Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents are a serious problem in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council, 117,300 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury in 2021. Of those crashes, there were 5,700 truck fatalities, an 18% increase from 2020. 71% of those killed in fatal truck crashes were not truck drivers, but rather other vehicle occupants. 

Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, they can cause serious injuries to car drivers and other vulnerable people on the road. At Greenleaf Law Group, our truck accident attorneys are experienced in obtaining maximum compensation for motorists who suffer a serious injury in a truck accident in California. We are always available to talk in a free consultation at (562) 550-7676 or online. 

What Are Some Common Truck Accident Injuries?

The average semi-truck weighs between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds unloaded. With a full load, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compared to the average passenger cars, that’s an enormous difference in size and weight. If a truck collides with a passenger car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian, the injuries sustained can be catastrophic and even fatal. 

Common truck accident injuries in California include: 

Head injuries

Concussions, skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most common head and brain injuries sustained in commercial truck accidents. These severe injuries can affect the victim’s cognitive functions, memory, speech, vision, hearing, mood, and behavior. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may require surgery, medication, rehabilitation, or long-term care. 

Back and neck injuries

A trauma like a truck accident can cause serious damage to the neck and back. Whiplash, sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocations can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas. Certain injuries may result in chronic pain, which can last for weeks, months, or even years. 

Spinal cord injuries

In some cases, truck accidents can also damage the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out from it. This often results in permanent damage and can cause partial or complete paralysis of the lower or upper extremities (paraplegia or quadriplegia) if the injury is severe enough. 

Internal injuries

Internal injuries can occur when the force of the impact causes organs to be damaged. Common internal injuries in truck accidents include liver damage, kidney damage, and spleen damage. Internal injuries can be life-threatening, and they often require surgery to repair. 

Broken bones

Broken or fractured bones are another common type of injury in truck accidents. They can range from simple fractures to compound fractures that require surgery. Fractures take several weeks to several months to heal, depending on the extent of the injury. 

Burn injuries

Burns can also occur in truck accidents, especially if the truck is carrying flammable materials. Third degree burns are the most serious, and they require extensive medical treatment and recovery. 

Amputations

Amputations are a rare but serious type of injury that can occur in truck accidents. Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part after an accident injury. This type of catastrophic injury requires long term rehabilitation and physical therapy.  Additionally, many truck accident victims are not able to return to their regular work. 

Wrongful death

Fatal truck crashes are incredibly tragic events. In cases where someone loses their life due to the negligence of a truck driver, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This seeks to recover compensation as a result of the loss, including funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and loss of companionship. 

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a truck accident. These include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to work long hours, sometimes driving up to 12 hours in one day. Fatigued drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, which can lead to serious accidents.
• Driver distraction: Truck drivers are often distracted by things like cell phones, food, and dispatch devices. Distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road, which can lead to rear-end collisions or other serious trucking accidents.
• Trucking company negligence: Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are safe and that their trucks are in good condition. If a trucking company fails to meet these responsibilities, it can be held liable for any accidents that occur.
• Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. Things like potholes, uneven pavement, and construction zones can all make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Truck Accident

If you are injured in a truck accident, it is important to take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately

Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out. Medical records will also play an important role in your truck accident claim.

2. Call the police and file a report

The police report will document the details of the accident, which can be helpful if you need to file a claim for compensation.

3. Exchange information

Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, address, and insurance company information. Be careful not admit fault to the other driver or to the police.

4. Take pictures

Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle or the other vehicle.

5. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney

An attorney can help you determine fault and file a claim for compensation. 

Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers | Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Whittier, CA, or the surrounding Los Angeles area, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Greenleaf Law Group today for a free consultation. We will review your case and let you know how we can help.