Commercial trucks, such as a big-rig, semi, dump truck, 18-wheeler, tanker truck, tractor-trailer, or box trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded and can produce disastrous results when involved in an accident with a smaller passenger vehicle.
U.S. truck accident statistics reveal that it is very common for the occupants of a passenger vehicle to suffer catastrophic injuries when struck by a commercial truck. The cost of treating a catastrophic injury can soar into the tens of thousands of dollars. Some catastrophic injuries can cost millions to treat if a victim requires life-long medical care. Victims of California truck accidents may be able to receive help for injury expenses, such as surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, medical equipment and medical devices. Injured victims may also be able to collect funds for lost income due to time away from work, lost benefits, diminished quality of life, permanent scars, and pain and suffering.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur as a result of direct or indirect trauma to sensitive nerve roots. Severely damaged nerve roots may no longer able to carry messages to and from the brain and to the rest of the body, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury (total loss of sensory and motor function). However, not every spinal cord injury is complete. A number of victims are able to retain some sensory and motor functions below the level of injury, which is referred to as an incomplete spinal cord injury. Generally, victims who suffer from complete spinal cord injuries are rarely able to regain lost function. Victims of incomplete spinal cord injuries have a better prognosis – some are able to regain lost function.
Head injuries
A head injury refers to any type of trauma to the scalp, skull or brain. Because head injuries can be either open or closed, some injuries are not always visible to the eye. Blunt forces can cause serious closed head injuries, such as concussions, contusions or hematomas, which are potentially life threatening if not treated immediately. A head injury victim should see a medical professional if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: fluid draining from the ears, nose or mouth, vomiting, confusion, seizures or lethargy.
Maximizing Your Compensation
When looking for a lawyer to represent you, look for a lawyer with experience in truck accidents. Because the federal government regulates the trucking industry, truck accident claims can be difficult to litigate. An experienced California truck accident attorney will utilize every resource available to get you as much compensation as possible.
