It’s no secret that Atlanta’s highways can be extremely busy, often translating into more accidents. As Georgia accident lawyers, we know that one of the most dangerous characteristics of Atlanta highway travel is the potential for truck accidents. Accidents involving large commercial trucks are more likely to result in severe injuries than those found in typical passenger vehicle crashes. Below, we will discuss common injuries sustained during a trucking accident, and how to find the best personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial truck.
Common Trucking Accident Causes
A commercial truck can weigh more than 30,000 lbs. not counting the weight of the freight it carries, while a typical passenger vehicle is only around 4,000 lbs. That math equates to more deadly accidents when a passenger car collides with a truck. Even more unsettling is that a majority of trucking accidents are caused by driver error, including truck-driver fatigue, distracted driving, alcohol and drugs, poor maintenance and dangerous driving.
These are some common, yet traumatic injuries sustained from truck accidents.
Back and Neck Injuries
Whiplash can occur when your head and neck snap forward due to impact from a collision. Whiplash injuries are especially common in trucking accidents since the impact may be so much more severe. Oftentimes, whiplash injuries and symptoms may not appear until hours or days after a crash, which is why it’s important to know what to look for.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can involve temporary or long-term paralysis to the lower body or torso, or injuries to the vertebrae. Spinal cord injuries from trucking injuries can be severe and often require months or years of treatment, as well as physical therapy. They can also involve complete paralysis, resulting in permanent disability.
Burns
With large commercial trucks—especially those carrying fuel or other combustible/ hazardous materials—there is a larger risk of fire caused by ruptured fuel tank or their materials igniting. This poses risk of severe burn injuries being sustained during a trucking accident.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries involved in a trucking accident can range from a mild concussion to injuries with longer-lasting effects, like a traumatic brain injury, which can often require surgery or rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries and “Minor Cuts and Bruises”
Passengers involved in trucking accidents may suffer from internal injuries, which are more difficult to notice or diagnose at first. Common injuries sustained include that to the spleen, liver, kidneys or bladder. Injury to these internal organs can be very dangerous and expensive.
The most common injury experienced in these accidents is minor cuts and bruises caused by broken glass and lighter impact. Still, many of these injuries, such as lacerations, may require a trip to the emergency room for stitches or other treatment, which equates to medical costs.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury caused by a trucking accident in Georgia, it’s important to speak with a truck accident lawyer right away. The first step after a Gwinnett County accident is to get a copy of your Gwinnett County Motor Vehicle Accident Report. And you can do so easily online.
You can also reach out to our office for a Free Case Evaluation.
An attorney who handles automobile accident cases might not also be equipped to handle the unique challenges that truck accidents present. Gwinnett Accident Lawyer, R. Michael Coker specializes in personal injury and truck accidents, and will work with you to determine long-term future costs associated with serious injuries. Gwinnett Accident Lawyer will also help guide you in how to handle the trucking companies or any other responsible parties and hold them accountable.