Being involved in any vehicle accident can cause emotional and psychological damage, but being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries and damages. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need to contact Joe I. Zaid & Associates to fight for your rights and grant you the compensation you and your family deserve.
What Is a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
Federal rules define a commercial motor vehicle as any vehicle registered to a corporation or company and used to transport goods or passengers. There are many commercial vehicles, including buses, garbage trucks, cement trucks, flatbed trucks, and even buses.
The vehicles are classified as commercial if they carry more than eight passengers. They also need to meet certain requirements to operate in interstate commerce. There are also certain regulations and requirements to keep the vehicles safe and legal. Knowing what to expect if you are in an accident with a commercial vehicle can help you understand your rights and liability after an accident.
Common Injuries From a Commercial Vehicle Accident
There are many common injuries from a commercial vehicle accident. Some of the most severe and life-threatening injuries are burns, amputations, and internal bleeding. These are all severe injuries that require urgent medical attention. In addition to pain and suffering, these accidents can cause extensive damage to your body. If you are in a commercial vehicle accident, contact an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are the most common injuries sustained during a commercial vehicle accident. The impact of these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. This means that head injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe injuries.
These injuries are incredibly costly and can cause years of medical expenses. In some cases, people can suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by an impact on the head. These injuries may cause temporary memory loss or headaches. However, if the traumatic brain injury is severe, it can cause permanent disabilities.
Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can include:
- Migraines
- Confusion
- Paralysis
- Language issues
- Memory issues
- Dizziness
- Personality changes
- Blindness
If you suffer a severe head injury, you may need surgery or rehabilitation. No matter what type of injury you have, it is essential to seek medical attention.
Burns
Whether it’s a second-degree burn or a third-degree burn, the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can be devastating. These injuries are more complicated and require immediate medical attention. A fire or a vehicle explosion can be dangerous and time-sensitive. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive the best treatment possible.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Some of the most common types of injury from a commercial vehicle accident are spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be fatal and may affect many systems throughout the body, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.
Back and Neck Injuries
The force of a commercial vehicle accident is so powerful that it can result in severe back and neck injuries.
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Neck pain, specifically when you move your neck
A severe collision with a commercial vehicle causes the vertebrae and the surrounding ligaments of the neck and back to be catastrophic. Spinal fractures occur when part of the bone is broken and places intense pressure on the discs and nerves in the spine. In addition to these severe injuries, the trauma of the crash can also cause extensive damage to the soft tissues of the neck.
Broken Bones
Breaking a bone is a common type of injury from a commercial vehicle accident. This type of injury can lead to broken or completely shattered bones because of the massive force of impact a commercial vehicle can cause with another vehicle.
Lacerations
Victims may be exposed to broken glass and other objects in a commercial vehicle accident. Even with airbag protection and seat belts, some injuries may result in deep lacerations that penetrate bone or cause disfiguring scars. Survivors of such accidents may also experience shock and psychological trauma due to the lacerations they sustain.
If you are injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A severe case may require reconstructive surgery and skin grafts. However, a skilled attorney can help you identify the parties at fault and build a legal strategy that maximizes your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Companies Will Try to Pay You Less
Insurance companies are for-profit companies. Their effort in a commercial vehicle accident is to shift the blame to the victim. Therefore, their primary goal is to maximize profits, not pay out claims. While some insurance representatives may act as your friend, remember that these individuals are working for a profit. As a result, they want to pay as little as possible. After all, their goal is to make as much money as possible, so they will do whatever they can to avoid paying out.
When dealing with an insurance company, you should always be wary of making a false admission. That will only make the situation worse. Any insurance adjuster knows this and will try to take advantage of you. The best course of action is to contact a lawyer immediately. Even if the company is friendly, don’t sign any release, have your attorney negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you are not taken advantage of.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Fighting For Accident Victims
If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it is essential to contact the police. The police report will outline the exact circumstances of the accident and determine if negligence is the culprit. You should also write down the names of any witnesses, their contact information, and any other relevant details. Moreover, you must get a full medical assessment.
Unlike other vehicle accidents, a commercial vehicle accident can result in more severe and lasting injuries. As a result, you must contact an experienced attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can protect your rights in negotiating with the insurance company to maximize your compensation. If you have incurred substantial medical expenses because of the commercial vehicle accident, a legal professional can investigate the details of your case and seek full reimbursement. Call Joe I. Zaid & Associates today at (346) 756-9243.
