Large trucks far outweigh the average passenger vehicle and because they sit so much higher off the ground, it is not uncommon for a car to underride a truck during an accident. This combination of factors can be devastating during a truck accident, resulting in life-threatening and even fatal injuries for the occupants of the car, and potentially the truck driver as well.
If you or someone you love was hurt or sustained fatal injuries in a truck accident, you have the right to hold any negligent parties responsible for your losses.
The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is here to help. We understand how overwhelming it can be to even consider pursuing legal action after an accident, especially while you are still healing from your injuries. However, we are here to take that burden off you and help you pursue damages.
Our Saint Cloud truck accident lawyers have worked on many cases like yours and are proud of their results. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact the team at Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (407) 556-3994.
Types of Injuries That Can Occur in Truck Accidents
Because of the sheer weight and size of trucks, the injuries sustained in these accidents can be life-altering. Some of the possible injuries you may suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a victim experiences a sudden blow to the head that disrupts the normal function of their brain. These injuries can range in severity. In serious cases, the injury impacts cognitive function and even changes the victim’s personality.
- Broken bones: Broken bones, also known as fractures, are common in truck accidents because of the force sustained in the crash. Typically, broken bones heal without complication. However, problems can occur if the bone shattered in multiple pieces on impact or pierced the skin, causing severe bleeding and potentially leading to infection.
- Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord is responsible for taking messages from the brain and delivering them to other parts of the body. An injury to the spinal cord can impact the victim’s mobility and create a loss of sensation in the limbs. Many accident victims require a wheelchair or other assistive device after this type of injury.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding is a symptom of damage done to the internal organs or the brain, rather than an injury itself. However, it can quickly become life-threatening and lead to other symptoms, including external bleeding, seizures, coma, and even death.
To consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer serving St. Cloud, call 855-780-9986
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A Saint Cloud truck accident lawyer understands that many factors could have led to the accident that caused your injuries. Determining what caused your accident helps in establishing liability and whether you may be able to recover compensation.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue, or drowsy driving, commonly occurs because of the long hours that truck drivers spend behind the wheel. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations allow truck drivers to drive up to 11 hours at a time, but many push well beyond 11 hours to meet their deadlines. Unfortunately, long hours behind the wheel and drowsy driving can make it hard to focus on the road and difficult to react quickly if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Braking Limitations
Large trucks, as mentioned above, are far heavier than the average passenger car. In fact, the average truck weighs as much as 20 to 30 times more than many cars. While large trucks have advanced braking capabilities, it can still take a substantial distance for them to stop—a much greater distance than a car. It can take even more time for them to stop if the roads are slick because of weather conditions.
Defective Equipment
A 2010 study in the Journal of the Transportation Research Board showed that defective brakes, steering, and other equipment are found in more than half of post-crash truck inspections. When evaluating equipment violations, braking (36%), and lighting system (19%) violations were found to be the most common.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a problem for all motorists. While it is illegal for truck drivers to text and drive, they are still highly susceptible to distractions to pass the time. Distracted driving includes any type of behavior that could take a driver’s focus off the road, including eating behind the wheel, changing the radio station, or just allowing their mind to wander. Even using a hands-free device while driving a truck can create a distraction that impairs a truck driver’s ability to react quickly to avoid an accident.
If you are hurt because of an accident caused by one of these factors or something else, you have the right to hold the negligent party or parties responsible for your losses. A Saint Cloud truck accident lawyer can help. For a free review of your case, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (407) 556-3994 to speak with a team member.
St. Cloud Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident
Every truck accident is different, so we cannot estimate the damages you might be able to recover from your accident without first examining the details of your case. That said, some common types of damages that victims are able to recover include:
- Medical costs
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Property damage
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How a Saint Cloud Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Saint Cloud truck accident lawyer can help you gather evidence like police reports and eyewitness statements. They can help determine the accident’s ultimate cause and who is liable for the injuries that resulted from the accident.
They can also gather medical records, doctor’s statements, and expert testimony to determine the full value of the case, including the cost of your pain and suffering. Finally, they can negotiate with the other party’s lawyers to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns has worked on many truck accident cases, and we are ready to get to work for you today. For a free, no-risk review of your case by one of our team members, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (407) 556-3994.
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