If you suffered injuries in a Texas catastrophic truck accident injury, you’re likely facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
However, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact an experienced Texas catastrophic truck accident injury attorney at the Law Office of Aaron Herbert today.
If you cannot speak with us we want you to know what to do after a truck accident - from a legal perspective. We understand this is a terrifying and traumatic time for you and your family. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Are you unsure about what to do following a serious truck accident? The steps you take after an accident can affect your potential personal injury claim and help you protect your rights. Read on to learn more about what to do following a truck accident.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can be devastating, and victims may suffer from various types of injuries. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in a truck accident can be much more severe than those suffered in a typical car accident. Many victims are left with residual pain or permanent damage. Here’s a closer look at the most common truck accident injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a victim’s brain suffers injury due to a sudden force or impact. These types of injuries can occur when your head strikes a hard surface, such as a steering wheel, or when your brain suffers a jolt because of a collision. Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe, including loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, headaches, and seizures.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital and delicate part of the central nervous system. Injuries to the spinal cord can have severe consequences. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bodily functions. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck accident can cause victims to suffer from broken bones and fractures. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended recovery periods. Fractures in the arms, legs, and pelvis are some of the most common types of fractures suffered in truck accidents.
Internal Injuries
Not all injuries are visible. Internal injuries can occur in truck accidents due to the force of the impact itself or because you collide with a surface or object, such as a dashboard or an airbag, during a crash. These injuries can be challenging to detect, and symptoms may not appear immediately. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Burn Injuries
Truck accidents can also result in burn injuries, which can be caused by fire, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces. Burn injuries can be excruciating and may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Amputations
When your limb is crushed or severely injured, there’s a risk of amputation. These injuries can be life-altering and may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and prosthetics.
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash are also common in truck accidents. Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by your head jerking back and forth suddenly. This sudden motion can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck and can result in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Emotional Trauma
Truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma, which can have long-lasting effects on your mental health. Emotional trauma can cause anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological disorders. Some victims require counseling or other forms of mental health treatment to help them cope with the emotional effects of an accident.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
The steps you take after a truck accident can help you make your compensation claim stronger. However, taking care of your health should always be your main focus. Never do something that could cause further injury or put your safety at risk. Here’s a look at what to do after a truck accident - from a catastrophic truck accident injury attorney.
Call the Police
Contact 911 to have police and emergency medical services respond to the scene. The officer will create an accident report that will likely include the names of all involved parties, witness statements, and the officer’s findings. This report can become crucial evidence in a personal injury claim, especially if your case goes to trial.
Document the Scene and Exchange Information
Take pictures of the accident scene if you can do so safely. Take photos showing any damage to your vehicle and the truck. Also, take pictures of any visible injuries you’ve suffered. Make sure to exchange contact information with the truck driver and witnesses who might have stopped.
Seek Timely Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority after a truck accident. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and seeking medical attention can help ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.
Report the Claim to Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible and tell them you were involved in a severe injury accident. Your insurance company will tell you whether you need to report the loss to the truck driver’s insurance or whether they will handle filing a claim.
Consult with a Catastrophic Truck Accident Injury Attorney
Truck accidents can be complex—especially when you have severe or catastrophic injuries. Hiring a lawyer helps you protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.
How Much Will A Truck Accident Lawsuit Cost Me?
How much will a truck accident lawsuit cost me? Understandably, you might be concerned about the costs of hiring a lawyer and pursuing litigation.
Fortunately, most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. There’s no upfront legal cost to you in a contingency fee arrangement. Instead, your lawyer will take a percentage of any settlement or judgment you receive.
What Is the Average Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?
What is the average semi-truck accident settlement? Semi-truck accident settlement amounts depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
For that reason, there is no average settlement amount for these types of accidents. Settlements may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Multiple factors will influence your case value, including:
- Severity and type of injuries,
- Liability,
- Total damages, and
- Available insurance coverage.
Rather than research average settlement amounts, speak to a catastrophic truck accident injury attorney at the Law Office of Aaron Herbert. Our team can help you calculate the value of your case so that you can be sure you’re seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help
How can a truck accident lawyer help? A truck accident lawyer can help you in many ways, including:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence,
- Interviewing witnesses,
- Calculating your damages;
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies,
- Representing you in court, and
- Ensuring all legal deadlines are met.
When you hire the Law Office of Aaron Herbert to represent you, our team will be there for you every step of the way.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you sustained injuries in a truck accident, the Law Office of Aaron Herbert stands ready to help you seek justice. Attorney Aaron Herbert is passionate about fighting for his clients and helping them pursue the compensation they deserve.
Let our Texas truck accident attorney help you navigate the challenges of the Texas legal system so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.