- Second, you are entitled to non-economic damages. These are damages that do not necessarily have a dollar amount but compensate you for intangible losses. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

- When considering filing a legal claim for your losses, it is important to consult with a California truck accident attorney to ensure you maximize your compensation.

what are some common injrues after a truck accident

By nature, truck accidents are more dangerous than regular vehicle accidents. They can lead to arange of serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some commoninjuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These occur from direct impact to the head or fromthe brain moving violently within the skull during the collision. Symptoms can vary fromconcussions to severe brain damage affecting cognitive functions and motor skills.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Victims may experience loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact collisions often result in broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs. Internal bleeding or organ rupture can be life-threatening and requires immediate medicalattention.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains, strains, and tears. Whiplash, a common soft tissue injury from rear-end collisions, can lead to long-term neck and back pain.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries: Due to the impact and possible seatbelt use, injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and abdominal trauma are common and can lead to serious complications.
• Limb Amputations: In severe cases, traumatic injuries may result in the loss of a limb, either partially or completely.
• Psychological Trauma: Survivors may also suffer from emotional and psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can have long-lasting effects on mental health and quality of life.

why are truck accidents more dangerous?

Besides the obviousness of size, there are many factors that create more dangerous conditions when involved in a truck accident

• Size and Weight Discrepancy: Trucks, particularly large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, or “big-rigs” are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. This means thatwhen a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the force of the impact is much greater, often resulting in more severe damage and injuries. The sheer mass of a truck increases the likelihoodfor catastrophic outcomes in a collision.
• Increased Stopping Distance: Due to their size and weight, trucks require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. This extended stopping distance increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, especially in situations where suddenbraking is necessary. Additionally, the trucks braking system can be less effective when fully loaded or poorly maintained.
• Higher Impact Force: because of the size and weight of trucks, they pack a lot more energy in the event of a crash. This extra force leads to more violent collisions, causing severe damageto both the truck and any other vehicles involved, as well as increasing the risk of serious injuries to occupants.
• Limited Maneuverability: Trucks have larger blind spots and are less maneuverable than passenger cars. This limited maneuverability can make it difficult for truck drivers to avoidobstacles or sudden changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, trucks may take wider turns and require more space to navigate, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
• Driver Fatigue: Long-haul truck drivers often work extended hours, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness. Driving while tired can slow down a drivers reaction time and affect their judgment, raising the chances of accidents. Even though there are rules about how long drivers can be on the road, it’s tough to enforce them, and driver fatigue continues to be a major cause of truck accidents.
• Load-Related Issues: Trucks carry substantial cargo that can shift during transit. Improperly secured loads can lead to dangerous situations, such as cargo falling onto the road or causing the truck to become unstable. Additionally, the weight of the cargo can affect the trucks handling and braking performance.
• Complex Regulations and Maintenance: Trucks are subject to numerous regulations regarding maintenance and safety inspections. Non-compliance or mechanical failures due topoor maintenance can lead to accidents. Ensuring that a truck is in proper working order iscrucial for preventing accidents and protecting road safety.
• Psychological Trauma: Survivors may also suffer from emotional and psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which canhave long-lasting effects on mental health and quality of life.

contact a truck accident lawyer today

If you or your loved one was injured in a truck accident, our team of attorneys are ready to fight for justice. We will evaluate your claim from the start to ensure a strong case, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure your rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation, call (818)804-8904 or fill out our contact us form to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers.