English
SpanishTrucks are crucial in maintaining our supply chain, efficiently transporting goods across vast distances to keep our businesses and economy thriving. However, their presence on our roads all too often leads to devastating accidents, causing severe injuries and even loss of life.
The United States has experienced a distressing rise in accidents involving large trucks. The following statistics paint a sobering picture:
- In 2021, there was a significant increase of 17 percent in the number of fatalities resulting from crashes involving large trucks, reaching a staggering 4,714.
- Out of the tragic incidents in 2021, truck occupants accounted for 16 percent of the losses, while occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles made up 68 percent.
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists comprised 15 percent of the casualties, underscoring the vulnerability they experience on our roads.
- The number of fatalities in large truck crashes in 2021 has seen a staggering 50 percent increase compared to 2009. And the number of truck occupants who tragically lost their lives is 68 percent higher than it was in 2009.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck have increased by 13%.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Fatal crashes don’t just result in property damage; they also often lead to serious injuries and life-threatening implications due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Here are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in such accidents:
Head and Brain Injuries
Brain and head injuries are prevalent in truck accidents, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms can include headaches, memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality or behavior.
Neck Injuries
The impact of a truck collision can cause severe whiplash and neck injuries, with symptoms such as pain, stiffness, headaches, and blurred vision. In some cases, the damage to the spine can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another common result of truck accidents. The impact can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or nerve damage. This can cause loss of feeling or function in parts of the body.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck accident can easily break bones and cause fractures. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and skull. The severity can range from soft tissue injuries, simple fractures, and sore ligaments that heal with time to compound fractures and impairments that require surgery and, worse, amputations.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a truck accident can also cause internal injuries. These can include damage to organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, or kidneys and internal bleeding. Such injuries are particularly dangerous because they can be difficult to detect immediately after the accident.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations are common in truck accidents, often caused by shattered glass or metal debris. These wounds can lead to significant blood loss and carry a risk of infection. In more severe cases, they can leave permanent scars.
Severe Burns
Fires and explosions can occur in truck accidents, leading to severe burns. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Factors Contributing to Truck Accident Injuries
Understanding the factors contributing to truck accident injuries can help in prevention and mitigation efforts. Preventing these factors can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries. Regular breaks, proper loading techniques, and strict adherence to speed limits are just a few ways to stay safe on the road.
Collision Impact
The physics of a truck collision plays a significant role in the severity of injuries. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause devastating damage upon impact, particularly at high speeds.
Truck Size and Load
The size and load of a truck can significantly affect the severity of an accident and subsequent injuries. Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can lead to loss of control, causing more severe accidents.
Driver Fatigue and Distraction
Human factors such as fatigue and distraction are major contributors to truck accidents. Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment, while distractions can divert attention from the road. Both significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Preventive Measures and Safety Practices
Preventing truck accidents and the injuries they cause involves maintaining the vehicle in top condition, practicing safe driving habits, and using safety equipment well.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping trucks in optimal condition is key to preventing accidents. Regular maintenance tasks include checking tire pressure, oil changes, brake checks, and inspecting headlights. Ensuring all these parts are in good working order can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Safe Driving Practices
Safe driving practices include managing speed appropriately, maintaining safe distances from other vehicles, and avoiding distractions while driving. Adherence to these practices can help truckers react better to unexpected situations on the road.
Use of Safety Equipment
Safety equipment in trucks, such as seat belts and airbags, play a vital role in protecting the driver during an accident. Using this equipment properly and ensuring it is in good working condition can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be traumatic, and the steps taken immediately after can significantly impact the outcome of any insurance claims or legal actions. Here are some crucial steps for truck accident victims to take:
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Regardless of how minor your injuries may appear, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is imperative. This ensures your health and safety and provides a medical record that can be crucial in any subsequent legal proceedings.
Documenting Your Injuries
Detailed records of your injuries and treatment should include medical reports, photographs of injuries, receipts for any medical expenses, and a diary of pain levels and any physical or emotional difficulties experienced as a result of the accident.
Reporting the Accident
In many jurisdictions, it’s a legal requirement to report any accident involving a truck to the police. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s still advisable to do so.
The police report can provide an impartial account of the incident, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
Remember, consulting with a legal professional experienced in truck accidents is important to guide you through this process and ensure your rights are protected.
Legal Rights and Compensation
After a truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. This process typically involves gathering evidence to prove negligence and identifying a liable party. It’s crucial to consult a lawyer specializing in truck accidents to guide you through the legal process.
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident often involves presenting evidence to establish that the truck driver caused the accident. You can receive compensation for economic damages (medical bills, lost wages), non-economic damages (pain and suffering), and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
If you were on the job at the time of the accident, you may also be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
Remember, each case is unique, and getting professional legal advice tailored to your situation is crucial.
How Frantz Law Group Can Help
If you’re involved in a truck accident, having experienced legal representation is crucial.
Frantz Law Group is experienced in truck accident cases, providing expert legal representation for victims. Our team of truck accident attorneys are skilled in accident reconstruction, load forensics, and state and federal regulations, ensuring that each case is thoroughly prepared and presented.
The Frantz Law Group has a proven track record of success in securing client compensation. In one case, they recovered $6 million for the wrongful death of a young man who suffered severe injuries due to the negligent conduct of two tractor-trailer drivers.
Our truck accident lawyers offer a free case evaluation to get you started with your truck accident injury case. With their expertise and commitment, our personal injury lawyers can support you in navigating the complex legal process following a truck accident.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Reach Out to Frantz Law Group’s Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys for Support!
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, know that you could be eligible for various types of compensation, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Frantz Law Group can provide expert legal representation and guide you through the process. With a proven track record of success, our law firm has secured substantial compensation for our clients in numerous truck accident cases.
Stay informed and proactive in the face of such incidents. Contact our skilled personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.