Truck Accident Injuries
Because a loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, truck crashes cause more severe injuries than most car crashes: brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, multiple fractures and serious back injuries. The injury shapes the claim, because future care, lost earning capacity and quality of life drive its value.
Why are truck accident injuries so severe?
The difference in weight between a loaded truck and a passenger car means far more force is transferred to the car's occupants. Underride crashes bypass a car's safety systems, rollovers crush vehicles, and tanker crashes can cause fires and chemical exposure. Many people suffer several injuries at once.
How do injuries affect a truck accident claim?
The value of a claim depends on the full, long-term cost of the injury, not just the first hospital bills. For serious injuries this usually means evidence from treating doctors, a life care plan estimating future care costs, and vocational and economic experts on lost earning capacity. Settling before the long-term picture is clear risks leaving future costs uncovered.
What should you do to protect an injury claim?
- Get medical care immediately and follow the treatment plan.
- Tell every doctor about all your symptoms, including ones that seem minor.
- Keep records of bills, mileage, missed work and help you need at home.
- Don't sign releases or give recorded statements to the trucking company's insurer before getting advice.
Truck Accident Injuries: guides
- Traumatic Brain Injury From a Truck Accident
- Spinal Cord Injury From a Truck Accident
- Amputation Injuries From Truck Accidents
- Burn Injuries From Truck and Tanker Crashes
- Broken Bones and Fractures From Truck Accidents
- Neck and Back Injuries From Truck Accidents
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common truck accident injuries?
Head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, neck and back injuries, burns and internal injuries. Many victims suffer several at once because of the forces involved.
How long after a truck accident can injuries appear?
Some injuries, such as concussions, soft-tissue damage and disc injuries, can take days to show symptoms. See a doctor promptly even if you feel fine.
Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?
At first, your own health insurance, or personal injury protection in no-fault states, often pays. Those costs are then claimed back from the at-fault parties as part of your compensation.
What is a life care plan?
A report, usually by a medical or rehabilitation expert, estimating the future care, equipment and treatment a seriously injured person will need, and what it will cost.
Should I settle before I finish treatment?
Usually not for serious injuries. Settling before the long-term effects are known can leave future care and lost income uncovered.