Common Types of Injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
As experienced truck accident attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact these types of crashes can have on victims and their families. 18-wheeler accidents in Maryland often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. This blog will explore the most common types of injuries sustained in 18-wheeler wrecks and why it’s crucial to have an experienced truck accident attorney on one’s side.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: One of the most serious and potentially life-altering injuries that can occur in an 18 wheeler accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The immense force involved in these collisions can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, and even permanent damage. Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild concussions to severe, debilitating conditions like coma, paralysis, and cognitive impairment.
An 18 wheeler accident attorney will understand the long-term consequences of a TBI and fight to ensure the victim receives the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care. Proper documentation and thorough evaluations by qualified medical professionals are crucial in these cases to demonstrate the full extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Another common and devastating injury in a semi-truck collision is a spinal cord injury. The spine can become severely damaged, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other lifelong complications. Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) and paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) are both possible outcomes of a spinal cord injury sustained in an 18 wheeler crash.
An experienced semi truck accident attorney will work to recover damages for the victim’s past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost earning capacity, and the profound impact on their ability to live independently. These cases often require experienced testimony from medical professionals, life care planners, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to demonstrate the full scope of the victim’s needs and losses.
Broken Bones and Fractures: High-impact 18 wheeler accidents can also lead to severe broken bones and fractures. The immense force of these collisions can shatter limbs, ribs, the pelvis, and other skeletal structures. These injuries often require extensive surgery, hardware implantation, physical therapy, and a lengthy recovery period.
An 18 wheeler accident attorney will fight to recover compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages during the recovery process, and any permanent disabilities or impairments resulting from the fractures. Detailed documentation of the injuries and their treatment is essential in these cases.
Internal Injuries: The blunt trauma of an 18 wheeler accident can also cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Victims may suffer damage to vital organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, and other life-threatening complications. These types of injuries often require emergency surgery and intensive care.
A semi truck accident attorney understands the importance of prompt medical attention and thorough diagnostic testing to identify all internal injuries. They will work to recover compensation to cover the victim’s hospital stays, surgeries, and any long-term care required due to permanent organ damage or dysfunction.
Severe Lacerations and Disfigurement :The sheer force of a commercial truck wreck can also result in severe lacerations, crushing injuries, and disfigurement. Victims may suffer deep gashes, amputations, or extensive soft tissue damage that requires multiple surgeries and skin grafts to repair. These types of injuries can be both physically and emotionally traumatic, with long-lasting effects on the victim’s self-esteem and quality of life.
A skilled 18 wheeler accident attorney will fight to recover compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, reconstructive surgeries, psychological counseling, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement. Testimony from medical professionals and vocational individuals may be necessary to demonstrate the full impact of these types of injuries.
Wrongful Death: Tragically, some 18 wheeler accidents result in the wrongful death of the victim. When a loved one is killed due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, the family left behind faces unimaginable grief and financial hardship. We, at the Law Office of Conrad W. Judy III, can help the surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost income and financial support, and the emotional toll of their loss.
Why Hiring a Landover 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney is Crucial: If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi truck collision, it’s essential to have a qualified truck accident lawyer on your side. These cases are complex, and without proper legal representation, you risk being taken advantage of by the trucking company’s insurance providers and their team of aggressive lawyers.
To establish a successful negligence claim, an experienced truck accident lawyer needs to demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a responsibility to act in a certain way toward the plaintiff.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this responsibility.
- Causation: The defendant’s failure led to an incident.
- Damages: The incident resulted in actual harm or loss to the plaintiff.
These four components form the foundation of a negligence case. The attorney must prove each element to show that the defendant’s negligent actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. At the Law Office of Conrad W. Judy III, we will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
We understand the unique challenges these cases present, from dealing with complex insurance policies and federal regulations to coordinating with medical professionals and vocational advisors.
Don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Reach out to the Law Office of Conrad W. Judy III as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
