The heavier the car, the safer it is. That is a fact backed up by physics. Because a heavier car has more mass, it does a better job absorbing a collision’s impact. That translates into less force for the occupants of that heavier car. It also means that the heavier car can create more damage. For instance, in a collision between an SUV weighing twice as much as a sedan, the sedan would suffer more damage.
Now, consider an SUV versus a semi-rig. If that semi-rig is fully loaded, it will tip the scales at 80,000 pounds. An SUV would weigh around 6,000 pounds, making the truck thirteen times heavier than the SUV, which can spell disaster for a collision between those two vehicles.
It is very common for injuries to occur in an accident with a semi-truck. An accident involving a truck will also generate automatic investigations by the state and federal agencies that oversee the trucking industry. These incidents can also involve additional at-fault parties, including the trucking company and loading crew. All of this means you need to get the support of an experienced Lexington truck accident lawyer like you’ll find at Peterson Law Office.
We provide support and guidance for our clients to take on the big insurance and trucking companies to get the maximum benefits to cover their injuries. Those expenses begin within moments of the accident and can quickly accumulate. The following information provides information about the most common injuries from commercial truck accidents and what they really cost.
Whiplash
Even a minor “tap” with a semi-rig can generate significant force that causes the head and neck to whip forward and back. The effects of a whiplash injury include damage to your muscles and ligaments. It can also manifest as chronic pain that limits your mobility. Doctors will prescribe pain management medication and physical therapy. It can mean wearing a neck brace to immobilize that area while you recover.
Cost: $5,000 to $15,000 for a mild case of whiplash. In some instances, surgery might be recommended, which will add several thousand dollars to the total medical bills.
Broken Bones
The force of impact from a truck collision can cause fractures or sprains. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you could have the bone reset and then put it into a cast for up to six weeks while the bones knit back together. With extreme fractures, surgery might be required, which can extend the recovery time.
Cost: $2,000 for less severe breaks. Upwards of $15,000 with surgery added.
Burns
The only way for the gas we put in our cars to get to the gas station is with truck transportation. These highly flammable materials increase the risk of fires in an accident. Trucks also carry corrosive chemicals that can also result in burns. The degree of burns determines the extent of recovery and medical attention. While first-degree burns are considered minor, third-degree and fourth-degree burns call for extensive medical care, surgery, and hospitalization.
Cost: $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the severity of the burn.
Lacerations
A laceration is a cut to the skin caused by broken glass and other debris in a truck accident. A minor laceration might require stitches and leave a scar. Deeper lacerations can trigger significant blood loss, infections, and permanent scarring. In some cases, reconstructive surgery could be an option that would significantly add to the expenses.
Cost: $200-$500 for outpatient care. $4,500 and up for skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in truck accidents. They can range from a mild concussion to a lifetime of mobility and cognitive challenges. Treatments can include surgery, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and possible long-term care.
Cost: Initial treatment can cost $2,000 to $401,000. Inpatient treatment can cost upwards of $46,000, and lifetime care can cost from $600,000 to $1,875,000.
Additional Costs
Additional costs are associated with truck accidents, beginning with lost wages. Accident recovery can keep you off the job for anywhere from several weeks to several months. With more extreme injuries, the recovery could last longer and might prevent you from returning to work altogether. Those lost wages can be part of the calculations you and your attorney devise as part of your settlement.
Your pain and suffering also need to be considered. This reflects the amount of discomfort the injury has caused you. It can be in the form of chronic pain, trouble sleeping, or keeping you from enjoying life like you did before the accident. This is also something that needs to be carefully calculated and is unique to each claimant.
Retaining the Right Legal Counsel
When calculating the totality of your expenses related to the truck accident, you have to get the number right. You won’t have an opportunity to ask for more once you accept the settlement.
Peterson Law Office has years of experience helping clients get the maximum amount they are due.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, you owe it to yourself to get the information about all your options for seeking compensation. Call to schedule today.
