Crashes involving semi-trucks can have severe consequences.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering consequences that can result from truck accidents in Texas and across the nation. These incidents often lead to TBIs due to the sheer force of impact when a commercial semi-truck collides with a smaller vehicle, subjecting passengers to sudden and violent jolts or blows to the head.
The aftermath for victims and their families is profound, grappling with not only immediate medical challenges but also long-term care needs, lost income, and the ongoing adjustments to daily living necessitated by such injuries.
In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Texas truck accident lawyers at Tracey Fox & Walters are focusing on the critical needs of TBI victims following truck wrecks. While it's impossible to reverse the events leading to the injury, understanding the importance of pursuing fair and full compensation is essential.
Such compensation is critical for covering the extensive medical treatments, rehabilitative support, and adjustments to living conditions that are often required to manage the consequences of a TBI.
How do 18-wheeler accidents cause brain injuries?
Truck accidents pose a significant risk for traumatic brain injuries due to the sheer size and mass of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. When a tractor-trailer collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact's force is disproportionately transferred to the occupants of the smaller vehicle, making TBIs more likely. Factors contributing to the risk include:
High Impact Forces
The massive weight of semi-trucks can cause severe impacts, leading to sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, which can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in injury.
Rollovers and Ejections
Trucks are more prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity. Passengers in vehicles struck by trucks can also be ejected, directly impacting their heads.
Debris and Shrapnel
Truck accidents often result in the scattering of debris, which can penetrate vehicle cabins and cause head injuries.
Secondary Collisions
The initial impact may be followed by secondary collisions with other vehicles or objects, compounding the risk of head injuries.
Common brain injuries in commercial truck wrecks
Commercial truck accidents can lead to a range of traumatic brain injuries, each varying in severity but all having the potential to significantly impact the victim's life. Common brain injuries from such incidents include:
- Concussions: Often considered mild TBIs, concussions can occur even without a direct blow to the head, resulting from the violent shaking of the head and upper body during a crash. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to more severe cognitive and neurological disruptions.
- Brain Contusions: These are bruises or bleeding on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head. Contusions can lead to swelling and increased pressure inside the skull, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Caused by severe rotation or shaking of the head, as often occurs in high-speed collisions, these injuries involve tears in the brain's long connecting nerve fibers (axons) which can disrupt normal brain function and result in coma or permanent impairment.
- Penetrating Head Injuries: These occur when debris or shrapnel from a truck accident pierces the skull, entering the brain. Such injuries are extremely serious, posing a high risk of infection and requiring surgical intervention to remove foreign objects and repair the damage.
- Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage involves bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, which can lead to increased pressure, headaches, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness.
Who pays for medical bills after a trucking accident?
After a commercial truck wreck, determining who is responsible for covering medical bills is crucial for victims facing the immediate and long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries and other serious health issues. Identifying the liable parties is complex, involving several potential sources of compensation:
- Commercial Truck Driver: If the accident resulted from the truck driver's negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws, the driver could be held liable.
- Trucking Company: The company employing the truck driver may be responsible if the accident was due to improper training, failure to maintain the vehicle, or pushing drivers to work beyond legal hours.
- Truck Manufacturer: Defects in the truck or its components, like brake failure or tire blowouts, can implicate the manufacturer in liability for the accident.
- Maintenance Providers: Companies responsible for the truck's maintenance can be held liable if negligence in upkeep contributed to the accident.
- Other Parties: Depending on the circumstances, other entities, such as cargo loaders or third-party contractors, may also bear responsibility.
The stakes are high in many brain injury claims, so determining liability is a crucial step that can significantly impact the outcome for the victim. Liability in these cases often involves the collection of detailed evidence to build a strong case.
Identifying the responsible party or parties not only establishes who is at fault but also determines the sources from which compensation can be sought to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and other damages related to the injury.
Our Texas truck accident lawyers fight for brain injury victims
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our Texas truck accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of brain injury victims. We meticulously investigate each case, gathering evidence to build a compelling argument for liability and fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Our goal is to relieve the burden on you and your family, allowing you to focus on recovery and rehabilitation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward the best possible outcome for your brain injury claim. Schedule a free and confidential case evaluation today.