Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries

commercial truck accident roadway departure

Semi trucks are bigger and heavier than anything else on the road. When truck accidents happen, they do serious damage to whatever – and whomever – they strike. Truck accident injuries are more severe than those suffered in car-on-car wrecks.

At Fried Goldberg LLC, our truck accident attorneys seek top compensation for Georgia motorists who suffer a truck accident injury. We have a national reputation for successful truck accident litigation.

From broken bones to cuts, brain injuries, paralysis, and even death, our truck accident injury lawyers know the pain that truck accidents inflict because we’ve seen it over the course of our entire careers. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, our attorneys want to help. Contact us at (877) 591-1801 to schedule a free consultation.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head trauma in an accident can result in an injury to the brain, which may be life-altering. Brain injuries can occur even in the absence of direct trauma to the head due to whiplash or rapid acceleration or deceleration. These injuries may not immediately be apparent, and sustaining a brain injury does not always mean being knocked unconscious.

Symptoms that may develop include confusion, nausea, vision problems, and various cognitive difficulties. Head injuries are some of the most heartbreaking injuries sustained in truck accidents, as they often cause loss of cognitive and motor functions. Some people will never be the same again after suffering a brain injury.

Back and Neck Injuries

This can include minor neck pain or more serious injuries, like dislocated discs in the spine. Because your back and neck are so critical to everything you do, these injuries often prevent victims from returning to work and daily activities.

Lacerations

Laceration injuries in truck accidents often result from the forceful impact of collisions, where sharp objects or debris within the vehicle can cause deep cuts or tears in the skin. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe lacerations, posing significant risks of infection and long-term scarring.

Internal Injuries

Powerful blunt trauma from crashes can cause internal bleeding to organs like the bladder, liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. These injuries are very difficult to treat.

Amputation and Disfigurement

Amputation and disfigurement injuries in truck accidents are particularly devastating, often occurring due to the high-impact forces involved in collisions. These injuries may result in the traumatic loss of limbs or severe alterations to the body’s structure, leading to profound physical and psychological consequences for the victims.

Burns

Burn injuries can result from a truck crash, especially if there is flammable cargo involved. This is often the case for trucks that are hauling hazardous materials such as gasoline or petroleum products.

Rib and Torso Injuries

Rib and torso injuries in truck accidents are common due to the intense forces generated during collisions. The impact can cause fractures or contusions to the ribs, leading to potentially serious internal injuries to organs such as the lungs or spleen. 

Broken Bones

Broken bone injuries in truck accidents are prevalent due to the substantial impact forces involved. Collisions can result in fractures to various bones in the body, limbs, and extremities like hands, feet, fingers, and toes. These breaks require immediate medical attention and extensive rehabilitation. 

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis can occur in truck accidents when the force of the impact damages the delicate spinal cord tissues. These injuries often lead to severe and life-altering consequences, including paralysis of the limbs or even the entire body. 

Prompt medical intervention and rehabilitation play vital roles in the long-term outcomes for individuals affected by spinal cord injuries.

Seat Belt Injuries

Though seat belts are there to protect you (and our truck accident lawyers strongly urge you to always wear one), seat belts can also cause injuries like whiplash.

Wrongful Death

Tractor-trailer accidents are 10 times more likely to kill you than crashes with other cars. It’s a sobering fact. When a truck accident kills your loved one, only an experienced truck accident attorney can hold the company responsible through a wrongful death claim. We know we can never replace what you have lost, but we can seek the compensation necessary for your family to try to move forward.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Trucker fatigue and inadequate training are significant contributors to accidents involving large trucks. Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making. 

Distracted driving due to the use of mobile phones, navigation systems, or other in-cab technologies further increases the risk of accidents. Proper training for truck drivers is essential to ensure they are equipped to handle the challenges of operating large and heavy vehicles safely.

Mechanical failures and poor vehicle maintenance also play a role in truck accidents. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can result from inadequate maintenance practices. Regular inspections and maintenance routines are crucial to identifying and addressing potential problems before they escalate into hazardous situations on the road. 

Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, amplify the risks associated with truck accidents. When coupled with the challenges of maneuvering large vehicles, these weather-related factors contribute to a higher likelihood of accidents, necessitating heightened caution and adherence to safety protocols by both truck drivers and other road users.

Truck Accident Statistics

An accident involving a truck is more likely to result in a death or injury than an accident between two cars. It’s far more dangerous to those in the car than in the truck, as nearly three-quarters (71%) of all truck crash injuries and deaths are suffered by people in the vehicle hit by the truck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Speed is the most common cause of truck accidents in the country. Truck drivers themselves are a major contributing factor in more than half of all truck accidents – 55%. This means that if you or a loved one has suffered a truck accident injury, you may be in a position to seek compensation for the truck driver’s negligence and the harm it caused.

