Of all the crashes that occur on the road, those involving commercial trucks tend to be the most devastating. In fact, victims of semi-truck crashes often live with debilitating health conditions that diminish their quality of life. Learn more about these injuries, and the compensation that you or your loved one may be entitled to, in the following sections.
Spinal Injuries
Although spinal injuries can occur in any crash, they are far more common in accidents involving large commercial vehicles. That is because a semi truck’s increased size will typically result in a stronger more forceful impact, which is the main cause of injuries to the spine. Thrown one direction, and then another in a crash, injuries to the spine may involve the spinal column (the bundle of nerves responsible for transmitting messages between the body and the brain), the vertebrae (small bones that encase the spinal column), or the discs that serve as a cushion between the vertebrae.
Any of these injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of function (not being able to self-feed or self-dress, etc.), long-term pain and suffering, and temporary or permanent disability. Should a spinal injury happen to you or a family member, you may be entitled to compensation for any medical expenses, loss of income, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries are extremely common in auto accidents, but they are far more likely to be debilitating as a result of a semi crash. Again, the force and impact of a semi accident are factors. Like with spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries can permanently and irrevocably alter a victim’s life. The results are different, however. Paralysis can occur, depending on which part of the brain is damaged, but memory loss, inability to focus or concentrate, speech problems, and coma are far more common with this injury. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of function, loss of vitality, disability, and more, depending on the severity of their injuries.
Scarring, Disfigurement, and Loss of Limbs
Victims who survive a semi accident may also experience scarring, disfigurement, and a loss of one or more limbs. Again, these injuries can occur in any type of crash, but they are more likely to be severe in a semi accident. Victims may be entitled to compensation for any medical expenses they incur, as well as pain and suffering for their disfigurement. If time is lost at work, or they are rendered partially or completely disabled, the victim may be entitled to compensation for these losses as well.
Contact Our Appleton Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck crash, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for assistance. Dedicated and experienced, our Appleton truck accident lawyers will aggressively pursue the most compensation possible for your situation. We protect your rights and your best interests at every turn. Schedule your free consultation by calling 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/truck-crash-injured-driver-killed-cows-left-cattle/story?id=53962144
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557