MEZRANO ALABAMA INJURY LAWYERS
MEZRANO ALABAMA INJURY LAWYERS

Truck Accident Injuries: Understanding Your Rights and Options

Truck accidents are often devastating, causing severe injuries and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it's crucial to understand your rights and options regarding compensation for your injuries.

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Call us at (205) 654-8146 24/7 to arrange to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case, or contact us through the website today.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI is a type of injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can range from mild (concussions) to severe (brain damage), and can have long-term effects on a person's:

  • cognitive function
  • motor skills
  • and mental health.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

The spinal cord is a crucial part of the nervous system that carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. An SCI can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other life-altering symptoms.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common injury in truck accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. Depending on the severity of the break, surgery and physical therapy may be required.

Burns

Truck accidents can also result in burns due to fires or explosions. Burn injuries can be painful and require extensive medical treatment.

Internal Organ Damage - Internal organ damage can occur in a truck accident due to the force of impact. This type of injury can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Death

Truck accidents can cause death in a number of ways, due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks and the force of impact in a collision. If your loved one was killed due to truck accident injuries, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit with our fatal truck accident lawyer.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Severe?

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents on the road. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can cause catastrophic damage and injuries. But why are truck accidents so severe? Here are some factors that contribute to the severity of truck accidents:

Size and Weight

Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which means they have more momentum and force behind them in a collision. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. In a collision between a truck and a car, the car is likely to sustain much more damage and the occupants are more likely to be injured or killed.

Stopping Distance

Trucks require a much longer stopping distance than passenger cars. Due to their size and weight, it takes longer for a truck to come to a complete stop. This means that if a truck driver needs to stop suddenly, they may not be able to avoid a collision. Additionally, if a passenger car stops suddenly in front of a truck, the truck may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting the car.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours and may be under pressure to meet tight deadlines. This can lead to driver fatigue, which can impair a driver's ability to react quickly and make good decisions on the road. A fatigued driver may be more likely to make a mistake or to fall asleep at the wheel, which can cause a serious accident.

Poor Maintenance

Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that they are in good working order. If a truck is not properly maintained, it may be more likely to experience a mechanical failure on the road. This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.

Understanding Your Rights When You Have Truck Accident Injuries

If you have been involved in a truck accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have legal rights that may entitle you to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Here are some of the key legal rights that you may have after a truck accident:

Right to Seek Medical Treatment

After a truck accident, it's important to seek medical treatment right away, even if you don't think you've been seriously injured. This is not only crucial for your health and well-being but also to establish a record of your injuries and medical expenses.

Right to File a Claim

You have the right to file a claim against the at-fault party or parties responsible for the truck accident. This may include the truck driver, the trucking company, and other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. Filing a claim can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.

Right to Legal Representation

You have the right to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to represent you in your claim. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected.

Right to Compensation

If you can establish liability for the truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Right to a Fair Settlement

You have the right to a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.

Right to a Trial

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you have the right to take your case to trial. A trial may be necessary if liability is disputed or if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. In a trial, a judge or jury will determine whether the at-fault party or parties are liable for your injuries and what damages you are entitled to receive.

It's important to note that the legal rights and options available to you after a truck accident can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. That's why it's crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. An attorney can also help you build a strong case for compensation and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Why You Should File a Truck Accident Lawsuit If You Have Catastrophic Injuries

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of the accident, you may be wondering what your options are. One option that you should consider is filing a truck accident lawsuit. Here are some reasons why.

Compensation for Your Injuries

If you have suffered catastrophic injuries, you may be facing a lifetime of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Filing a truck accident lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you need to pay for these expenses. A successful lawsuit can result in a settlement or jury award that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Holding the Responsible Party Accountable

Truck accidents are often caused by the negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Hiring a truck accident lawyer can help hold these parties accountable for their actions. By doing so, you can help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

Sending a Message

Filing a truck accident lawsuit can send a message to the trucking industry that safety is important. When trucking companies see that they can be held accountable for accidents caused by their negligence, they may be more likely to take safety seriously.

Peace of Mind

Filing a truck accident lawsuit can provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that you are taking action to recover compensation for your injuries can help you feel more in control of your situation. It can also help you move forward with your life after the accident.

Extensive and Ongoing Medical Costs

Catastrophic truck accidents can have significant costs associated with them, including:

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical treatment for catastrophic injuries sustained in a truck accident can be very high. These expenses may include hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Lost Income

Catastrophic truck accident injuries can result in long-term disability, preventing victims from working and earning an income. This can lead to a significant loss of income, including wages, benefits, and potential future earnings.

Property Damage

In addition to personal injuries, catastrophic truck accidents can also cause significant property damage. This may include damage to other vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure.

Legal Expenses

Catastrophic truck accidents often result in legal proceedings, including lawsuits and settlements. Legal expenses can include attorney fees, court costs, and other related expenses.

Emotional and Psychological Costs

The emotional and psychological costs of catastrophic truck accidents can be substantial. Victims may experience trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that require treatment.

Overall, the costs associated with catastrophic truck accidents can be significant and long-lasting, affecting both the victim and their family members. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

To Determine Liability

If you've been injured in a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may be involved.

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • driver error
  • equipment malfunction
  • and negligent maintenance.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to hold one or more parties responsible for your injuries.

Some of the parties that may be liable for a truck accident include:

  • The Truck Driver: If the accident was caused by the truck driver's negligence (such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws), they may be held liable for your injuries.
  • The Trucking Company: The trucking company may be held liable if they failed to properly maintain the truck or neglected to ensure their drivers were properly trained.
  • The Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective truck part (such as faulty brakes or tires), the manufacturer may be held liable.
  • Other Drivers: If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver (such as running a red light), they may be held liable for your injuries.

Recent Truck Accident Injury Lawsuits

Some recent high-profile truck accident injury lawsuits include:

  • In 2021, a California jury awarded $24 million to a man who was seriously injured in a truck accident. The accident occurred when a truck driver ran a red light and collided with the man's car.
  • In 2020, the family of a woman who was killed in a truck accident in Texas was awarded $101 million in damages. The truck driver was found to be at fault for the accident.
  • In 2019, a jury in Georgia awarded $280 million to a family who lost their daughter in a truck accident. The truck driver was found to be driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other truck accident injury lawsuits that occur every year. If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, it's important to seek the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Contact Mezrano Law Firm for a FREE Consultation

If you have truck accident injuries and need help receiving the compensation you deserve, contact Mezrano Law Firm today.

FREE Consultations 

Call us at (205) 654-8146 24/7 to arrange to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case, or contact us through the website today.

 

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