Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) cause more accidents than most people realize. TheFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that more than 4,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2013. Over the last decade, 73,000 truck crashes caused injuries. Many of these victims turned to a truck accident lawyer for help recovering lost income, health-care expenses and other damages.
If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent truck driver, contact the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA. A Miami truck accident lawyer can evaluate your crash to determine if you may have grounds for a claim. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a free initial consultation.
You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about truck accident claims in Florida. Until then, here are the six most common injuries people suffer in truck wrecks:
1. Cuts and Lacerations
Crushing metal and broken glass can cause serious lacerations. Cuts are painful, and if they sever an artery, they can be life-threatening. Lacerations may cause extensive scarring and require expensive medical treatment.
2. Injuries to the Abdomen
The U.S. National Library of Medicine claims that abdominal injuries are common in truck accidents, and they are responsible for more deaths than any other injury in CMV collisions. Abdominal injuries do not require an open wound; many are internal, damaging organs such as the spleen, pancreas, liver and kidney. These injuries are difficult to treat and are not always noticeable immediately.
3. Broken Bones
Trucks are enormous and heavy. The force of impact can easily fracture and break bones.
Unfortunately, these injuries are expensive to treat, and the victim may be in pain for several months. Depending on where the break or fracture is, it may prevent people from going back to work. A long recovery period is possible, during which time victims cannot earn an income.
4. Spinal Injuries
The spinal cord is crucial to body function, and if damaged, the victim may suffer a lifelong disability. Not all spinal injuries are evident immediately, but they can cause serious and permanent damage. Anyone involved in a wreck should seek urgent medical care, regardless of whether symptoms are noticeable or not.
5. Amputations
A serious truck wreck can amputate limbs. The collision itself could do it, or a doctor may need to amputate to save your life.
Losing a limb can significantly reduce your quality of life. Amputations are traumatic, and they prevent victims from leading active lifestyles.
6. Head and Neck Injuries
There are different types of brain injuries, and some are worse than others. Despite popular opinion, a concussion is serious, and any trauma to the brain can cause permanent damage.
The neck is also vulnerable. Injuries range from whiplash to a broken neck and lifelong disability.
If you were injured in a truck crash that another driver caused, contact the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA. A Miami truck accident attorney can handle settlement negotiations on your behalf, and if your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a free evaluation.