Big trucks are those that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). This means a big truck such as a semi can be between 20 to 30 times greater in weight than a typical family car, and it can take nearly 40 percent longer for these trucks to come to a full stop. That is a lot of metal coming at you in a big truck accident, which unfortunately can result in a lot of damage.
Big truck accidents are much more dangerous for others on the road than for truck drivers themselves. Victims can suffer from major big truck accident injuries to the brain, neck and spine, resulting in broken bones, nerve damage, partial or full paralysis, temporary or permanent disability, and even death.
An experienced Alabama big truck accident lawyer can help you get the fair compensation you and your family deserve.
You should always opt for medical care directly following an auto accident, especially in accidents involving big trucks. Getting a diagnosis is important for several reasons. First, so you receive the medical treatment needed. It is better to get started with necessary treatments sooner rather than later. Some big truck accident injuries can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more serious outcomes.
Also, a diagnosis is important to receive appropriate compensation for your big truck accident injuries. Most insurance companies will not pay without one. And should you need to file a lawsuit, you will need strong medical evidence to support your injury claims. An experienced Alabama big truck accident lawyer can help you retrieve all necessary medical documentation for your personal injury case.
Notably, one of the most common big truck accident injuries following a collision is a neck injury. This type of injury can be especially excruciating and debilitating. The severity, seriousness and longevity of the injury can also vary widely, with some neck injuries being life-threatening or resulting in long-term disability.
Additionally, because the neck is a delicate and integral system of our body, damage to one region of its’ complicated network of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones, can inevitably affect other regions of the neck and spine as well.
All neck injuries, no matter how mild your symptoms, require an evaluation by a doctor and possible medical intervention.
Spinal cord damage is the most serious neck injury. It can lead to paralysis in all four limbs (also known as quadriplegia). This type of injury requires immediate medical attention. Patients suffering injury to their spinal cord will most likely need to undergo intense and costly rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent disability requiring life-long medical care and accommodations.
Neck fractures or cervical fractures are another type of serious neck injury that can also lead to paralysis, if severe. You might not immediately be aware of minor neck fractures. Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore following a big truck accident include neck pain, bruising, swelling and tenderness.
The spinal cord consists of a network of nerves that send messages to the brain. When these nerves are damaged in a truck accident, you can quickly develop pain and weakness throughout your body, extending beyond the neck where the big truck accident injury happened. The damage is often progressive and can worsen causing serious risks to your health and functioning. Symptoms signaling nerve damage can include muscle weakness, partial or full paralysis, numbness or tingling, shooting, stabbing or burning pain, and sensitivity to touch.
Discs are considered “shock absorbers” situated between the vertebrae or individual bones in the spine. They help us move with ease by keeping our stacked bones from rubbing together. These discs have tough exteriors and soft, jelly-like interiors. When the disc ruptures, the mushy inner substance starts to protrude from a tear in the tougher outer shell.
Some people with herniated discs are symptom-free. But depending on the severity and location of the injury, symptoms can range from pain and tingling to muscle weakness and immobility. Symptoms can be felt in the neck, back, shoulders, arms and even the legs and feet.
Herniated discs can lead to surgery and other intensive and often long-term medical treatments.
This type of neck injury is one of the most common and often hard to diagnose and treat.
During a motor vehicle accident, the body is pushed and pulled due to acceleration and deceleration that results from the collision of two traveling vehicles and the transfer of energy from one vehicle to the other. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds might spin or flip resulting in additional force to the neck and body.
Whiplash happens when a big truck accident causes the head to snap back-and-forth quickly and violently, usually due to the force that occurs from being rear-ended or hit from behind. It results in swelling, irritation and soft tissue damage.
Symptoms of whiplash can take some time to show up, sometimes one to two days or longer. Because of its’ sometimes-delayed onset, you should be on the lookout for the following symptoms after a big truck accident:
Headache can also be a sign of a concussion, or traumatic brain injury that is caused by a hit to the head. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care.
Injuries from a big truck accident can range from minor to serious. Aside from neck and spinal injuries, victims can suffer from head and brain injuries, back injuries, broken bones including broken ribs, lacerations or cuts, torso injuries affecting the body’s vital organs, and death.
Beyond visible injuries, symptoms to watch for include:
Big truck accident injuries are not always physical, victims can be affected psychologically too. If you were involved in a big truck accident and experience depression, sadness, trouble sleeping, or other ongoing mental anguish or emotional disturbances, you should speak to your doctor immediately.
Psychological treatment is just as important as physical treatment. You should never ignore your mental health and emotional well-being following a big truck accident and/or injury.
The attorneys at Taylor Martino are experienced at handling truck accident claims and litigation in Alabama. We will fight for you so you can receive the compensation you deserve to rest, recover, and continue taking care of your family. We will zealously advocate for you and your legal rights in the traumatic aftermath of a big truck collision that has left you or your loved one injured.
This is not a one-man job. You will need a team dedicated to your financial interests to bring about an outcome that best favors your recovery and your family’s continued support. Our job is all about you—protecting you in and out of the courtroom. We will do all we can to make sure your suffering is not dragged out and that it does not cost your family a fortune you do not have. Truck accident injuries should not be coupled with financial insult due to another driver’s negligence.
If you or a loved one have sustained truck accident injuries, consulting with an Alabama Big Truck Accident Lawyer at Taylor Martino is the best way to ensure you are on the right road to recovery. We offer a free consultation to help evaluate your options, so you can decide the right course of action – whether that means negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf or filing a lawsuit.
Contact us at 251-433-3131 or here on our website to get started.
