According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there have been 139,919 vehicle crashes statewide as of the end of September 2015, including 648 fatalities. Knox County ranks eight in the state for vehicle crashes.
Large truck crashes are common on Tennessee interstates as trucks use I-40 to transport goods east and west. Numerous truck accidents have stopped traffic for hours on I-40 and throughout cities and towns in Knox County. Truck accidents are often fatal or cause catastrophic injuries due to the size of the vehicle in comparison to a passenger vehicle.
On the other hand, car crashes can be just as devastating as truck accidents. The injuries sustained in car crashes can be life-threatening. Traumatic injuries from car crashes change the lives of the victim and the family forever. Even minor injuries in a truck or car accident can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The physical, emotional, and financial damages from vehicle crashes can never be fully compensated. One careless or reckless act can change the lives of others forever.
Below are some common injuries that victims in car crashes and truck accidents may sustain.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in both car and truck accidents; however, TBIs are more common in truck accidents because of the size of the vehicle involved. A large commercial truck can crush a passenger vehicle, causing severe brain injuries. A TBI can be a mild concussion with symptoms that disappear within a few weeks or months. A severe TBI can cause permanent medical conditions including paralysis and loss of body functions. You can get more information about TBIs from the Centers for Disease Control.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones are very common in vehicle accidents, including car crash and truck accidents. The most common sites for broken bones are in the wrist, ankle, and hip; however, in vehicle accidents, any bone can break depending on the point of impact. Broken ribs are very common as well as broken bones in the face. Broken bones are not minor injuries. Complicated fractures can require surgery, surgical traction, and months of physical therapy. Complications from broken bones can be life-threatening and cause permanent disabilities.
Whiplash
Whiplash is very common in rear-end collisions due to the force of the head snapping back and forth in a whip-like motion from the impact. Even a low-impact collision can result in severe whiplash that causes chronic pain for months or years.
Back Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the back can cause chronic pain. Bulging discs, fractured vertebrae, and lumbar strains are common in car and truck accidents. Some back injuries require surgery and physical therapy. An injury to the spinal cord can result in some type of permanent paralysis that requires life-long personal care.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage can result from both truck accidents and car crashes. This type of accident injury is extremely dangerous and can be deadly. Accident victims may be unaware they have internal injuries; therefore, it is always best to be checked by medical professionals even if you do not believe you are severely injured.
Burns
Many people do not associate burns with vehicle accidents; however, this type of injury is common in truck accidents due to the hazardous materials that some trucks haul and the large amount of fuel carried by commercial trucks. Burns cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and are often fatal due to complications from the burns.
Amputation
Amputations are common when victims are thrown from a car or truck during an accident. Limbs are crushed or severed at the time of impact or after being ejected from the vehicle. Amputations are extremely expensive to treat and are life-altering.
Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries occur when airbags deploy in passenger vehicles. In some cases, the driver and/or passenger can be injured from flying debris or the impact of the airbag. In a vehicle crash, it is important to investigate to determine if the injury is strictly related to the crash or is partly attributable to a faulty airbag.
Scrapes and Cuts
Scrapes and cuts are common in most vehicle accidents due to flying debris. While this type of injury may appear minor, scrapes and cuts can turn into injuries that are more serious if they are not properly treated. Infections from cuts and scrapes can cause serious medical problems. Cuts that are deep require stitches that can result in permanent scarring.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Knoxville, TN Protect Your Rights to Receive a Fair and Just Accident Settlement
When you are injured in a car or truck accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Common damages you may be entitled to receive in a car crash or truck accident include but are not limited to:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages, compensation, and loss of earning capacity
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering
- Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, companionship, and spousal relations
- Reimbursement for property damage
- Compensation for permanent disability and/or disfigurement
- Compensation for other out-of-pocket expenses such as personal care, travel expenses, medical devices, help with household chores, etc.
- Funeral expenses, in the case of a wrongful death claim
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for your damages, especially in truck accident cases. It is vital to identify all parties responsible for your accident to increase the chance of receiving the maximum compensation allowable by law for your personal injury claim. Our team of legal professionals will thoroughly investigate your car crash or truck accident to ensure we identify all parties liable for your injuries and preserve key evidence to prove your claim. Don’t trust your accident claim to just any Knoxville personal injury law firm.
The personal injury lawyers of Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC are here to help you. Schedule your free consultation by calling (865) 292-2307 or visiting us online.
