Whether you call them tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or big rigs, you can find these large trucks on Georgia roads at all hours of the day and night. When a passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with a truck, the damage and injuries are often life-changing.
Truck Accident Facts and Figures
- Unless a trucker has a special permit that allows them to carry heavier loads, the maximum weight limit for an 18-wheeler is 80,000 pounds.
- It takes a distance of nearly two football fields for a fully loaded truck traveling on the highway under good conditions to make a complete stop. That’s over 700 feet.
- In 2021, 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks across the United States, and 172,000 people were injured.
- In 2021, Georgia saw 244 fatalities caused by truck accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Like other types of collisions, truck accidents can cause mild, moderate, or catastrophic injuries. The severity of related injuries will depend on the circumstances of the crash, including how fast the truck was going, how the vehicles collided, and what cargo the truck was hauling.
Spinal Cord Injuries
There are grades of spinal cord injuries ranging from A to E, which dictate the severity of the injury. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries include impaired motor function, pain, and loss of sensation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to cause lifelong challenges that require constant care. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Lethargy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Attention problems
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Balance and coordination issues
Fire and Chemical Burns
There is a risk of explosions, fires, and chemical reactions in truck accidents. Some 18-wheelers haul chemicals, gasoline, or other hazardous chemicals, which pose a significant danger if the truck is in an accident. Severe burns can result in excruciating pain and permanent scarring and lead to medical treatments like reconstructive surgery.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
A truck accident is a traumatic event, and it can easily lead to psychological injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders may require accident victims to seek therapy, counseling, or medications to cope with their symptoms.
It is recommended that you work with an attorney for your truck accident claim due to the catastrophic nature of truck accident injuries and the complex claim system. A truck accident injury lawyer will have the targeted experience your case needs.
Why are Truck Accident Injuries So Severe?
The size, weight, and height of large trucks like tractor-trailers make them especially dangerous because the injuries they inflict are often severe. Consider the following factors that increase the likelihood of accidents:
- Trucks have difficulty maneuvering and have large blind spots.
- Their weight makes it difficult to stop quickly.
- They cannot easily avoid hazards or obstacles on the road.
- Their cargo presents additional dangers due to shifting loads and chemicals.
- Drivers are at a higher risk of drowsy driving, and rushing to meet deadlines leads to speeding.
- If the trucks are not maintained properly and inspected regularly, tires blow out, brakes fail, and other systems break down.
Georgia Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
Whether your truck accident injuries are debilitating or you are already on the road to recovery, the attorneys at Flanagan Law can help you recover the damages you deserve. From broken bones and lacerations to catastrophic injuries like TBIs, we will support you from the beginning to the end of your claim process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
