Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents one can encounter on the road. The sheer size and weight of trucks can cause significant damage to vehicles and their occupants. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Truck accident lawsuits often arise when a person is injured or killed in a commercial truck accident. Generally, any injury or accident caused by the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties involved can give rise to a valid truck accident lawsuit in Phoenix, Arizona.
Here is a breakdown of the types of injuries and accidents that may qualify for a truck accident lawsuit and how experienced truck accident attorneys can help you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
6 Common Injuries In Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe injuries. Some of the most common truck accident injuries that you may file a lawsuit for include the following:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when the brain is subjected to sudden impact. In truck accidents, TBIs can occur when one’s head is struck on a hard surface, such as the steering wheel or dashboard.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is severed, leading to partial or complete paralysis. The colossal impact from a truck can cause one’s spine to twist, causing injuries to the spinal cord. The injuries can result in decreased sensation or movement in the lower extremities.
If you have suffered spinal cord injuries, seeking immediate medical attention and the assistance of experienced truck accident attorneys is crucial to receive the compensation you deserve.
3. Broken Bones And Fractures
A truck accident’s sudden and forceful impact can cause one’s bones to break. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery and rehabilitation. Experienced truck accident attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf or represent you in court to ensure you get compensation for your medical bills and ongoing medical care.
4. Burns And Lacerations
Burns and lacerations can occur when a person is exposed to flames, hot surfaces, or sharp objects. This could happen when the accident involves an oil and gas truck or a truck ferrying dangerous material. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe burns that require surgery.
5. Internal Injuries And Organ Damage
As with other accidents, internal injuries can occur in truck accidents when a person’s organs are damaged or ruptured due to the force of impact. Unfortunately, symptoms of internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is, therefore, essential to seek immediate medical attention following any truck accident.
6. Whiplash And Other Neck Injuries
Whiplash and other neck injuries may occur in a truck accident when one’s head is suddenly and forcefully pushed forward and back. Symptoms of whiplash, such as neck pain and stiffness, may not be felt immediately and can worsen over time. That’s why seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is crucial.
Types of Truck Accidents That Qualify for a Lawsuit
Truck accidents can take many forms, and each type may require truck accident attorneys to take a specialized legal approach. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
Rear-end Collisions
These accidents occur when a truck collides with another vehicle from behind. These accidents can result from distracted driving, tailgating, or speeding.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions occur when a truck collides with another vehicle head-on. These are the deadliest truck accidents due to the impact force between the two vehicles. Head-on collisions can occur due to poor visibility or reckless driving.
Jack-knife Accidents
These accidents occur when the truck’s cab and trailer fold at the point of separation, forming a V shape. Jackknife accidents can occur due to driver error, equipment failure, or poor road conditions.
Side Impact Collisions
Also called T-bone collisions, these accidents occur when the front or rear of a truck hits the side of another vehicle. These accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially for the vehicle’s occupants hit by the truck.
Truck Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or top. This happens when upon foreseeing a head-on collision, a truck driver swerves quickly to the side, leading to tipping on the side and rolling over before coming to a stop. Rollover accidents can result in incapacitating injuries or the death of victims, especially if the truck is carrying hazardous materials.
Underride Truck Accidents
In this type of truck accident, a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of the truck and becomes trapped underneath. Underride accidents can be caused by malfunctioning equipment, driver error, or poor visibility.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Truck Accidents
Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can be dangerous as cargo may shift to one side, making the truck unbalanced and challenging to drive. Overloading can also damage a truck’s tires, brakes, and suspension, increasing the risk of a truck accident.
Wide Turn Accidents
Wide-turn truck accidents occur when a commercial vehicle needs to occupy an additional lane to make a right turn safely. Trucks making wide turns may have to start from a different position and may move into the adjacent lane. Failing to understand the space requirements of trucks can result in serious accidents.
Talk To Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents can be head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, jack-knife accidents, side impact collisions, truck rollover accidents, underride truck accidents, and wide turn accidents. These accidents can result in severe injuries, including head and brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries and organ damage, burns, lacerations, and whiplash.
As a result, these cases can be complex because they involve various parties who can be held liable and often require the expertise of experienced truck accident attorneys. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident, it is advisable to seek legal help as soon as possible.
