When commercial trucks are fully loaded with cargo, they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that with the average passenger vehicle that weighs approximately 4,000 pounds, and it is easy to see why truck accidents are so dangerous. The occupants of smaller vehicles typically sustain severe injuries during a truck accident. Sometimes, their lives are never the same. 

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you need legal help from an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer.

Common Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents

Again, due to the sheer size and weight of transport trucks, it is highly unlikely that drivers and passengers inside smaller vehicles will walk away from a crash unscathed. Truck accidents cause many different types of severe injuries. The most common of these include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, penetrating injuries, contusions, and more, are all extremely serious. TBIs are caused by a sudden jolt or impact to the head and can result in long-term physical and cognitive impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries refer to any damage to the spinal column. The higher up on the spine an injury is, the more severe it is. In the worst of cases, accident victims may suffer from paralysis, which is not uncommon after a truck accident.
• Broken bones: Truck accidents often happen at high speeds, and the impact occurs at high force. This often results in broken bones, which may require multiple surgeries to correct and cause chronic pain.
• Internal injuries: Some of the most catastrophic injuries sustained during a truck accident are not easily visible. Damage to internal organs, such as perforation and internal bleeding are not uncommon after truck accidents. If not treated right away, these injuries can be life-threatening.
• Burns: Fires, explosions, and chemical spills at the scene of a truck accident can all result in serious burns. Severe burns are not only incredibly painful, but they also require invasive treatment and have long recovery times.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries may sound minor, but they are not. Whiplash is the most common type of soft tissue injury, and it can cause persistent headaches and migraines, neck stiffness, and pain in the shoulders and upper back.
• Amputations: Whether an amputation happens accidentally at the scene of the crash or surgically afterwards when an appendage cannot be saved, these injuries are some of the most catastrophic. Accident victims have to relearn basic daily tasks, and their life is forever changed.
• Psychological trauma: Not all injuries after a truck accident are physical. The traumatic event can leave accident victims with emotional and mental trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accident victims deserve compensation for these injuries just as they do for their physical injuries.

If you have suffered the above injuries or any other, it is critical to speak to a Houston personal injury lawyer.

Damages Available in Truck Accident Claims

If you suffered serious injuries during a truck crash caused by someone else’s negligent or careless actions, you have the right to file a claim for damages. The damages in truck accident claims are meant to compensate you for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident. The compensation available in truck accident cases is broken down into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the losses sustained in a truck accident that have an actual dollar value. These include your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, home modifications necessary to accommodate an injury, and more. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, include the losses you suffered in a crash that do not have a concrete dollar value. These include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. Unlike other types of damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate you. Instead, they are meant to punish gross negligence and deter liable parties from exhibiting that degree of carelessness in the future.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Although you may be able to file a claim for compensation after a truck accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can greatly help or hurt your case. The most important things to do after a crash are as follows:

• Prioritize safety: Check yourself and the occupants of your vehicle for any injuries. Do not move anyone unnecessarily, particularly if they are experiencing pain or numbness. Move your vehicle out of the road if possible to avoid a secondary accident.
• Call 911: A 911 dispatcher will send paramedics and police immediately to the scene. Paramedics can check you for injuries and provide urgent necessary treatment until you can visit an emergency room. Police will write and file an official report, which could indicate fault and serve as useful evidence in your claim.
• Take photos and video footage: Photos and video footage are also important pieces of evidence in truck accident claims. Take photos of all vehicles involved, including the license plate and Department of Transportation numbers on commercial trucks, if available. Also, take photos of any damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Refrain from saying too much: Provide basic information such as your name, contact information, and insurance details. However, do not say more than this. Anything you say after a truck accident can be used against you to minimize your settlement.

Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston

Another important step after any crash is to contact our Houston personal injury lawyer at Integrity Law Group, PLLC. Our experienced attorney will determine who is liable for your injuries, accurately value your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so you obtain the full and fair settlement you rightfully deserve. Call us today at (832) 280-9576 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the sound advice you need.

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