6 Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can lead to a range of injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles.

If you’ve been injured in a California truck accident, understanding these common injuries can help you seek appropriate medical care and legal support. Truck accident injuries can be severe, impacting your health, finances, and overall well-being.

At Silva Injury Law, our California truck accident lawyers here to provide compassionate support and valuable information to help you navigate through this challenging time.

Get in touch with us online or call (209) 600-4389 today for a free consultation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in various types of injuries due to the sheer size and force of these vehicles. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries:

1. Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents, caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck upon impact. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes even cognitive issues. California law recognizes whiplash as a legitimate injury in personal injury claims.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Truck accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries, ranging from herniated discs to spinal fractures. These injuries can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and long-term disabilities. Many courts prioritize compensation for spinal cord injury victims, considering the lifelong impact these injuries can have.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

The force of a truck accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, affecting cognitive function, memory, and motor skills. TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage, requiring extensive medical treatment.

California’s laws recognize the seriousness of TBIs, ensuring victims receive proper compensation for their damages.

4. Broken Bones and Fractures

Truck accidents often lead to broken bones and fractures, including limbs, ribs, and facial bones. These truck accident injuries can cause significant pain, mobility limitations, and the need for surgeries or ongoing medical care. California’s legal framework acknowledges the impact of fractures, providing avenues for recovery of medical expenses and damages.

5. Internal Injuries

The impact of a truck collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Victims of truck accidents may seek compensation for all related medical treatments, including surgeries and rehabilitation.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, including strains, sprains, and bruises, are common in truck accidents. These injuries can cause pain, inflammation, and limited mobility, affecting daily activities and work capacity. Soft tissue injuries may result in valid compensation claims, ensuring victims receive proper medical and financial support.

7. Psychological Trauma

Truck accidents can also result in psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These emotional injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life and may require therapy or counseling. Psychological trauma is real and filing a claim may offer avenues for recovery and support.

Causes of Truck Accidents in California

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in California that wasn’t your fault, seeking legal recovery is essential to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation.

Several parties could be liable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and manufacturers of faulty truck parts. Liability will depend on the cause of the accident.

Some common causes of truck accidents in California include:

Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours and may experience fatigue, leading to decreased alertness and slower reaction times.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving – Excessive speed and aggressive maneuvers, such as sudden lane changes or tailgating, can contribute to accidents.
Distracted Driving – Distractions like using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair judgment and coordination, increasing accident risks.
Poor Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, and strong winds can reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions, leading to accidents.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues – Neglected maintenance, including brake failures, tire blowouts, or faulty lights, can contribute to accidents.
Improper Loading – Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can affect vehicle stability and handling, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Inexperienced Drivers – Lack of experience or inadequate training for truck drivers can result in errors and unsafe driving practices on the road.
Unsafe Lane Changes – Failing to signal, improper merging or sudden lane changes without checking blind spots can lead to collisions.
Tailgating – Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

These factors, either individually or in combination, contribute to the frequency of truck accidents in California. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help determine liability by investigating the circumstances leading to the accident, gathering evidence, and identifying responsible parties.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

The value of a truck accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on various factors, including the extent of your truck accident injury, the level of negligence involved, the impact on the victim’s life, and the available insurance coverage.

The value of a truck accident lawsuit can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the skill of the legal representation in maximizing the compensation sought. An experienced truck accident lawyer can assess the damages incurred, gather evidence to support the claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of the victim.

Generally, the damages sought in a truck accident lawsuit may include:

Medical Expenses

This category encompasses all medical costs related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The value can be significant, especially for severe truck accident injuries or long-term treatment needs.

Lost Income

If the accident resulted in the victim being unable to work temporarily or permanently, they may seek compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity. This can include calculations for missed work days, reduced working hours, or the inability to pursue certain occupations due to injuries.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life are often included in the valuation of a truck accident lawsuit. These damages can be challenging to quantify but are essential for addressing the overall impact of the accident on the victim’s well-being.

Property Damage

Compensation for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as the victim’s vehicle and personal belongings, may also be sought in a truck accident lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in cases of egregious negligence or misconduct by the defendant, serving as a deterrent and punishment for such behavior.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in California

If you’ve suffered any of these common truck accident injuries or others, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and legal guidance.

Silva Injury Law is here to help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims in California.

When you are faced with serious truck accident injuries you need an advocate who can fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.