Risks of Truck Accidents
Truck accident statistics will show you how awful these crashes can be. Truck drivers travel up and down the coast, delivering goods to their clients. They often drive thousands of miles a week. Some of them work up to twelve (12) hours a day, six days a week. They’re hard workers. However, sometimes they can also be careless drivers. If you’ve been in a Hickory, North Carolina truck accident, you know how dangerous they can be. A lot of drivers are afraid to share the road with a tractor trailer. They’re large and powerful machines. If the driver makes one small mistake, it can cause a major accident.
Due to the severity of these accidents, the injuries tend to be very serious. In fact, truck accidents cause more fatalities (per accident) than any other type of accident. And, it’s usually the person driving the car, not the truck, who is hurt.
If you or your loved one are hurt in a truck accident, you need to contact an experienced Hickory, North Carolina truck accident lawyer.
How Common are Tractor Trailer Accidents in North Carolina?
Every state sees their fair share of tractor trailer accidents. With the number of trucks on the highways, this number will probably continue to increase. And, given the nature of truck accidents, the injuries suffered by the accident victims are quite serious.
In 2017, there were almost 150,000 crashes involving trucks in North Carolina. Almost 40,000 of these accidents resulted in serious injuries. Most of these injuries were suffered by the people driving the cars and SUV – not the truck drivers.
Sadly, in 2017 alone, there were almost 150 fatalities. This is a much higher fatality rate than we see with other types of motor vehicle accidents.
This is because the truck drivers have a large machine protecting them from the impact. A normal passenger vehicle doesn’t stand a chance against a tractor trailer. There just not enough there to protect the passengers from the terrible impact.
Why are Truck Accident Injuries So Serious?
As mentioned above, truck accidents are the most serious type of accident there is. They cause very serious injuries to everyone involved. This is because of two things: the size and power of the truck and the speed at which the cars were traveling at the time of impact.
Most tractor trailers use the highways. It’s rare to see a big truck cruising down small roads and streets. They can’t afford to ride the streets that have low speed limits. The government also doesn’t want dangerous trucks to use residential roads. The risk of injury is just too great.
Since most trucks travel the highway, most truck accidents take place on the highway. Since trucks and cars drive up to 70 mph on major highways, it makes sense that they’re going fast at the time of impact. This is one of the reasons why truck accident injuries are so bad.
Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
The injuries caused by tractor trailer accidents tend to be quite serious. Usually, it’s the person driving the car or SUV who suffers the brunt of these injuries. They often require hospitalization and surgery. Many others are left permanently disabled due to their crash.
Some of the injuries suffered in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Back injures
- Facial disfigurement
- Burns
- Neck and head injuries
These injuries often require surgery and physical therapy. You’ll probably be out of work for quite some time. Your Hickory truck accident lawyer will make sure they demand compensation for your injuries.
What Damages Will Your Truck Accident Lawyer Demand?
Your truck accident lawyer in Hickory, North Carolina is going to demand compensation for your injuries. They’ll work hard to get you as much money as possible. Some of the damages they’ll demand include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Of course, your lawyer will have to prove your damages in order for you to collect. This is why it’s important that you go to the hospital after your truck accident. You’ll need medical documentation to prove your injuries. The best way to do this is with your medical records.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Hickory, North Carolina
If you’re hurt in a truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident in Hickory, North Carolina. They can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. They’ll also answer any questions you may have.
Contact Harman Law online today or call us at (704) 286-0947 and schedule your initial consultation with a skilled Hickory, North Carolina truck accident lawyer at Harmon Law. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you win your case.
