In a South Carolina truck accident, the occupants of the other vehicles involved are more likely to be seriously injured or even killed than the truck driver.
The size and force of a heavy truck hitting a car, a motorcyclist, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian can cause lasting and permanent damage to the body.
At Joye Law Firm, we want to help you recover compensation for the injuries that you suffered in an accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or other responsible party.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of truck accidents in South Carolina include:
- Head injuries – Head injuries are most likely to occur in a head-on collision with a truck, but they can also result from almost any kind of accident. The majority of head injuries from traffic accidents are concussions, but even a concussion can change the structure of the brain for months after the incident. Other head injuries include permanent brain damage or brain cell death. Broken facial bones are also common in truck accidents and may result from the impact of the crash or from airbag injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – TBI is a serious condition that can result from either open-head trauma (when the skull is penetrated) or closed-head injuries. Bleeding of the brain or its lining, subdural hematoma and coma can all result from a truck crash. A TBI may result in lasting personality and mood changes and can cause impaired cognitive function.
- Spinal cord injuries – A complete spinal cord injury (SCI) or an incomplete injury can occur in a truck crash, causing partial or total paralysis. Depending on the injury’s location on the spine, the damage may cause paraplegia (impairment of the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia, this involves diminished capability in all four limbs). Spinal cord injuries often result in the need for lifelong care that may cost millions of dollars.
- Back injuries – While spinal cord injuries are one of the most serious types of back injuries, the back is also vulnerable to damage to the bones and soft tissue that can result in chronic pain and impairment.
- Neck injuries – A broken neck or injury to the muscles, joints, and ligaments can result from the force of a truck crash. Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries in truck accidents and is often a painful, impairing condition.
- Bone fractures – Truck accidents can cause broken ribs, broken arms, broken legs or fractures in almost any part of the body. Casts, surgery, and physical therapy are often required to treat bone fractures. Some fractures never heal correctly, leaving the patient with lasting impairments.
- Burns – Burn injuries can occur when a truck is carrying hazardous materials or if a truck accident causes a fire-related to diesel fuel or gasoline. Burns may be fatal or may cause scarring and permanent disfigurement. They are also extremely painful in many cases, and they leave victims vulnerable to infection and other complications.
These are just a few of the many types of serious injuries truck accidents can cause. The truck driver, trucking company or other party responsible for causing a truck crash may be held liable for the injuries under South Carolina law. Compensation may include not only reimbursement for medical bills, but also monetary damages for the pain and suffering and emotional distress caused by the accident and related injuries. If the injury or treatment causes you to miss work or suffer reduced earning potential, you may be compensated for this as well.
Injured in a Truck Accident in South Carolina? Talk to Our Lawyers at No Charge
It is up to you to prove the extent of your injuries at a personal injury trial or during settlement negotiations. At Joye Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers can help.
Call Joye Law Firm or fill out our online contact form today for a free case analysis and consultation.
