Common Injuries Caused by Trucking Accidents in Greeneville
Semis and other large trucks make up a small percentage of vehicles on Greeneville-area roads. But when they are involved in an accident, they are more likely to cause significant and even fatal injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), large trucks made up only 4 percent of registered vehicles on the road, but they accounted for over 10 percent of vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
At The Terry Law Firm, we understand the long-term impact that Greeneville truck accident injuries can have on you, and we’re here to help. We’re a family law firm focused on standing up for the people of Greeneville and surrounding areas of East Tennessee. And with over 50 years of combined experience, we can take on even the most complicated truck accident cases.
The time after a Greeneville truck accident can be stressful and confusing, but you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Contact The Terry Law Firm now for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Types of Injuries in a Truck Accident in Greeneville
Truck accident injuries are often more severe than injuries suffered in a typical car crash. That’s because trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, meaning a truck accident can involve extreme amounts of force. That can translate to life-threatening injuries and permanent disability.
Truck crash injuries in Greeneville could include:
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe harms someone can suffer. Less-severe damage to the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation, reduced control of limbs, and transformation of how you lead your life. When the spinal cord is crushed or severed, it could lead to paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Some traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can take months or even years to heal, while others are permanent. While doctors can repair bleeding, tears, and other brain injuries, victims may face permanent changes to their life and their ability to earn a living.
- Traumatic orthopedic injuries – When people are in truck accidents, it’s common to suffer joint and soft tissue injuries. Torn rotator cuffs, ligaments, and sprained muscles can all cause problems for years after an accident.
- Burns – In a truck accident, injury victims could suffer burns from flammable materials such as gasoline. Skin grafts and other surgeries may be necessary to treat them, and even then, victims could face significant scarring and trauma.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most common truck accident injuries. The force of an impact can send the head forward and then snap it back. That can cause spinal damage, stiffness, and other symptoms such as fatigue and ringing in the ears.
- Broken Bones – People involved in truck accidents in Greeneville often report broken bones due to the impact. While modern medicine may repair the break, victims may suffer reduced mobility and long-term pain related to their injuries.
- Internal Injuries – These are serious truck accident injuries that demand immediate medical care. The force of a truck impact can cause internal organs to bruise or tear even when there are no apparent external symptoms. Dangerous bleeding and loss of organ function could result if left untreated.
- Head Injuries – During a truck accident, drivers and passengers may strike their heads on the inside of a vehicle, or they may be struck by objects pushed into the car. Head injuries can leave those involved with headaches, blurred vision, and long-term issues.
- Amputation and disfigurement – Truck accidents are powerful and destructive events. Jagged glass and metal can leave deep cuts. That could lead to permanent disfigurement and the loss of affected limbs.
- PTSD and other psychological issues – People involved in a truck accident could face a host of stressors and emotional pain after an accident. Many people who have been in truck accidents report depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and other serious problems that can interfere with every part of their lives.
- Fatal injuries – Truck accidents are more likely than other traffic accidents to result in the loss of life. According to the NSC, the number of deadly accidents involving a large truck has increased, with over 5,000 trucks involved in fatal accidents in one recent year.
Why Truck Crash Injuries Are Often Worse
Cars are designed to withstand many types of impacts and protect drivers on the road. But large trucks can easily overwhelm a standard passenger vehicle in an accident.
Trucks hauling cargo in Tennessee could weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning a truck accident could translate to a massive amount of force even at low speeds. The more force involved, the more likely it is that car occupants will suffer serious injuries.
Expenses Related to Greeneville Truck Crash Injuries
If you’re dealing with truck accident injuries, you could be facing many different expenses, all while you’re out of work and unable to earn a living. Ordinary expenses following an accident include:
- Bills for hospital stays
- Costs of medical treatments and surgeries
- Physical therapy and support
- In-home care costs
- Medical supply costs
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Costs of renting a car or getting transportation to appointments
Types of Compensation You Could Recover for Your Injuries
After an accident, a truck accident attorney in Greeneville can review your case and let you know what types of compensation you could recover. You could be entitled to compensation such as:
- The cost of your medical care
- Vehicle and personal property replacement costs
- Wages and income you lose because of your injuries
- The cost of any disabilities you suffer
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
In some exceptional cases, punitive damages may be available. If you have questions about what compensation you could be entitled to after a Greeneville truck accident, get in touch with our truck accident attorneys today.
Contact Our Experienced Greeneville Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you were involved in a truck accident in Greeneville, reach out to The Terry Law Firm now. We’ve been serving the people of Greeneville and East Tennessee since 1960, and we’re proud of the successes we’ve delivered for our clients. We care about our friends and neighbors in Greeneville, and we’re here to stand up for you.
Call us or reach out online today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and when you’re working with us, you pay us nothing unless we win for you.
Truck Accidents
How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?
When you file a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for various expenses and losses you incurred due to the crash. Your case may provide you with financial recovery for your:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income
- Lost future earning potential and job benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment or quality of life
- Vehicle repairs or reimbursement of your car’s value
Should I Call the Police After My Truck Accident?
Yes, it’s crucial to call the police at the scene of a truck accident. The police can investigate the crash scene, gather information from the truck driver and other motorists and eyewitnesses, and prepare an accident report. Police crash reports often provide critical information for truck accident claims.
What Else Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?
Other steps you should take at the crash scene include:
- Check on everyone involved in the accident to see if anyone requires immediate medical attention.
- Move your vehicle out of the path of traffic if possible, or walk to the side of the road if your car has been disabled.
- Get the truck driver’s employer and insurance information and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the crash.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, and traffic controls at the scene.
- Talk to eyewitnesses to obtain a brief statement of what they saw and their contact information.
Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident?
In most cases, the insurer of the at-fault truck driver or the trucking company that employed the driver will pay you compensation for your truck accident claim if they are found liable. Other parties may also have liability for the accident, including:
- The truck’s owner
- The cargo company
- The truck and trailer manufacturer
- Manufacturers of parts used on the truck
- Third-party auto shops that serviced the truck
Do I Need a Lawyer to Help After a Truck Accident?
You should contact a truck accident attorney immediately after a truck accident. A lawyer will know what it takes to thoroughly investigate the accident and prepare a compelling, persuasive legal claim. A lawyer can also document your injuries and losses and estimate future expenses to ensure you seek total compensation. Your attorney can also deal with trucking company representatives, insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, or bill collectors on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
Are There Special Laws That Apply in Truck Accident Cases?
Although liability for the truck accident is determined under traditional state negligence laws, other laws – such as state and federal trucking industry regulations – may affect the outcome of your case. For example, a truck driver’s violation of the federal or state hours-of-service regulations may serve as evidence that they were too tired to drive safely. Speak with your attorney to learn more about the laws that apply in your case.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex?
Here are some factors that make truck accident cases more complicated than other kinds of auto accident claims:
- Truck accident victims often suffer more severe injuries that require longer, more expensive medical care.
- Truck accidents can injure more people than other types of crashes.
- Truck accidents may have multiple liable parties who will fight with each other to shift financial responsibility among themselves.
- Truck accident claims may involve lots of complex evidence.
- Trucking companies may have complicated corporate structures or layered insurance policies that make it difficult to determine the extent of financial assets available to the company.