Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size and force of commercial trucks. Some common types of truck accident injuries include:
Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked back and forth, often due to a rear-end collision. This can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms.
Spinal cord injuries. Severe truck accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can have long-term consequences and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries are common in truck accidents and can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, and other neurological symptoms.
Fractures and broken bones. The impact of a truck accident can cause bones to fracture or break, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization with casts or braces, and physical therapy to heal properly.
Internal injuries. The force of a truck accident can cause internal organs to be bruised, lacerated, or punctured by broken bones or internal structures. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical intervention.
Soft tissue injuries. Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur in truck accidents, resulting in strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Burns. Truck accidents involving fire or explosions can cause burns ranging from minor to severe. To heal properly, burns may require skin grafts, surgeries, and extensive wound care.
Amputations. In severe truck accidents, limbs may become trapped or crushed, leading to traumatic amputations. Losing a limb due to a truck accident injury can have profound physical and emotional effects on accident victims and may require prosthetic devices and rehabilitation.
Psychological injury. Truck accidents can also cause psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These injuries may require therapy and counseling to address.
Death. Tragically, victims of severe truck accidents can sustain fatal injuries. In that case, their family may file a claim for wrongful death damages.
These are just a few examples of the common types of injuries that can result from truck accidents. The severity and extent of truck accident injuries vary depending on factors such as the vehicles' speed, the point of impact, and whether occupants were wearing seat belts. Truck or tractor-trailer accident victims should seek medical attention promptly to assess and treat their injuries.
When personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, they only get paid if they win your truck accident case or secure a settlement for you. This arrangement benefits everyone involved because it allows injured people who might not have much money to hire a reputable trucking accident lawyer. Instead of paying upfront fees, clients agree to give the truck accident lawyer a percentage of any money they receive from the case. This way, the lawyer has a big incentive to work hard and win the case because they only get paid if they do. It also means that clients don't have to worry about paying for legal help when dealing with medical bills and other expenses from their truck accident injuries.
Truck accidents in Philadelphia can result from various forms of trucker negligence. Some common examples include:
Fatigue. Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road, which can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigue can impair a driver's ability to react quickly and make sound decisions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted driving. Truck drivers may become distracted by texting or talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS device while driving. Distracted driving can distract a driver from the road and lead to accidents.
Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when operating large commercial trucks that require more time and distance to stop safely.
Impaired driving. Truck drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can pose a serious danger to themselves and others on the road. Driving under the influence is against the law and could lead to particularly catastrophic consequences.
Improper loading or cargo securement. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Poor truck maintenance. Neglecting routine maintenance or failing to address mechanical issues can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical failures contributing to accidents.
Aggressive driving. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage can increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving large commercial vehicles.
Failure to obey traffic laws. Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal turns, can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
Inadequate training or experience. Truck drivers who lack proper training or experience may struggle to operate their vehicles safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Hours of service violations. Violating federal hours of service regulations, which limit the time a driver can spend behind the wheel without rest, can lead to driver fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.
These are just a few examples of trucker negligence that can contribute to truck accidents in Philadelphia. Identifying the cause of an accident is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation for truck crash victims.