In an instant, a truck accident can shatter individuals’ sense of security on the road. As an experienced truck accident lawyer would explain, such incidents are not just about physical harm but also emotional trauma, financial stress, and a plethora of other difficulties that come in the aftermath.
According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts, in 2019 alone, 5,700 fatal truck accidents were reported. This is an alarming increase from the previous year and highlights the severity of these incidents for victims and their families.
Here, we’ll explore the extensive range of losses that truck accident victims can experience, aiming to provide a holistic understanding for those involved in or affected by such accidents.
Physical Damages
The most obvious and immediate consequences of a truck accident are the physical injuries sustained by those involved. Due to their bigger size and weight compared to passenger vehicles, trucks pose a higher risk of causing severe or life-threatening injuries to other road users, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Burns or disfigurement
- Amputations
Furthermore, truck accidents can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities that significantly impact victims’ daily lives. Disability can interfere with their ability to work, require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, result in chronic pain and suffering, and even lead to a decreased quality of life.
Emotional and Psychological Damages
A truck accident can also result in emotional and psychological damage to victims. Serious accidents can result in long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
Furthermore, those who have lost loved ones in truck accidents may experience complicated grief and intense feelings of loss and guilt. These emotional and psychological damages can impact every aspect of a victim’s life, from relationships to work performance.
Financial Damages
Truck accidents can also result in significant financial damages for victims. The following are some of the financial losses a victim will sustain:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages: Victims may miss work due to injuries sustained in the accident, resulting in a loss of income.
- Property damage: In addition to physical injuries, truck accidents can also cause damage to victims’ vehicles and other personal property.
- Funeral expenses: The chance of death in a truck accident is very high. The family will incur unexpected funeral expenses due to the sudden demise of their loved one. If a loved one is killed in a truck accident, their family members may be able to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
Compensation may be available to victims who suffered financial losses due to the accident.
The Vital Role of Legal Assistance
The myriad damages that truck accident victims face highlight the importance of seeking legal assistance. An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney can assist in navigating the legal system and provide critical support and guidance during a difficult time. For instance, FedEx has a comprehensive FedEx driver accident policy and procedure in place for drivers involved in accidents, and by providing expert legal advice, handling negotiations and litigation, and ensuring fair compensation, an accident attorney can significantly ease the burden on FedEx drivers involved in accidents.
For those affected by such accidents, the key is to recognize the full extent of the damages and to take action to address each element. From mounting medical bills to the intangible costs of emotional trauma, the right legal advocacy can make a significant difference.
Truck accidents have repercussions that echo far beyond the initial collision. They touch upon every aspect of a victim’s life, and it is only through comprehensive support and advocacy that they can hope to find a way forward.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is vital to reach out to a reputable commercial vehicle accident lawyer who understands the depth and breadth of the damages at stake and can provide the necessary support to ensure that justice is served and compensation is fair.
