Accidents involving commercial trucks can have devastating consequences, like paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. These enormous vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with passenger cars, as they are much heavier and harder to control.
If you have been hurt in a truck crash, the good news it that you could be entitled to damages. One of our skilled personal injury lawyers can answer your questions and guide you through the legal system so you don’t have to handle this important task on your own. With the support of a Fort Washington truck accident lawyer who practices all over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you could hold the negligent person accountable to recover the financial damages you deserve.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
While there is the potential for serious injury with most motor vehicle collisions, those involving commercial trucks are more likely to lead to life-altering consequences. This is due in part because of the size difference between each type of vehicle. The weight and mass of the average commercial truck is about 20 times greater than a typical passenger car, on average. When the two collide, passengers in the smaller vehicles are more likely to get the worst of it.
Tractor-trailers are also more difficult to maneuver. Their stopping distance—the amount of space a truck needs to come to a complete halt—is far longer compared to passenger cars. All of this means that the injuries we see in truck crashes tend to be more severe, such as:
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputation
When these conditions occur as the result of a truck collision, our Fort Washington lawyers can investigate your claim and fight for the compensation you need to heal and return you to the life and financial situation you previously had.
Recovering Damages for Truck Collisions
Because of the risk of serious injury, these accidents can often lead to a wide array of financial compensation, and the types of damages will depend on the facts of the case. With the help and support of a Fort Washington attorney, it could be possible recover any of the following for a truck accident claim.
Medical Bills
There is a steep financial cost that comes with treating most serious injuries. Because truck accidents can leave a driver with permanent health consequences, it is possible to recoup the cost of both past and future medical care. This can include treatments like surgeries, hospitalization, pain management, and physical therapy, as well as any future costs due to a person’s new disability.
Lost Wages
Severe injuries from a truck accident can make it impossible for a person to return to work immediately. This can lead to the sudden, unexpected loss of income. While losing out on earnings can be a problem for anyone, it is often compounded when an injury victim is facing mounting medical debt. We know you may be feeling overwhelmed at this point, but the good news is that it may be possible to recover those lost wages through a civil suit.
Property Damage
While a driver’s health and safety has to be their top priority after a crash, they may be entitled to damages based on their property losses as well. Passenger cars often take the brunt of a collision with 18-wheelers, and might not be able to be driven in the aftermath. A plaintiff has the chance to seek an award based on what it costs to repair or replace their damaged vehicle, or any other significant property.
Pain and Suffering
Serious injuries often bring with them lasting pain—both physical and emotional. A successful claim could recover damages based on this suffering, including PTSD or the loss of enjoyment in life. A lawyer helps you determine how much these non-economic damages are likely worth.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in Fort Washington Now
Your life may be chaotic right now but Friedman Schuman Layser wants to make things easier. If you were hurt in a collision with a commercial vehicle through no fault of your own, you deserve justice. It may be possible to secure a financial settlement or even win a verdict at trial if you have the right team by your side. Reach out to a Fort Washington truck accident lawyer today to learn more.