Collisions involving tractor-trailers are increasingly common as we become more reliant on them to distribute goods and services. Statistically, a person is injured or killed in a crash between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle about every 15 minutes. Passenger vehicles make up a large percentage of injuries and fatalities in tractor-trailer crashes. Tractor-trailer drivers have reduced visibility due to the size of their trucks and the speed at which smaller cars navigate around them. Unfortunately, this combination of factors and the size of tractor-trailers can cause more severe injuries to those in passenger vehicles.
Injuries Suffered in Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Tractor-trailer accidents between small passenger vehicles and larger freighted tractor-trailers can cause devastating injuries. Many factors can affect the severity of the damages incurred. For example, the size of the vehicles involved, the safety of the passenger vehicle and the degree to which the safety features deployed, the force of the impact, and the speed at which the vehicles were traveling can all contribute to overall severity.
Victims of tractor-trailer collisions suffer all types of injuries, including:
- Head or Brain Injuries – A TBI (traumatic brain injury) can cause long-term effects and debilitating pain and, therefore, require immediate attention.
- Neck or Back Injuries – Spinal injuries like ruptured discs and spinal cord trauma can have lasting effects if not treated promptly and accurately. These conditions can be complex and often difficult to diagnose.
- Broken Ribs and Internal Injuries – These injuries are life-threatening and sometimes go undiagnosed. It’s important to seek medical attention after any accident with a tractor-trailer to make sure you are not suffering any internal injuries.
- Lacerations, bruising – Cuts and bruises might not seem serious, but it’s important to get treatment for any injuries.
- Whiplash – One of the most well-known injuries resulting from an automobile accident. If you are experiencing stiffness and pain in your head and neck area, physicians can assist you by prescribing physical therapy and potentially other treatments.
After dealing with the immediate aftermath, it is common to notice that you suffer pain with everyday activities. Neck and back pain as a result of a crash will likely linger for days or weeks after a collision.
Representation for Tractor-Trailer Collisions
If you or a loved one are injured in a tractor-trailer collision, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Maginnis Howard handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict or settlement in your case.
We have three conveniently located offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville and serve clients across the Carolinas. Visit our contact page for more information or use our Live Chat feature to chat with an intake agent.