Truck-related fatalities and semi-truck accident injuries appear to be on the rise in recent years:

Year Registered Trucks Fatal Truck Crashes Truck Crash Injuries
2021 13.8 million 5,788 154,993
2020 12.9 million 4,945 141,613
Year 2021 2020
Registered Trucks 13.8 million 12.9 million
Fatal Truck Crashes 5,788 4,945
Truck Crash Injuries 154,993 141,613

More nationwide truck accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • In 2021, 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. This is a 17% increase from 4,945 people killed in 2020.
  • Occupants of other vehicles made up 72% of people killed in large-truck traffic crashes in 2021.
  • Most of the fatal traffic crashes (78%) involving large trucks in 2021 occurred on weekdays between Monday 6 AM to Friday 5:59 PM.
  • Only 3% of drivers of large trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 or higher, much lower than drivers of other vehicles (20% for light trucks, 24% for passenger cars, and 28% for motorcycles).
  • Drivers of large trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021 had a higher percentage (20.8%) of previously recorded crashes compared to drivers of other vehicles (light trucks 17.2%, passenger cars 18.2%; and motorcycles 19.9%).

Thus, truck accident injuries and fatalities remain a major concern for motorists, especially during commute hours during the workweek.

Get Help from a Truck Accident Attorney Today

Regardless of how a truck accident hurt you or your family, Fried Goldberg is the law firm you want if your case involves a truck accident. These kinds of cases make up 95% of all the cases our attorneys handle. We literally wrote the book on truck accident law. Other lawyers consult our attorneys when they handle these kinds of cases because of our reputation in trucking litigation.

Know that you’re not alone if you’ve suffered a truck crash injury. There is support you can turn to here in Atlanta. If you have a truck accident injury case, or think you may have one, call (877) 591-1801 today or contact us through our website. We’ll be waiting to help.

Common Truck Accident Injury Questions

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Call emergency services for medical assistance and report the accident to law enforcement. Gather information such as the truck driver’s details, insurance information, and any available witness contacts. 

Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Preserve evidence, avoid admitting fault, and consult with a truck accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process.

What Can I Be Compensated For in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

In a truck accident lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation for various damages. This can include medical expenses, both current and future, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, compensation for permanent disabilities. 

An experienced truck accident lawyer will assess the specifics of your case to determine the types of compensation you may pursue, striving to secure a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

Can I Afford a Truck Accident Attorney?

Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront fees. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of the compensation awarded if your case is successful. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to those who need it, with no financial risk if your case doesn’t result in a favorable outcome. 

Consultations are typically free, allowing you to discuss your case with an attorney to determine the viability of a lawsuit without any initial cost.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Serious?

Truck accidents are often more severe due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles. The sheer mass of trucks increases the potential for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Factors like driver fatigue, distracted driving, and inadequate maintenance contribute to the elevated risks associated with truck accidents. 

Additionally, the complex nature of the trucking industry, involving multiple parties such as drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers, can make liability issues more intricate, requiring the expertise of a skilled truck accident lawyer to navigate the legal complexities.

Client Testimonials

Read on to learn what our previous clients are saying about our legal services:

“My wife and I were unfortunately hit by a truck and our injuries were more severe than we initially thought. After the insurance company denied payment, the best thing our previous attorney did for us was to call Adam Smith at Fried Goldberg and bring him on as Co-counsel. 

Mr. Smith called us to introduce himself, to give us a quick rundown of events we could expect to take place and to answer any questions that we may have. In the end, he was able to get the insurance company to pay the entire policy to us — something the other attorney couldn’t do.”

-B. Johnson

“Micheal Goldberg and his team worked hard and diligently on my case. I would recommend Micheal Goldberg and his team to anyone who is in need of knowledgeable and caring attorneys. I can’t thank them enough. I’m very satisfied with the outcome of my case. Thanks again guys!!!”

-O. Beckles

“My experience with Fried Goldberg was great in resolving my auto accident. The attorney that I worked with answered all of my questions and was always reachable; I don’t think that I had to leave him a message one time — he always answered. Fried Goldberg is who I would call if ever I had to use an attorney again.

-J. Benjamin

Noteworthy Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves. Read more about noteworthy verdicts & settlements we’ve obtained for our clients.

$52 Million Recovered Brain Injury Case
Our lawyers helped recover $52 million for a teen who suffered severe brain injury when a tractor-trailer ran a stop sign in Atlanta, Georgia.

$16 Million Obtained in Quadriplegia Injury Case
Our team obtained a $16 million verdict for an older man who was struck in a rear end collision

$10.5 Million Issued in Paralysis Lawsuit
We obtained a $10.5 million verdict after a tractor trailer went onto the shoulder of the road and injured motorists in Marion, Alabama.

$16.6 Million Verdict at Trial Over Big Rig Crash
Attorneys at Fried Goldberg recently won a $16.66 million verdict against Brown Trucking Company for a 2021 truck crash left a Georgia man a severe TBI.

Truck accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg

The Truck Accident Attorneys

The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 75% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.

 

 

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FG Partners

The Truck Accident Attorneys

The Truck Accident Attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC devote at least 95% of their caseload to representing the victims of accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. Our extensive experience with the laws governing the trucking industry is the reason we are routinely successful at taking on trucking companies when someone is seriously injured.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Get a Free Case Evaluation

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Millions Recovered

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Our experienced attorneys have represented individuals who have been seriously injured. We are proud of the outstanding reputation we have within our industry and our track record of success, which sets us apart. In particular, we have recovered nearly $1 billion for our clients throughout the country.

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