Suitland, MD Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are incredibly traumatic and dangerous experiences. In truck accidents, the occupant of another motor vehicle is far more likely to suffer serious injuries from the experience because trucks are so much larger and heavier than sedans, SUVs, and other commonly driven motor vehicles. Victims of truck accidents often have very severe injuries that may require enormous expenses in medical care.
If you are not sure what to do after getting injured by a truck, our lawyers can help. We can interview witnesses and other important parties, collect evidence, and fight hard for you in court so you have the best chance of getting the damages you need to recover from your injuries.
Our truck accident lawyers from Rice, Murtha & Psoras are ready to give free case analyses when you call (410) 694-7291.
Truck Accident Injuries in Suitland, MD
Victims of truck accidents are often very badly injured after the experience. This is one of the primary reasons that plaintiffs often seek financial compensation for their injuries. Your specific truck accident injuries are important to your lawsuit because they inform what you are awarded as damages should you be successful in court.
Broken Bones
Fractures are common in any kind of vehicle accident. Any strong force on a human body has the potential to break bones. In truck accidents, there is a greater likelihood that more serious fractures will occur. It is not uncommon for victims of truck accidents to have broken bones all over their bodies. Some bones may be broken in several places. Also possible is a compound fracture, where the broken bone pierces the skin. These types of serious broken bone injuries will likely require surgery in addition to the standard cast and immobilization for recovery.
Crushing Injuries
Since trucks are so heavy, they have the potential to crush parts of the victim’s body. This could snap bones, damage internal organs, or render muscle groups useless. In the most severe cases, a limb that has been crushed beyond repair may need to be amputated.
Bruises
Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels leaking and pooling blood under the skin, resulting in black and blue discoloration around the bruises. While most bruises are superficial injuries that may heal on their own, severe bruising can be extremely painful and can be indicative of a much more serious condition, like damaged internal organs.
Cuts and Stab Wounds
Cuts and puncture wounds happen when the victim is struck by pieces of sheared or warped metal. Deep cuts will likely require stitches to heal fully. Moreover, cuts to the face can result in permanent disfigurement, and a sharp object colliding with fingers or toes could result in the loss of those appendages.
Puncture wounds are much harder to treat than cuts and are much more dangerous. Puncture wounds are much more difficult to seal shut, especially if the hole is a strange shape instead of a simple slit. A stab only a few inches deep can hit internal organs and potentially prove fatal.
Burns
If a truck is carrying hazardous or flammable material, it could catch fire in a truck accident and cause severe chemical burns. Even in trucks carrying safe cargo, the gas can still ignite and burn the occupants of any vehicles involved in the accident. Severe burns likely will require surgery to heal fully.
Head/Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are possible whenever there is a hard hit to someone’s head that damages the brain. A mild TBI, like a concussion, can cause mood swings, memory loss, and sensitivity to light and sound. More serious traumatic brain injuries can make you lose the use of basic functions like speaking or walking and might ultimately result in death.
Damages from Suitland, MD Truck Accident Lawsuits
If you are successful in your lawsuit, you will be awarded damages based on your injuries. Damages are how the law tries to put plaintiffs back where they were prior to getting injured. Damages are usually divided into economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are for things with concrete monetary value. Most medical expenses and treatments will fall under the umbrella of economic damages. Examples of items that might be covered in economic damages include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.
You can also be awarded economic damages for lost income. For example, if you could not work for many months because you were recovering from your injuries, you could be awarded damages based on the income you would have earned were you not injured. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from working in the future, you could be awarded economic damages based on what you would have earned for the rest of your working career if you could continue to work.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more abstract than economic damages. This kind of damage is awarded for things like pain and suffering or mental anguish. Since it is impossible to put a price tag on how much a broken bone hurts or how distressing a truck accident was for you, the amount of economic damages you ask for is more in flux than the other kinds of damages. Work with our truck accident lawyers to figure out a non-economic damages amount that makes sense for your case and situation.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a special kind of damages based on the defendant’s conduct rather than the plaintiff’s condition. Courts only award punitive damages when the defendant has acted especially badly, so you will need a compelling argument if you are asking for punitive damages in your truck accident lawsuit.
Call Our Suitland, MD Truck Accident Lawyers Right Away
Our truck accident lawyers from Rice, Murtha & Psoras are ready to discuss your case when you call (410) 694-7291.