Common Truck Accident Injuries

Every time we hit the road, we share it with massive commercial trucks. These giants are vital for our economy, transporting goods across cities and states. However, the size and weight of these vehicles can turn minor mishaps into catastrophic accidents.

At Neale & Fhima, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can impose on individuals and families. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often more severe than those in regular car crashes due to the sheer force involved. From brain injuries to broken bones, the impact on your life can be profound.

Our goal at Neale & Fhima is to offer compassionate support while advocating for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries due to the weight of these vehicles. Here are some types of common truck accident injuries.

• Head and Brain Injuries: Truck accidents often result in severe head trauma. Victims may suffer from concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can lead to long-term cognitive issues and memory loss.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries are particularly devastating, potentially leading to partial or full paralysis. The impact can fracture the spine or cause significant nerve damage, affecting a person’s mobility and daily life.
• Internal Injuries: Internal organs can be damaged in truck accidents due to blunt trauma or penetration injuries. These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate medical care to address internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can break bones. Common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips, which can require surgeries and long recovery periods.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Shattered glass, metal fragments, and torn plastic can cause serious cuts and lacerations during a truck accident. These injuries may lead to significant blood loss and, in some cases, permanent scarring.
• Burns: Burns can occur in accidents involving fires or chemical spills. They can range from minor to severe. Third-degree burns may require surgical intervention and could result in permanent disfigurement.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash is common in many vehicle accidents. It happens when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back, leading to neck strain. Other soft tissue injuries can include sprains, strains, and tears. These can cause pain and require physical therapy for recovery.

Factors Affecting Injury Severity

When a truck accident occurs, there are potentially several factors affecting injury severity. One of the most critical factors is the weight of trucks compared to regular passenger vehicles. Due to their immense mass, trucks can cause more extensive damage upon impact, leading to severe injuries.

The speed at which the vehicles are traveling at the time of the accident also plays a crucial role. Higher speeds can increase the force of impact, resulting in more severe injuries for everyone involved. Even seemingly minor differences in speed can affect the outcome of injuries.

Additionally, safety features—or the lack thereof—can impact injury severity. Trucks are required to meet certain safety standards, but defects or lack of maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents. Properly functioning safety systems, including airbags and seat belts, can mitigate injury severity to some extent.

Why Choose Neale & Fhima?

Choosing the right law firm after a truck accident can make all the difference in your case. Here are some reasons to choose us.

• Experience You Can Trust: With decades of combined experience in personal injury law, our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success. We’ve handled countless truck accident cases across California, securing substantial settlements and verdicts that help our clients move forward.
• Resourcefulness: We’re equipped with the resources needed to take on big trucking companies and their insurers. Our team is known for its resilience in the face of tough negotiations, and, when necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial to advocate for your best interests.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: At Neale & Fhima, your best interests are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we advocate for your rights relentlessly.
• Accessibility and Support: We know that questions and concerns can arise at any time. That’s why we make ourselves available to our clients and offer clear, timely communication. Our team is here to provide support, explain your options, and keep you updated every step of the way.

How Neale & Fhima Can Help

At Neale & Fhima, we understand the toll these accidents can have on individuals and their families. We aim to shoulder your legal burdens so you can focus on healing. Here is how we can help:

Thorough Investigation

Truck accident cases can be complicated, involving multiple parties and intricate details. We investigate to gather all the necessary evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction data. We also collaborate with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.

Maximizing Your Compensation

We help secure the full compensation you need to get your life back together. This includes not just medical expenses and lost wages but also compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.

Expert Negotiation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to counter these tactics. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Expert Representation in Court

While many cases settle out of court, some require a more aggressive approach. If your case goes to trial, you can rest assured that our seasoned litigators are prepared to advocate passionately on your behalf.

Legal Implications of Truck Accident Injuries

If you’ve been in a truck accident in California, the road to recovery can be both physically and legally challenging. These accidents often introduce complex legal challenges that require careful navigation.

Determining Liability

One of the most significant legal aspects of truck accidents is determining who is at fault. Liability can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. These can include:

• Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, speeding, or under the influence, they could be held responsible.
• Trucking Company: The company may be liable if they failed to maintain the truck properly or pressured the driver to violate safety regulations.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure due to a manufacturing defect caused the accident, the manufacturer could be at fault.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents, making the loaders liable.

Comparative Negligence

California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that fault can be spread among multiple parties. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, it may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.

Statute of Limitations

In California, the time frame for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited time to take legal action. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to file a claim.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

Victims of truck accidents are entitled to different types of compensation. These include:

• Medical Expenses: This compensation covers seeking medical attention after a truck accident. This can include hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family due to the injuries sustained.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of the car and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Contact a Truck Accident Injury Attorney at Neale & Fhima

We understand the impact a truck accident can have on your life. The physical and emotional trauma and financial stress can be a lot. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.