How Dangerous Are Truck Accidents?

Every day, thousands of people are involved in vehicular accidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of these accidents involve large commercial trucks, trailers, and busses. These bulky vehicles have been responsible for many catastrophic injuries. The Alabama truck accident lawyers at The Morrison Law Firm invite you to keep reading as we discuss how dangerous truck accidents can be.

Truck Accidents Statistics

In the U.S., many people are involved in accidents with large, heavy trucks. The size and weight of these vehicles, combined with human error, can create the perfect recipe for disaster. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released the Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report in 2016. This is the most recent study done the FMCSA regarding accidents involving trucks.

According to the study, in 2016 there were 4,440 large truck and bus accidents in the U.S. This represents a 2 percent increase in accidents involving these vehicles compared to 2015. Furthermore, according to the 2016 Large Truck and Bus Crash report, the number of fatal truck crashes saw a staggering 6 percent increase when compared to 2015. Unfortunately, this report also reported 119,000 injury cases involving truck accidents in the U.S. during 2016. These numbers seem to show a growing trend in truck accident incidences.

There have been numerous efforts by both state and federal government organizations to help prevent these accidents from happening. However, despite all the efforts, these devastating accidents keep happening at a scary pace.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Sadly, being involved with a large, heavy vehicle can lead to devastating, life-changing injuries capable of turning a person’s life upside-down. Some of the injuries that truck accident victims may experience include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is a type of injury that occurs as a result of massive trauma to the head. During a collision with a truck, the forces and momentum can cause a person to hit their head against different parts of the vehicle. A hit to the head can cause the brain to crash against the interior of the skull, causing damage and leading to a TBI.

Common symptoms of a TBI include dizziness, loss of consciousness, loss of memory, and other sensory and motor symptoms. In severe TBI cases, a person may need costly surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and continuing medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal cord injuries happen as a result of a substantial hit to the back that damages or severs the spinal column. The spinal cord can be described as a bundle of nerves spreading across the body and connecting to the brain.

Any disruption between the spinal cord and the brain can affect the body. For instance, if you sever your spine near the neck area, you could lose bodily function from the neck down. In severe SCI cases, a person may need to go through costly procedures and a lifetime of medical treatment.

Broken Bone Injuries

Broken bones are painful and can cause a lot of problems if left unattended. Common types of broken bone injuries caused by truck accidents include broken wrists, arms, legs, and, ankles. In some cases, broken bones can cause puncture wounds capable of damaging vital organs. Broken bone injuries are not only painful but, in some cases, deadly.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, the negligent actions of many truck drivers lead to catastrophic accidents capable of killing another driver. Thousands of people fall victim to wrongful death due to severe accidents involving large trucks.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the Negligent Truck Driver

Truck accident victims may not know where to start after experiencing a devastating collision. Many times, the at-fault driver and their insurance company may offer you a settlement to avoid going to court. While this may seem appropriate given the circumstances, it is best to file a claim against the negligent truck driver and their insurance company to be fully compensated for your losses. Most truck accidents are based on negligence. This means that actions such as speeding, drunk driving, or drowsy driving may have caused or contributed to your accident.

Filing a successful personal injury claim can help you get compensation for things such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, you need to show the court that the driver owed you a duty of care which was breached, causing damages that justify the concession of a remedy. A skilled, knowledgeable Alabama truck accident lawyer can help you through the entire process.

Alabama Truck Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations

At The Morrison Law Firm, we understand the difficulties associated with a truck accident, especially for the victims and their families. That is why we dedicate our efforts to protecting and upholding your legal rights as an injured victim. To learn more about your potential claim in a free, confidential consultation, call our Alabama personal injury attorneys today at (334) 625-6128.