Although traumatic brain injuries can occur in just about any type of accident, they are more prevalent in truck crashes.
TBIs Caused by Truck Accidents
Although traumatic brain injuries can occur in just about any type of accident, they are more prevalent in truck crashes. This is largely due to the average loaded 80,000-pound weight of a big rig compared to a roughly 4,000-pound passenger vehicle. The type of accident specific to large trucks, such as an underride/override crash, all but ensures that traumatic brain injuries will occur.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries can occur as a result of jolts, bumps or even just rapid back and forth head movements. Despite the fact that some TBIs may be minor and heal within a couple of years, others can have devastating consequences. Trauma of this type does not always have to cause visible injury although sometimes the injuries are immediately visible and require medical attention. A traumatic brain injury can have many causes but the most common ones with a truck are:
- Traffic collisions: Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBIs. Numerous injuries occur every year as a result of accidents involving passenger vehicles and trucks.
- Truck rollovers: When a truck rounds a curve too fast, it may roll over. Rollover can also occur if the trailer is poorly or overloaded. Shifting cargo is one of the main reasons trucks roll over. This may cause injury to the driver, but other drivers can also be affected, incurring traumatic brain injuries.
- Blind spots: Since the truck driver cannot see other drivers due to blind spots, he/she may move into another lane already occupied by a passenger vehicle.
- Underride and override accidents: When a truck is speeding and is unable to stop to avoid hitting a passenger vehicle in front of them, this is called an override accident. Alternately, when a driver of a passenger vehicle speeds and hits the rear or side of a truck, they will go under the truck’s carriage. This often leads to traumatic brain injuries and deaths.
Brain Injury Compensation After an Accident
Those facing hospitalization or permanent disabilities from brain injuries often seek compensation from the negligent party or their insurance company. In such a case, you may obtain the following compensation:
- Wage loss can be recovered: If an injured worker takes a lower-paying job or can only work part-time, the difference in pay can be recovered. If in the future, the injured person will not be able to return to work because of a permanent disability, they can recover damages. A person can claim all of their income up until the time they expect to retire, including bonuses, pensions and insurance.
- Medical expenses: You can recover accident-related medical expenses. Taxi fares and gas costs can also be claimed.
- Losses by the spouse: The spouse’s loss of affection, support and consortium can be compensated.
After Traumatic Brain Injuries, Why Should You Seek Legal Advice?
Since our firm was founded, we have helped countless victims of brain injuries receive the compensation they deserve. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, we do not get paid until we win our client’s case. Please feel free to contact us for a free and no-obligation evaluation of your claim, so we can assist you with any questions you may have, determine if you have a case and show you what options you have to collect damages.
Roeser Law Firm
The Roeser Law Firm is available to help you after an accident to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us at (202) 660-4070 to set up a free case review. You can also reach out to us online.
