Truck accidents are often life-altering. Unlike a typical car accident, when a truck is involved, the outcomes can be devastating—and not just for those directly impacted but also for their families. If you or someone you care about has been in a truck accident, you already know this firsthand. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can seem insurmountable. But there is hope for recovery, and understanding your options is the first step forward.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe?
Simply put, trucks are massive. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average car's 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. The results are often catastrophic when that weight collides with a much smaller vehicle. But it’s not just their size that makes these accidents so severe:
- Force of Impact: When that much weight is moving at highway speeds, the force of a collision is immense, leaving smaller vehicles with little chance of escaping severe damage. This often leads to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and fractures.
- Height Differences: Trucks sit higher off the ground, making underride accidents tragically common when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck during a collision. These accidents often have deadly outcomes.
- Hazardous Materials: Some trucks carry dangerous cargo, such as flammable or toxic materials. If these are spilled in an accident, the repercussions can include burns, respiratory damage, or environmental hazards.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
Understanding why truck accidents happen can help paint a clearer picture of liability and recovery. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight deadlines. Despite regulations requiring rest breaks, fatigue remains a leading cause of accidents, as drowsy driving can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or even adjusting the GPS can result in a devastating lapse in attention. For truck drivers, even a momentary distraction can lead to disaster.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance of brakes, tires, or other critical components can cause trucks to lose control, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Uneven or unsecured loads can shift during transit, throwing the truck off balance and increasing the risk of rollover accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Some drivers speed, tailgate, or fail to adapt to road conditions, putting others in serious jeopardy.
What Can You Do to Recover?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, recovery may feel overwhelming. While every case is unique, there are steps you can take to begin rebuilding your life physically, emotionally, and financially.
1. Focus on Your Health
Your health should be your first priority. Seek medical attention as soon as you are able to—some conditions, like concussions or back/neck injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and do your best to attend follow-up appointments.
2. Prioritize Emotional Healing
Catastrophic accidents often involve more than physical injuries; trauma and anxiety are common as well. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you process what happened and take steps toward emotional recovery.
3. Gather Evidence
If you’re able, document everything about the accident. If you're in the physical and emotional condition to do so, take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Keep copies of your medical records, police report, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
4. Understand Liability
One of the most complex aspects of truck accidents is determining who is at fault. It’s not always just the truck driver—sometimes the trucking company, others involved in the transportation endeavor, or cargo loaders share responsibility. A competent attorney can investigate the details and determine all liable parties, maximizing your chances for a full recovery.
5. File a Claim
Truck accident claims often involve navigating through insurance policies, trucking regulations, and sometimes lawsuits. This can be incredibly challenging on your own. A skilled lawyer can help you file a claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
6. Seek Compensation
After a truck accident, your recovery might require more than just medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, ongoing medical care, and more. Pursuing these damages may seem daunting, but having an experienced advocate on your side can make all the difference.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Truck accident cases are often more complicated than regular car accident claims. The trucking industry has its rules and regulations, and large trucking companies usually have their legal teams ready to defend them. Having a personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of these cases can level the playing field and ensure your voice is heard.
A strong legal advocate will handle the paperwork, deal with insurance companies, and build a solid case for you—so you can focus on healing. Most importantly, they’ll fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Los Angeles Truck Accidents Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident in El Segundo, CA, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to securing fair compensation and supporting victims in their recovery journey. Contact us today at (866) 634-4525 to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of truck accident cases. Let us be your advocate and partner in achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.