Attorneys know that a truck collision can severely alter a person’s life in the blink of an eye. As noted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,479 fatal crashes and 114,000 injury crashes out of about 510,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2019.
The injuries that you might sustain can result in costly medical bills, immense pain, and lost earnings. At James Horne Law PA, a truck accident attorney in Parrish, FL, cannot change what has taken place. But a compassionate lawyer can help you recoup damages for your losses.
Reach out to us today for assistance getting started filing your personal injury claim.
What Are Some Typical Truck Accident Causes?
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, and there may be more than one. A few of the most frequent causes of truck collisions are the following.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
Truck drivers must check their blind spots. Not doing so can be a significant cause of serious accidents and injuries. The blind spots for a semi-truck include the following:
- Along each side extending backward diagonally,
- Right below and behind the driver’s window,
- About 20 feet in front of the semi-truck, and
- Approximately 30 feet behind the semi-truck.
Contact us today for more information. We can help further analyze the potential cause of your accident.
Speeding
Speeding is always hazardous, but it is especially so when driving a large truck. A large truck is any heavy or medium truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
Driving a speeding truck is perilous because it is hard for a trucker to react quickly to changing circumstances. It also makes it challenging for trucks to stop since they take longer to slow down than motor vehicles. Also be aware that a trucker can hydroplane or lose control of their truck if they speed while it is raining.
Improper Load Distribution
Improperly loaded trucks are a frequent cause of truck collisions. One example of an improperly loaded truck is one that is not balanced. In other words, there is an uneven distribution of the cargo’s weight. Another illustration of improper loading is cargo that is not correctly secured. If the shipment is not tied down properly, it can move around during transport, making the truck hard to control. Items might also fall off and collide with other vehicles.
What Are Common Kinds of Truck Collision Injuries?
A truck collision involves an immense amount of force. This type of accident can cause a number of injuries, some of which are below. If you have questions, reach out to a truck accident attorney in Parrish, FL, to learn more about whether you are eligible to recover damages.
Paralysis
If your spinal cord suffers damage in an accident, this can result in paralysis. Paralysis can be localized or global. In a localized injury, only certain limbs are affected. On the other hand, with a global injury, paralysis can affect the entire body.
Organ Damage or Internal Injuries
A truck crash can also result in organ damage or internal bleeding. Blunt force trauma, for instance, can compress the internal organs and cause injuries. Compression can also cause internal bleeding. This can be hard to detect right after an accident and could be life-threatening. Thus, getting medical care is essential to ensure you have not suffered any internal injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is often due to the head and neck suddenly jolting backward, forward, or sideways. Frequently, whiplash takes place because the speed or direction you are going in quickly changes. While symptoms depend on the intensity of your injury, some symptoms include the following:
- Stiffness when moving,
- Tenderness to touch, and
- Muscle spasms.
Our lawyers are here to fight for you if you have sustained injuries in an accident. Get in touch with our compassionate attorneys at James Horne Law for more guidance.
Steps to Take After a Truck Crash
After a truck accident, there are several steps you ought to take.
Call 911
You should call 911 as soon as possible after the collision. You or someone else could have severe injuries you may not notice immediately. Additionally, police can file a report that can serve as documentation.
Take Photographs
Ensure that you take pictures of the accident scene. This includes photos of any injuries and damage to your vehicle and the truck. You might also take photographs of skid marks, weather conditions, and traffic lights. These photos will be crucial when filing your claim later on.
Gather Information
It is critical to collect information from the other driver. This includes their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. Document the other driver’s home address and email address as well. You should also write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses at the scene. A witness refers to anyone who saw the collision take place.
Receive Medical Care
You should get to a hospital or physician as soon as you can after the collision. A medical professional can provide an evaluation and help make sure you do not have any hidden injuries.
This is because some injuries after a truck accident may not show any symptoms right away. For example, it may be hard to detect internal bleeding initially. Therefore, seeking medical treatment and requesting copies of any treatment plans is crucial.
Avoid Social Media
Do not post anything about your accident on social media. Even if it seems harmless at the time, anything you post online can damage your claim. For example, you should not post statements about your physical or emotional state. You also should avoid posting your version of how the collision took place.
How Our Lawyers Can Assist You
A Parrish truck accident attorney at James Horne Law is ready to help you if you have sustained injuries. While it will not reverse the devastating nature of your accident, a truck accident lawyer in Parrish, FL, can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Our firm stands out from the rest because we are honest and transparent with our clients. Moreover, James Horne thrives in the courtroom and is not afraid to go to trial. Our practice areas include truck accidents, car accidents, birth injuries, and other personal injury claims. For more information, call us today at 941-210-6000.