Truck Accident Attorney in Columbia, Illinois

Truck accidents are among the most severe types of motor vehicle collisions due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. These accidents often result in significant injuries and fatalities.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Stephen C. Buser, Ltd. Attorney Stephen C. Buser is dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents secure the compensation they deserve.

Factors Contributing to Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents involve large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and big rigs colliding with smaller passenger cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The force and impact generated by these collisions can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening.

Several factors contribute to the severity and type of injuries sustained in truck accidents:

• Size and Weight: Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, according to truck mechanics. This size disparity increases the force of impact in collisions.

• Speed: The speed at which a truck is traveling at the time of impact influences the severity of injuries. High-speed collisions are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries.

• Driver Fatigue: Truck driver fatigue, often due to long hours on the road and inadequate rest breaks, increases the risk of accidents. Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

• Cargo Loads: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or spill its load, leading to accidents and injuries.

• Driver Error: Common errors such as speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and failure to yield the right of way contribute to truck accidents.

• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can impair visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. The severity and type of injuries depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, safety features in vehicles, and the use of seat belts. The following are some of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents.

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions where the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion. Whiplash can vary in severity and may require physical therapy or other treatments for recovery.

2. Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Head injuries are prevalent in truck accidents, especially when occupants are ejected from the vehicle or hit their heads on hard surfaces. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life. TBIs require immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation.

3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a truck accident can cause severe back injuries, including fractures, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.

4. Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are common in high-impact truck accidents where blunt force trauma can damage internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent and require urgent medical evaluation and treatment.

5. Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures and broken bones are frequent injuries in truck accidents, particularly in collisions where vehicles are crushed or occupants are ejected. Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or facial bones, depending on the nature of the impact.

6. Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises

Flying debris, shattered glass, and sharp metal edges in truck accidents can cause cuts, lacerations, and bruises to occupants. While these injuries may be less severe than others, they can still require medical attention, stitches, and treatment to prevent infection.

7. Burn Injuries

Truck accidents involving fires or explosions can lead to burn injuries to occupants. Burns can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns, requiring immediate medical treatment, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.

8. Psychological and Emotional Trauma

The emotional impact of a truck accident can be profound, causing psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Victims may require counseling or therapy to cope with the psychological aftermath of the accident.

Medical Implications and Treatment Options

The medical implications of injuries sustained in truck accidents vary widely depending on their severity and the overall health of the victims. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent complications and promote recovery. Treatment options may include:

• Emergency Medical Care: Immediate medical attention is crucial for assessing and stabilizing serious injuries, such as head trauma, internal bleeding, or spinal cord injuries.

• Surgery: Some injuries, such as fractures, internal organ damage, or severe lacerations, may require surgical intervention to repair tissues, stabilize fractures, or prevent further complications.

• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation through physical therapy is essential for restoring mobility, strength, and range of motion after orthopedic injuries or spinal cord damage.

• Medications: Pain management medications, antibiotics to prevent infection, and other prescription drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms and promote healing.

• Long-Term Care: Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, may require long-term care, adaptive equipment, and modifications to living spaces to improve quality of life.

Legal Considerations and Recourse for Victims

In addition to medical treatment, victims of truck accidents may pursue legal recourse with a Columbia personal injury lawyer to recover damages and hold responsible parties accountable. Truck accident lawsuits often involve challenging legal issues, including liability, insurance coverage, and compliance with federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles. Key legal considerations include:

1. Determining Liability

Establishing liability in truck accidents may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance provider, or other third parties. Evidence such as accident reconstruction reports, witness statements, and electronic logging device (ELD) data may be used to determine fault.

2. Insurance Coverage

Trucking companies are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages in the event of accidents. Insurance policies may include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Negotiating with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation requires legal expertise and an understanding of insurance law. That's where a Columbia personal injury lawyer comes in. Reach out to the Law Office of Stephen C. Buser, Ltd. to schedule a consultation with a Columbia personal injury lawyer you can depend on.

3. Federal and State Regulations

Trucking companies and drivers must comply with federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles, including hours-of-service regulations, vehicle maintenance requirements, driver qualifications, and cargo securement standards. Violations of these regulations can contribute to accidents and may establish liability in legal proceedings.

4. Statute of Limitations

Each state imposes a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. Victims must file their claims within the statutory timeframe to preserve their right to seek compensation for damages. As reported by NOLO, the statute of limitations is two years in the state of Illinois. Be sure to contact a Columbia personal injury attorney within two years of your injury to file a claim.

5. Types of Damages

Victims of truck accidents may seek various types of damages in personal injury claims, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to temporary or permanent disability resulting from the accident.

• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

• Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property damaged in the accident.

• Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Reach Out to a Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries that have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. Prompt medical attention, documentation of injuries and damages, and a consultation with a qualified Columbia personal injury lawyer are critical for recovering compensation and rebuilding lives after a serious truck accident. 

If you've been the victim of a truck accident and you're in need of a Columbia personal injury lawyer, reach out to the Law Offices of Stephen C. Buser, Ltd. Attorney Stephen C. Buser helps clients across the St. Louis Metro area and Southern Illinois as well as Columbia, Waterloo, Millstadt, Belleville, Fairview Heights, South County, Mehlville, Oakville, Arnold, and beyond.