Being involved in any sort of auto accident can be a life altering event.
One that causes a permanent disability will affect not just you, but your loved ones as well. Truck accidents are a major cause of permanent disability. The sheer size of an 18 wheeler makes a collision with one unimaginable. The injuries associated are typically more severe than those seen in passenger car accidents, and the likelihood of fatalities is significantly higher. If you, or someone you love, has been hurt by a collision with a semi truck, a Missouri truck accident attorney may be able to help. If there is now a permanent disability, then your future care will need to be taken into consideration as a part of your compensation.
Truck Accident Injuries
Most passenger vehicles are designed to withstand an impact from a similar sized vehicle. When faced with an 80,000 pound truck, they simply cannot withstand and its occupants will suffer from catastrophic injury. Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon and can often be permanent. The victim could be left unable to perform routine tasks, return to work or enjoy prior past times and hobbies. Often times a life care planner is called in by a Missouri truck accident attorney to assess the injuries and determine how much future medical and day to day care the plaintiff will need and for how long.
The severity of the injuries involved in truck accidents often mean large settlements and jury awards for the injured person. This is usually a reflection of just how much money will be required to care for the plaintiff for the rest of his life. A Missouri teamster suffered debilitating injury to his back when he was rear ended by a tractor trailer. As a result, he will no longer be able to work in his preferred profession and will require ongoing pain management therapy and medical care. The insurance carrier for the trucking company agreed to a $1.75 million settlement once the details of his future needs were brought to light by a life care planner.
Truck Accident Causes
Despite strict regulation by the federal government of the trucking industry, most truck accidents are still the result of negligence. Either on the part of the driver or that of the trucking company. With looming demands to meet delivery demands and billions of dollars in revenue at stake, truck drivers will often take chances that can cause serious accidents. Usually by either ignoring driving hour limitations in order to make it to their destination on time or by not paying attention to the road. With a continued focus by the NTSB and FMSCA on distracted driving planned for 2014, there is hope that distracted truck driver accidents will decrease.
Missouri Truck Accidents
The serious nature of a truck accident warrants consultation with a St. Louis truck accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters. Trucking companies are well aware of the catastrophic injuries their big rigs can cause and will try to settle any claim quickly before the full extent of damages may be realized.
Call (314) 361-4300 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer.
photo credit: ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd via Flickr
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