Common Injuries After A Truck Accident

Semi-trucks and freight trailers are responsible for moving billions of units of products every year. Since large tractor-trailers comprise a significant portion of total traffic volume in the United States, it stands to reason that they would be involved in numerous auto accidents. If you suffer an injury as a result of a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A Douglasville truck accident lawyer from the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., will gladly review your case and help you file a personal injury claim.

What Are Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries?

1) Head and Neck Injuries

After a truck accident, head and neck issues, including everything from whiplash injuries to brain damage, are common. Because these conditions can be severe and cause life-long disability, it is important to talk to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your collision. Keep in mind that some injuries, especially whiplash, do not always cause symptoms until days after the accident. That is why it is important to get checked out by a doctor after an accident even if you feel fine, as he or she can diagnose your injury before the symptoms appear.

2) Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries you can experience after a truck accident. Depending on the location of the injury, damage to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, and victims may need a lifetime of financial support—a truck accident lawyer can help victims get this support. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are not always evident after an accident, and leaving them untreated can cause more damage to occur. Always see a medical care professional after a truck accident.

3) Lacerations

Lacerations may not lead to a lifetime disability, but they can still be very serious. In addition to causing significant pain, lacerations leave victims vulnerable to infection and frequently cause scarring. For this reason, facial lacerations can be particularly traumatic. After this type of injury, a lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your immediate medical costs as well as for follow-up cosmetic procedures for scarring.

What Are Common Trucking Hazards Experienced in Georgia?

There are a number of hazards that contribute to truck accidents. One or a combination of the following factors could cause you to get into an accident with a truck.

• Stopping Difficulty: Since tractor-trailers are much heavier than most other vehicles on the road, they tend to have a lot more difficulty stopping. This can and does lead to many accidents on the road—particularly when the truck is speeding.
• Limited Visibility: Drivers of passenger cars are somewhat responsible for making sure truck drivers can see them. Trucks have several large blind spots that make it difficult to see, thus increasing the risk of collision.
• Exhausted Drivers: Though there are several regulations that limit how much truck drivers can drive, these drivers still have demanding schedules. Distractions and exhaustion are common causes of truck accidents.

How To Prove Accident Liability With Semi-Truck Accidents?

After getting into an accident, you should have an attorney investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Your attorney may find that the driver drove recklessly or that the trucking company’s lack of maintenance caused the accident. The truck manufacturer could also be responsible for manufacturing a faulty part. Once you and your lawyer discover the responsible party, you can negotiate compensation for damages.

What Are Some Tractor Trailor Accident Facts and Statistics?

• There are an estimated 15.5 million trucks operating in the U.S.
• In 2012, nearly 4,000 people were killed in accidents involving freight trucks.
• Over 100,000 people were injured in truck accidents in 2012.
• According to the Hours of Service regulations, truck drivers cannot drive more than 70 hours in a week.
• Truck drivers cannot legally drive more than 11 hours in a day.

Contact a Douglasville Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident, call the law firm of  Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., at 678-905-5478. One of our Douglasville truck accident attorneys will investigate your accident and hold the negligent parties responsible for the expenses associated with your injuries.

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