Head-on Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
Any type of accident can quickly ruin your day. Truck accidents are an entirely different story: Head on collisions with a big rig can ruin your life.
In 2017, there were almost half a million truck accidents and almost a quarter of those resulted in serious injuries. When you or a loved one is injured in an accident with an eighteen-wheeler, your medical expenses will be excessive. To help guide you through the personal injury process to give you the best chance of recovering what you need to pay your bills, you deserve to work with an aggressive and compassionate San Antonio truck accident injury lawyer.
Truck Accident Common Causes
Just like car accidents, truck accidents are caused for many reasons. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Just like every driver today, truck drivers are distracted by their phones and radios. A truck driver who is distracted commonly leads to head on collisions as the truck veers from its lane while the driver isn’t paying attention. This often results in serious injuries in an accident.
- Driver fatigue – Commercial truck drivers are pushed by their delivery dates to make sometimes unreasonable deadlines. As a result, drivers log long hours behind the wheel, sometimes exceeding company and federal standards. Studies have consistently shown that drowsy driving is like driving drunk.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – Another common cause of head on collisions with trucks is drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Much like every driver on the road, truck drivers are required to follow the law and not get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. When they do, their reaction times are delayed, potentially causing tragic accidents.
These are the most common causes of truck accidents but, as is the case with car accidents, there are many other causes. Because of the size of big rigs, they are challenging to move quickly and are slow to stop. This combination often results in accidents that could have been prevented.
Common Injuries From a Head-on Collision With a Truck
Commercial trucks are exceptionally large and heavy vehicles. Because of this, they cause greater damage to person and property in an accident. Common injuries include:
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Death
In 2017, 713 people died in truck accidents. While filing a wrongful death claim can never bring your loved one back, it can help your family move forward, ensuring you don’t get stuck paying out of pocket for funeral expenses and end of life care. Truck injuries can be catastrophic, life altering, and sometimes life ending. Your injuries could require months, years, or even a lifetime of care, placing an undue financial burden on you and your loved ones.
Determining Fault
While car accidents are generally easier to determine fault, the same cannot be said of truck accidents. Commercial trucks are often driven by someone who doesn’t own the truck. Because multiple people are responsible for the safe operation of the truck, one or more of these people may bear liability for the accident. That’s where a truck crash attorney comes in.
A truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident
- Speak to witnesses
- Review police reports and medical records
This can develop an honest picture of your accident, how it happened, and who is likely at fault. It guides your path during settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Ultimately, it helps to get you the compensation you deserve to get better—and that starts with understanding every detail of your accident.
Damages to Fight For
Injuries from a head on collision with a commercial truck are rarely minor and almost always severe. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
Because your injuries are severe, the accident may temporarily or permanently derail your ability to work. This hinders your ability to pay your bills. Work with a skilled and trusted truck accident lawyer in San Antonio who can help you recover what you need so you don’t end up paying any bills out of pocket.
Be Aware of Settlement Offers
Don’t take a settlement offer without first speaking to a trusted personal injury attorney in San Antonio. Many insurance companies simply want to settle your claim as quickly as possible, regardless of your injuries. These lowball offers often don’t include enough compensation for you to make a full and complete recovery. We don’t want to see you placed in financial hardship for an accident you did not cause.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. They won’t make money if they pay the full value of your claim. By working with a seasoned truck accident injury lawyer, you give yourself the best chance of getting a settlement that covers all of your bills.
A truck accident lawyer can make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you by working to create an accurate estimate of your future bills and negotiating with the insurance company to settle for a fair amount where you don’t have to pay out of pocket for your injuries. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, make sure your truck accident attorney is fully prepared to take your case to trial to make sure you get the compensation you deserve to get better.
An Attorney Can Help Answer Your Questions
Meeting with
an experienced team of truck accident attorneys is your first step toward making a recovery and getting your life back. A seasoned truck accident injury lawyer in San Antonio can help guide you through the complex claims process, giving you the best chance of recovering what you need to get better. If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t bear any of the responsibility of the cost it will take for you to get better.
