Common Truck Accident Injuries FAQ
Common Truck Accident Injuries FAQ
Lake Charles, Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyers
Most people are aware that in a collision between a large commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, those in the smaller vehicle are much more likely to suffer serious injury or death. In fact, in the event of a fatality from a truck/passenger car collision those in the passenger vehicle account for a full three-fourths of the deaths. Trucking accidents account for as many as 5,000 deaths per year and hundreds of thousands of injuries. While there are many factors involved in a trucking accident, many times the accident was caused by driver fatigue or driver error on the part of the truck driver.
Truckers spend many long hours behind the wheel, and even though the Federal guidelines have been adjusted, drivers may still drive for a full eleven hours before stopping to take a rest break. Since drivers are paid by the mile, there is little incentive for them to pull over and rest, and the trucking companies likewise are continually looking at their financial bottom line, sometimes at the expense of the safety of others.
Why Do Trucking Accidents Cause Such Serious Injuries?
A large commercial truck with a loaded trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds and truck drivers have serious blind spots where a smaller passenger vehicle may be completely obscured from their view. The size disparity, coupled with these blind spots, can result in an accident where those in the much smaller vehicle are likely to be left with severe, long-term injuries.
What Type of Injuries are Common in a Truck Accident?
Even minor trucking accidents can lead to serious injuries including:
- Crushed bones, limbs or torsos;
- Organ damage;
- Amputations;
- Permanent brain injury;
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia;
- Lacerations leading to life-threatening infection, and
- Permanent disfigurement.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Truck Accident Injuries?
Any of these injuries can lead to long-term consequences, such as extensive rehabilitation and ongoing physical therapy. Those who experience traumatic injury are unlikely to ever return to their former life, including their career, and even their normal day-to-day activities. A spinal cord injury could result in the victim being confined to a wheelchair, and a brain injury can completely change the cognitive abilities of the victim, as well as changing his or her personality.
What are the Financial Consequences of Truck Accident Injuries?
Those who are involved in a trucking accident and suffer injuries may end up with huge medical expenses which can even exceed the insurance limits. They may miss a considerable amount of work, or, in some cases, may never be able to return to their former career. Lost wages, both present, and future can be devastating and many victims will also suffer emotional pain and trauma which last months, years, or even a lifetime.
Why File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
When families are negatively impacted by a trucking accident, they will face serious medical and emotional consequences. The very thought of reliving the accident through filing a lawsuit may seem overwhelming when they are busy dealing with their injuries and life-changes. Nonetheless, it is very important that a qualified Lake Charles, Louisiana personal injury attorney from Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers be retained as early on following the accident as possible.
A Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers truck accident attorney can allow you to recover financially from the incredible losses you suffered as a direct result of your truck accident. While no amount of money could compensate for the emotional and physical trauma suffered, it can help you and your family get back on your feet financially, as well as holding the negligent party responsible. Don’t wait for the critical help you need—call an experienced Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers truck accident attorney today.