A truck is driving on a highway along the coast.

Large commercial trucks are massive, weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The average passenger sedan, by contrast, weighs near 4,000 pounds. That’s why a semi-truck accident is significantly more likely to cause devastating, permanent, and debilitating injury to occupants in other vehicles, no matter where it happens. Since damages to occupants of smaller vehicles can be so catastrophic, a trusted personal injury attorney understands that it is incredibly important to hold those accountable for their negligence and seek the compensation you are rightfully owed. For help with every step of the personal injury claim process, our Morehead truck accident lawyers are here to offer legal guidance and support.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, a total of 806 roadway fatalities occurred in 2021. When it comes to large truck accidents, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2014 that there were 68 deaths on Kentucky roads that involved large tractor trailers. That same year the Kentucky State Police reported that trucks were involved in 9,309 crashes.

The number of 18-wheelers accidents across the country has been rising since 2009. The statistics show that when smaller passenger vehicles are fatally hit by a commercial truck, 68% of all deaths are occupants of that smaller vehicle. Surprisingly, these incidents tend to happen most often during the daytime. A truck accident attorney could with the details surrounding a case in Morehead.

Catastrophic Injuries After a Commercial Truck Accident

car accident between two or more passenger vehicles can very easily produce catastrophic damages and harm, even death. Large truck accidents, however, often result in devastating and cataclysmic injuries and losses, which can be both debilitating and permanent. A Morehead truck accident attorney is familiar with these types of incidents and could help with a case. Some of these potential injuries include:

Spinal Cord Injuries/Back/Neck

Back, neck, and spine injuries can happen in any type of traffic collision, but even more after a truck accident. Every bone in the back and spine, as well as accompanying ligaments and other soft tissue, are vulnerable to injury should a crash take place. In some instances, the symptoms will be immediately apparent. When the spinal cord is badly damaged, a victim may even suffer paralysis. In other situations, it could take hours or even days before a victim realizes they suffered severe injuries, like with whiplash.

Brain Injuries

The head and brain are also often impacted by a crash. Crushed glass, foreign objects, and other debris can cause catastrophic harm to the brain. These types of traumatic brain injuries have the potential to affect a victim for the rest of their life. TBI injuries can be so severe, that full recovery may never be possible. In these cases, the quality of life a victim once knew is changed forever.

Burns

When a fuel tank is penetrated during a truck accident, the chances of explosions increase substantially. These fires can start small and grow substantially larger, causing widespread destruction quickly. In these scenarios, a victim can often suffer painful burn injuries, permanent disfigurement, and extensive emotional trauma.

Loss of Limbs or Digits

We have already established that truck accidents can cause crushing harm to victims. The crash itself can even sever a digit or limb from the body. In other cases, a semi-truck accident can smash a limb so badly that there is no chance to save it – meaning there is no choice but to pursue amputation. This loss will forever change a victim’s life, causing staggering medical bills to recover.

Internal Injuries

A forceful impact on the body can very frequently cause damage to internal organs, like the spleen, kidneys, and liver. These injuries, if left untreated, can lead to widespread blood poisoning and even death.

Broken Bones

Bones can be smashed or fractured. There are several different ways that a bone can break including:

  • Open fractures– The broken bone pierces through the skin.
  • Closed fracture – The broken bone is not seen outside of the skin.
  • Compound fracture- The bone has not punctured the skin but is visible.
  • Complete fractures– the bone is entirely broken into two or more pieces.
  • Partial fractures– The bone is not completely broken.
  • Stable fractures– Broken bone where the portions that are affected have not shifted and remain in line.
  • Displaced fractures– breaks in the bone where the portions of the bone are moved out of their position. This type of fracture may need surgical repair.

Bruising and Lacerations

The skin can easily be damaged by sharp objects, and intense compression can cause significant bruising. These wounds can take months to heal and even require consistent treatment for extended periods of time.

Death

This is by far the worst-case scenario in any truck accident. Loved ones can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their family member to receive compensation.

How to Select the Best Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial truck accidents are often legally complex and challenging in Morehead and a skilled attorney could help. To secure as much compensation as possible, it is critical to identify which parties are to blame for a victim’s damages, particularly if those damages are catastrophic. In order to find the best truck accident attorney for you, it’s important to hire an attorney that will be your advocate in your unique scenario.

An experienced legal professional with a proven track record of success will help ensure your legal and financial rights remain protected. At Maze Law Offices, we pride ourselves in providing services that are adaptable to our client’s needs. We work to help victims receive the justice they deserve, through customized strategies catered to meet your goals.

Contact Our Morehead Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Innocent victims and their families are often faced with staggering medical bills, physical pain, property damage, repairs, mental trauma, and sometimes even the loss of a loved one. At Maze Law Offices, we understand that you are reaching out to us for help. Our Morehead truck accident lawyers are always dedicated to offering clear, transparent communications with victims. When you consider pursuing compensation for the harm you endured, please reach out to our experienced legal team. Consultations are always free and same-day appointments are offered.

Maze Law Offices N/a (606) 773-7714