Each year, thousands of people in California and across the country suffer serious injuries from truck accidents. Because of their massive size and weight, trucks often cause devastating damage in collisions, leaving victims with life-changing injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. From spinal cord trauma to severe burns, the physical and emotional toll is immense — and the legal aftermath can be just as challenging.
At Hillstone Law, we help victims of truck accidents secure the compensation they need for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery. Below, we break down the most common injuries, leading causes, ways to prevent these accidents, and the legal rights available to victims.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive treatment and recovery. Some of the most common include:
1. Back and Neck Injuries
The force of a truck collision can lead to whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries. In the most severe cases, victims may suffer partial or complete paralysis, altering the course of their lives forever.
2. Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a frequent result of high-impact truck accidents. Victims may experience anything from mild concussions to severe brain damage that affects memory, mobility, and cognitive function. Skull fractures and penetrating injuries can also leave permanent impairments.
3. Broken Bones
Truck crashes often cause multiple fractures, ranging from broken arms and legs to more complex fractures in the pelvis or spine. Compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, require intensive medical care and carry a high risk of infection.
4. Internal Injuries
The impact of a collision can damage vital organs such as the lungs, liver, or heart. Internal bleeding and punctured or collapsed lungs are particularly dangerous and require immediate emergency treatment.
5. Burns
If a crash leads to a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burns that cause permanent scarring, infections, and lifelong physical and emotional challenges.
Leading Causes of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents are usually the result of multiple factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), up to 13% of commercial truck drivers involved in crashes were fatigued at the time of the collision.
- Poor Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems from inadequate maintenance can quickly turn deadly.
- Adverse Weather: Fog, heavy rain, and icy roads make large trucks even harder to control.
- Human Error: Speeding, distracted driving, or improper lane changes contribute significantly to crashes.
- Equipment Failures: Faulty parts or defective designs may put both drivers and other motorists at risk.
Preventing Truck Accident Injuries
Prevention requires both systemic safety measures and individual vigilance:
- For Truck Drivers: Proper training in fatigue management, defensive driving, and handling adverse weather conditions is critical. The use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) also helps monitor driving hours and reduce fatigue-related crashes.
- For Other Drivers: Keeping a safe distance from trucks, avoiding sudden lane changes, and staying out of truck blind spots can greatly reduce risk.
Legal Rights and Protections After a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation under California personal injury law. This can cover:
- Medical expenses (immediate and future care)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex. Multiple parties may be at fault, including:
- The truck driver for negligent driving
- The trucking company for unsafe policies or poor maintenance
- Cargo loaders for improper loading leading to accidents
- Manufacturers for defective truck parts or equipment
An experienced truck accident attorney from Hillstone Law will investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Hillstone Law: Standing Strong for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents leave victims facing enormous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Hillstone Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you rebuild your life.
Contact Hillstone Law today for a free consultation. Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin building your case.
