Catastrophic injuries can cause serious problems for the victims involved in a truck accident. The recovery time may be extraordinarily long, leading to lost wages and increased financial hardships. In addition, these injuries can result in a disability that will prevent them from being able to work for some time or at all. While car accidents also lead to material damages and bodily injury, truck accidents are dangerous. Let’s see some of the most common truck accident injuries for which you could file a compensation claim.
1. Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most common personal injuries across all vehicular accidents. Although our bones protect us, they were not designed to withstand extreme impacts. If you’ve been in a truck accident and suffered one or more broken bones, you may need medical treatment and extensive compensation for your losses. A qualified truck accident lawyer in Fort Wayne could help you seek damages if the crash occurred in Indiana. As a general idea for all types of traffic collisions, hiring an attorney in your state/area is best. They know best how to handle local laws, legal processes, insurance companies, etc.
A massive truck accident can break any number of your bones. In the worst-case scenario, a broken bone can even lead to amputation. Sadly, amputations are frequent in serious truck accidents. These injuries can lead to permanent disability and require life-long medical attention and adaptive devices. In addition, even minor injuries, such as a twisted ankle or knee, can cause pain and scarring.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury
Several different kinds of head injuries can occur during a truck crash. One type is a closed brain injury, in which the brain is forced to impact the inside of the skull. This can result in swelling, bleeding, and fluid buildup. Another type is an open head injury, in which the head hits a hard object within the vehicle. This type of injury can cause additional health complications.
This injury affects several brain functions, including memory, reasoning, abstract thought, problem-solving, and attention. It also affects vision, hearing, speech, and coordination. It can even cause death in severe cases. Traumatic brain injuries require immediate medical treatment and life-long care. As you can see, in such cases, you need legal assistance, as the settlement you receive from the at-fault party could cover these expenses.
3. Loss of Vision/Hearing
Although vision loss is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Because we all rely on sight, losing vision can create physical and emotional hardships. Regardless of the cause, overcoming the psychological effect of losing vision is difficult.
The physical impact of vision loss is extensive. Victims may have to abandon their careers or hobbies, and the ongoing medical costs can be staggering. While insurance companies may be willing to settle for a low amount, an attorney can evaluate the case and pursue maximum compensation.
Similarly, hearing loss is one of the most devastating injuries in a truck accident. Hearing loss can affect the victim’s ability to hear and speak properly. As a result, it may affect their ability to drive or work. It may also cause lifelong disfigurement and may result in severe pain. In extreme cases, hearing or sight loss can make it difficult to function at work or home.
While many of these injuries are mild, the potential for long-term disabilities is significant. If you or a loved one suffers from a catastrophic injury from a truck accident, you deserve economic compensation to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future care.
4. Amputations
Amputations are among the most devastating injuries in a truck accident. An amputation can be life-changing not only for the victim but for their family as well. Amputations often require surgery and lifelong medical care. These victims also require caretakers to help them perform daily tasks.
In addition to physical amputation, victims may suffer from blood clots, infection, or phantom pain, which is the sensation of pain without the missing limb. Amputees usually need psychotherapy, life coaching, or even psychiatric care in some extreme cases. Usually, compensation claims in such cases include monetary recovery for pain and suffering, life-long medical care, loss of future wages, loss of consortium, etc.
5. Burns
Burns can be a devastating consequence of a truck accident. Not only can these injuries be life-threatening, but also, they can are incredibly painful and dangerous for one’s overall health. The most severe burn cases can even require amputation and extensive reconstructive surgery.
Serious burn injuries can lead to pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, burn victims may experience significant emotional distress. Fortunately, there is help for burn victims and their families after an accident. Seeking legal help after burns caused by a truck accident might be the only way of recovering from such an ordeal.
Bottom Line
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may not think hiring an attorney to represent you is necessary. But if the accident was serious and you’ve sustained significant bodily harm or catastrophic injuries, you should consider hiring a truck accident attorney in your state to fight for you. Otherwise, your recovery chances get slimmer by the minutes you spend trying to deal with insurers or trucking companies on your own.
