When truck accidents occur, they can cause severe and fatal injuries to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, or motorcyclists. Sadly, the rates of both injuries and fatalities in truck-related accidents appear to be rising. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 112,000 large truck injury crashes in 2018. That same year, 4,951 people died in large truck crashes, which is a 46 percent increase from 2009.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, William Mattar can help you get the justice you deserve by holding the at-fault party accountable. Our truck accident lawyers can investigate your case and fight for you to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Call (844) 444 - 4444 today to get started on your accident claim.
COMMON TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES
One reason truck accidents are particularly dangerous is that large trucks, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, are much larger and heavier than smaller motor vehicles. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large trucks can weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars. For this reason, an accident with a truck can potentially cause more severe injuries than a car-on-car collision. Below are some of the most common types of truck crash injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI can be caused by a violent blow to the head which disrupts a person’s brain function. A TBI can be “closed” or “open.” With an open TBI, the skull may be fractured or penetrated by an object. TBIs caused by truck crashes may lead to permanent brain damage and affect a victim’s abilities to see, hear, or speak. TBI victims can also suffer from personality changes, mood swings, headaches, and severe fatigue.
Depending on the circumstances of the truck crash, a TBI can be fatal. If you or your loved one suffered a TBI in a truck accident, we can gather the medical evidence needed to help prove the severity of the injury and its life-altering effects.
Severe Broken Bones
The force involved in a truck accident can cause bones to break and become displaced, fragment into several pieces, fracture, or even pierce the skin. In a truck crash, accident victims may suffer a broken leg, foot, arm, collarbone, ribs, and more. These injuries can require long-term recovery or even surgery.
Neck Injuries
Truck accident victims may suffer serious neck injuries during impact. One of the most common neck-related injuries is what is known as whiplash. Often, whiplash is caused by a forceful, back-and-forth motion of the neck. Symptoms of whiplash vary in severity, from neck pain and stiffness to dizziness to inability to sleep.
Lacerations
Lacerations are suffered in truck accidents when a sharp object, such as glass or metal, enters a person’s skin. In a motor vehicle accident, debris, metal shrapnel, and other hazards can pose a risk to those involved. A serious laceration, which is essentially a deep wound or cut, may require treatment such as stitches to reduce bleeding and help prevent scarring.
Burns
Some large truck crashes result in vehicular fires, particularly if the vehicle was transporting a flammable substance or had a fluid leak or auto defect (such as a defective fuel system) at the time of the collision. A fire can cause accident victims to suffer deep and severe burns. There are different degrees of burn damage, and the effects range from organ damage to infection. The most serious types of burns can also be life-threatening.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Large truck accidents can cause trauma to the back, resulting in a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can cause permanent loss of strength, sensation, mobility, and movement. Victims of a spine-related injury may even experience paralysis or require intensive physical therapy to regain function.
Wrongful Death
According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 71 percent of fatalities in large-truck crashes are the occupants of other vehicles (such as passenger cars, SUVs, and motorcycles). If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may have legal recourse for a wrongful death claim. Through a wrongful death claim, family members and dependents can receive compensation for the loss of financial support, companionship, and other damages associated with their loved one’s death.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death case in New York is two years from the date of the deceased’s death, but the particular circumstances of the case must always be examined. If you pursue a wrongful death claim, the truck accident attorneys at William Mattar will work hard to determine which parties are responsible for the accident and hold them accountable for their negligence.
SEEKING COMPENSATION FOR A TRUCK CRASH INJURY
A truck crash injury can change a person’s life forever. One may face mounting medical bills and other expenses because of their injury or find it difficult to perform everyday tasks due to chronic pain and physical limitations. A serious injury can also make it difficult or even impossible to work, leaving an accident victim without a stable income.
If another party, such as a truck driver, caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, you may be entitled to damages. The compensation you are entitled to receive will vary depending on the circumstances and the nature of your injuries. Some types of compensation for a truck crash injury include:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages/income;
- Long-term medical care (ex. rehabilitation);
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and
- Diminished quality of life.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get started on your accident claim. An accident attorney at William Mattar is available 24/7 to speak with you about your case and give you the legal guidance you need to get your life back.
GET HELP FROM A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY
Our legal professionals understand the severe physical trauma caused by truck accidents. At William Mattar, our truck accident injury lawyers have experience helping injured victims and fighting for those who have lost loved ones in serious crashes. We have been helping truck accident victims for over 30years. Don’t wait to get legal help—call (844) 444 - 4444 or fill out our free initial consultation form today.