries
Did you know a commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds? Colliding with that size of vehicle is bound to hurt. The following are some of the most common types of injuries suffered in trucking accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when extreme force jolts or penetrates the brain. TBI symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, cognitive issues, and mood changes. TBIs are often lifelong, requiring ongoing medical evaluations and care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are another severe possibility. They can induce varying degrees of paralysis, like paraplegia or quadriplegia. Spinal cord injuries require treatments, physical therapy, and lifelong care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are often fractured or broken in a trucking accident. Severe fractures need a long recovery process. While they do heal, these injuries impact mobility, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are common in trucking accidents. Unfortunately, these injuries are often dismissed. But, they induce chronic pain and long-term complications if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Injuries to Internal Organs
Internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs. These life-threatening injuries require immediate emergency medical care. They also often result in long-term complications and ongoing medical treatment.
Severe Burns
Fires or hazardous materials often burn the survivors of trucking accidents. Treatments for burn injuries are extensive. Long-term consequences include scarring and psychological trauma.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Trucking accidents affect survivors’ mental health too. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression often appear after a trucking accident.
If you’ve survived an accident with an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle, you may have a viable claim. Contact our team for the best legal representation for truck-related spine injuries.
Why Trucking Accident Injuries Require Legal Assistance
Trucking accident claims are difficult to resolve, partly because the legal process is complex. For example, liability is hard to determine, especially when multiple parties are involved. Legal representation ensures that survivors receive the necessary representation and support.
After 24 years of experience, we’ve encountered these issues the most while filing truck accident claims.
Federal Regulations Need to be Understood
The trucking industry is subject to federal regulations determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations set specific requirements for commercial vehicles and their drivers. Examples include hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
Determining Fault is Difficult
Determining fault is more than collecting witness statements. All evidence is investigated and analyzed. Plus, several factors determine liability, like negligence and mechanical failures.
Multiple Parties are Responsible
Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We’ve handled claims where the truck drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, or cargo loaders are responsible for a crash.
Compensation is Not Maximized
As a truck accident survivor, you’re eligible for compensation. But do you know what you could cite for recovery? Examples include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and accessibility modifications.
A Strong Case Needs to be Established
To build a strong legal case, you need strategy and evidence. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have both. Plus, we can contact accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses for testimonies.
Legal representation gives you the best chance to fair compensation and justice. After an accident, you should research law firms specializing in truck accident injuries.
Trust Our Law Firm to Defend Your Future
You’re reeling with an uncertain future after a truck accident. Injuries sustained from trucking accidents can affect your health, income, and long-term stability. You shouldn’t have to manage legal concerns while focusing on recovery.
