A fully loaded tractor-trailer in South Carolina can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That is 40 tons—and it dwarfs the size of standard passenger vehicles. When eighteen-wheeler crashes happen, they can cause devastating injuries. Victims must be able to get justice and the maximum financial support. Here, our Columbia semi-truck accident attorney provides an overview of the most tractor-trailer crash injuries and explains how they can affect your compensation.
An Overview of the Most Common Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents in South Carolina
Cuts/Lacerations
Victims of truck accidents often suffer cuts and lacerations. These injuries result from broken glass or sharp metal edges. Unfortunately, deep cuts may require stitches or even surgery. Further, bad lacerations can also cause significant blood loss and put the victim at risk for an infection.
Whiplash
One of the most common truck accident injuries, whiplash is a type of neck injury. It occurs due to sudden movement of the head and neck. Some of the common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. The severity of whiplash can vary widely.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries in truck accidents affect joints like ankles and knees. These injuries result from forceful twisting or impact. In some cases, a truck accident victim may need surgery and extensive physical therapy to recover from a ligament injury.
Broken Bones
A commercial truck accident can come with incredible, destructive force. The force of impact can break arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. While the severity of a broken/fractured bone varies, these injuries are always medical emergencies. Immediate care is a must.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are serious injuries that can occur in truck accidents. They result from blows to the head or sudden jolts. If you or your loved one suffered a concussion or any other type of TBI in a tractor-trailer crash, you need immediate medical attention and the proper rehabilitative care.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are dangerous and not immediately apparent. They can affect organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain, dizziness, and fainting. An internal organ injury could be life-threatening. Emergency care is required.
Loss of Limb
Truck accidents can lead to the traumatic loss of a limb. This severe injury can occur directly during the crash or require surgical amputation later. The loss of a limb in a truck accident is a truly catastrophic injury. It is life-changing.
Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage is a devastating injury from truck accidents. It can lead to partial or complete paralysis. If you or your family member sustained a spinal cord injury in a truck accident in South Carolina, you must get access to all available services and support.
All Truck Accident Injuries Require Prompt Medical Care
Were you hurt in a truck accident in Columbia or elsewhere in South Carolina? No matter the nature or severity of your injury, it is an absolute must that you get prompt and comprehensive medical care. All injuries sustained in truck accidents necessitate prompt medical attention. It is not uncommon for truck accident injuries to be far more serious than the victim initially realizes. Many common truck accident injuries—from whiplash to TBIs—arise with a delayed onset. Delaying medical care can lead to complications, worsening conditions, and prolonged recovery times.
Legal Tip: You cannot bring a personal injury claim in South Carolina without supporting medical documentation. If you fail to see a doctor after a truck accident, you will not get compensation.
What to Know About Your Injuries and Your Compensation
Understanding the relationship between your injuries and potential compensation following a truck accident is crucial for protecting your legal rights and financial future. Your financial compensation for a truck accident will depend on several different factors. The most important being 1) Your ability to prove fault, and 2) Your ability to prove your damages. Indeed, the severity and impact of your injuries significantly influence the compensation you might receive. Evidence is key. It is important to document all medical treatment and other damages. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative support;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term physical disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Be Proactive: Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accident injury claims are highly time-sensitive. A three-year statute of limitations applies to these cases under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20). In other words, you have three years from the collision date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a claim is not brought promptly, you could miss out on your right to seek compensation at all. Take a proactive approach to the claims process: Consult with a Columbia truck accident lawyer immediately.
How Our South Carolina Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Commercial truck accident claims are complicated—especially so if you sustained a bad injury in the crash. You do not have to take on a truck company or its insurance carrier alone. With leadership in personal injury law and many client testimonials, Christopher R. Hart is devoted to providing personalized, justice-driven legal representation to victims and their families. No matter the severity of your injuries, we are here to help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Contact Our Columbia, SC Eighteen Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today
At Hart Law, our Columbia semi-truck accident lawyer provides solutions-focused legal advocacy to victims. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, we are here to help you pursue full and fair financial compensation. Contact us now for your free, no-strings-attached case review. From our Columbia office, we handle truck accident cases across South Carolina.