Motor vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when large commercial trucks are involved. In Georgia, where thousands of accidents occur each year, understanding the physical impact of a truck crash is crucial.
In this informative blog, we examine the specifics of what happens to your body during such collisions, as well as how you can obtain compensation for your injuries with the help of a Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer.
The Physical Impact of a Truck Crash
The immense weight and size of a truck compared to a car creates a tremendous amount of force during a collision. This force acts on the occupants of the smaller vehicle in a brutal way, often leading to serious injuries. Here’s a closer look at what happens inside the car during a truck accident:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The sudden stop from the impact can violently whip your head back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck beyond their limits. This can cause excruciating pain, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty moving your neck. In severe cases, whiplash can even damage nerves or the discs in your spine, leading to long-term problems.
Internal Trauma
The blunt force trauma from the crash can crush or damage internal organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. You might not feel any immediate pain, but internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It is thus important to seek medical attention even if you do not feel any immediate effects following a truck accident.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are a major concern in truck accidents because the occupants of a smaller car are more likely to sustain a blow to the head. This can cause a concussion, a more serious brain injury, or even death.
Bone Fractures
The force of the impact can easily break bones, especially fragile bones like those in the ribs, arms, and legs. The severity of fractures can range from simple breaks that heal with a cast to complex compound fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Seeking Compensation Following a Truck Accident
The first step is to make sure you report the crash. Georgia law requires reporting accidents in specific situations:
- Fatalities: Any fatal crash must be reported to law enforcement.
- Injuries: When one or more people are injured, reporting is mandatory.
- Property Damage: Accidents causing property damage over $500 must be reported.
Remember that it’s critical to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain. This establishes a medical record of your injuries and strengthens your claim.
Georgia law emphasizes taking timely action. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Georgia law recognizes that the physical pain and emotional distress caused by a truck accident can be devastating. This includes the immediate pain from your injuries, as well as any chronic pain you may experience in the future.
Truck accidents can be incredibly traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological problems.
Loss of Income and Future Earnings
If injuries prevent work, victims can claim lost wages. This covers the wages you’ve lost since the accident due to your inability to work. You can also be compensated for the future wages you are likely to lose.
Consult With an Experienced Lawrenceville Truck Crash Lawyer
The physical impact of a truck crash can have life-altering consequences. Understanding your rights and the legal framework in Georgia is essential. Seek professional advice from a Lawrenceville truck accident attorney with The Weinstein Law Firm as soon as possible. You have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review.
