Catastrophic Injuries in Big Rig Accidents

Road accidents involving large trucks or big rigs are likely to result to severe or catastrophic injuries. Because large trucks such as big rigs, semi-trucks and tractor trailers usually weigh about 80,000 pounds and measures about 60 to 70 feet in length, accidents involving these vehicles often lead to serious and fatal injuries.

Although large trucks account for only 3% of all registered vehicles and big rig accidents seldom occur, nearly 25% of passenger/ occupant deaths in multiple vehicle accidents are attributed to big rigs and large trucks.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that big rigs are frequently involved in major freeway accidents such as rear-end collisions, multiple vehicle accidents, chain accidents and truck rollovers.

To prevent catastrophic accidents involving trucks and big rigs, California has implemented laws that impose a slower speed for big, commercial vehicles. Driving over the speed limit of 55 mph will result in a misdemeanor charge.

Other common accidents that involved big rigs and large trucks include jack-knifing, right hand squeeze, and brake failures.

Causes

Like other vehicle accidents, big rig accidents may be attributed to the following factors:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug
• Inexperienced drivers
• Tire blowouts
• Brake failure
• Tired or exhausted drivers
• Negligent and reckless driving
• Violations of safety regulations
• Overloading
• Improperly secured load
• Poor maintenance of vehicle

Injuries

Big rig accidents often result in serious and catastrophic injuries. This means, the injuries sustained in these accidents often have devastating or life-altering effects on one’s life.

Among the serious injuries that may be incurred from these accidents include the following:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Quadriphlegia

Liability

Truck or big rig owners and drivers may be held liable for injuries sustained in accidents caused by their negligence. Under the law, they have a duty to maintain safety and to drive responsibly. Failure to observe this duty is considered negligence, which can be a basis for claim in an accident case.

Once negligence is determined and proven, the injured victim may file a claim to recover compensation for his injuries, which include medical expenses, lost wages or income, and compensation for pain and suffering.

The amount of damages that the victim may receive as compensation varies, depending on the severity of his/her injuries and the circumstances of the case.

Under the law, victims of vehicle accidents may recover the following damages:

• Compensation for medical expenses (present and future)
• Loss of wages, income and benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages, if any

Pursuing a claim against the negligent party in a vehicle accident may involve knowledge of complex state and federal laws. Hence, to help you obtain the rightful compensation in accidents such as big rig accidents, you need to consult with a skilled vehicle accident attorney.