If you were in an accident with a large truck in Riverside, contact Sycamore Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are a top-rated Riverside truck accident law firm with millions recovered for clients and a 99% success rate. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent truck driver or truck company accountable. Call for a free consultation at (909) 703-2420.
Whiplash
Being hit by a semi-truck or other large truck can be incredibly jolting. Large trucks can carry up to 80,000 pounds of cargo. Even a slight tap from a tractor-trailer can send your vehicle spiraling. One of the most common truck accident injuries is whiplash. This neck injury is caused when the neck rocks forcefully back and forth. Whiplash is one of the most frequent neck injuries in a rear-end accident.
Lacerations
Truck accident victims may suffer from lacerations if a shard of glass pierces their skin. The type and severity of the wound can vary, with some wounds causing extensive bleeding or disfiguration.
Broken Bones
A truck crash can cause an abrupt impact, resulting in bone fractures, also known as broken bones. These injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating and may require months of rehabilitation depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Head and Brain Injuries
A common yet serious truck accident injury is head trauma. In accidents involving semi trucks, occupants of passenger vehicles may sustain head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can be classified as mild, such as a concussion, or moderate to severe, which could mean permanent brain damage. Victims suffering from brain injuries must take immediate legal action against the responsible party, as these injuries can have long-lasting effects.
Back Injuries
A back injury could mean minor pain or an extremely painful one that prevents you from returning to work. Spinal cord injuries are especially concerning because they can lead to severe complications, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of motor control below the site of the injury. These injuries can be classified as either complete, where there is a total loss of function, or incomplete, where some nerve signals can still pass through the damaged area.
Emotional Trauma
Not all truck accident injuries are visible. Following a serious truck crash, it is not uncommon for victims to suffer from mental and emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic life event for anyone, especially one involving a large truck.
Wrongful Death
According to the National Safety Council (NSC) truck accident statistics, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022, a 49% increase in the last ten years. If a truck accident kills your loved one in California, you must hold the negligent party accountable. A wrongful death claim can help you pursue justice and seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Is the Truck Driver At Fault?
In most truck accidents, truck drivers are typically at fault due to driver error or negligence. Actions like speeding, reckless driving, and driver fatigue all put a truck driver primarily at fault. However, more than one party can be found liable, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck driver’s employer
- The loading company
- The owner of the truck
- The manufacturer of the vehicle
While the police report and the insurance company will determine liability, you should hire an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and interests. Insurance companies never play fair or offer injured victims maximum compensation. With a personal injury lawyer, you can feel relieved knowing a legal advocate is fighting on your behalf.
Compensation for Truck Accidents
If the truck driver is responsible for the accident due to their negligence, they are responsible for paying the injured victim’s damages. Compensation in a truck accident case is meant to make the victim “whole” again and comes in the form of two compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages represent the victim’s actual financial losses suffered due to the accident and can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Travel costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages reflect a victim’s intangible losses. They can be defined by a dollar amount but may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement
The value of a truck accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on the injury sustained in the crash. It is important to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to help determine the value of your case. Doing so can also protect you from the insurance company’s lowball offer.
