Did you know that one in nine traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. involves a large truck? Truck accidentsare a leading cause of fatalities in California. In 2008, 304 people lost their lives in truck accidents in this state alone, the second highest state for truck accident fatalities. Across the nation, 4,229 people died from similar accidents.
A large truck also can be termedalso known as a semi truck, big rig, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, or tank truck. Its purpose is to haul goods, equipment, gasoline, and other necessities across the nation. Unfortunately, due to sheer size and weight alone, a semi truck accident semi trucan lead to death or serious injury.
In 2008, 90,000 people were injured in tractor trailer crashes across the U.S. Injuries that people sustained include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis (paraplegia and quadriplegia)
- Fracture of the vertebrae
- Spinal fractures and broken backs
- Nerve injuries
Following a truck crash, the victim commonly sustains a spinal cord injury. Direct trauma to the spinal cord can lead to the loss of motor and sensory functions. Because the spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that transmits impulses to and from the brain to the body, a loss of feeling and mobility will occur when it is damaged. In general, the higher on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the more serious the injury. Sadly, suffering a spinal cord injury may leave a victim paralyzed.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to a negligent truck driver, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Even though money will not take away your injury, it will help pay for mounting medical bills and future medical care costs. You may even find it impossible to care for yourself or return to work. Your life has changed, and you need and deserve compensation for your losses.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Orange County, or if you have lost a loved one due to a negligent truck driver, then contact an experienced Southern California personal injury attorney at the Law Office of John P. Burns by calling (877) 320-1338. We will provide you with a free consultation, and will even give you a free book that any victim should read after an accident. Visit our website to request your FREE copy of 9 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Vehicle Accident Case.