On the Road to Recovery: Serious Injuries from Trucking Accidents

September 25, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Truck Accidents

Welcome to Road to Recovery, where we provide advocacy and insights into trucking accidents. I’m Matt Sky, and today, I’m joined by Sagi Shaked, founder of Head Personal Injury Lawyers and recognized by the American Trial Lawyers Association as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the United States. Sagi brings a wealth of experience in personal injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation cases, passionately advocating for victims and achieving multimillion-dollar settlements for his clients.

Understanding Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Thank you for joining us, Sagi. Let’s examine the different types of injuries commonly associated with trucking accidents in Florida.

“Matt. We see various types of injuries from trucking accidents, with the most common being traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. Other prevalent injuries include neck and back injuries, paralysis, and hand injuries.

When we talk about TBIs, people often envision someone who is completely incapacitated, but that’s not always the case. There are classifications of TBIs, ranging from mild to severe. Mild TBIs might not be immediately apparent; people can appear normal and function well, yet their brains is not operating fully. For instance, they may experience issues with hearing or processing information.

In my presentations across the country, I educate others on recognizing and representing clients with TBIs. These injuries can be devastating, affecting a person’s cognitive functions, which aren’t always visible to the naked eye.

Spinal cord injuries are another primary concern, especially given the sheer force involved in truck accidents. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer can cause significant harm, resulting in paralysis or even death. We represent clients who suffer from various forms of paralysis, such as paraplegia and quadriplegia.”

The Invisible Impact of Brain Injuries

“It’s concerning how often the effects of TBIs go unnoticed immediately after an accident. For example, in cases of wrongful death, the impact is evident, but for TBIs, victims might appear delicate, yet their lives are irreversibly altered.

We often draw parallels with veterans who return from combat with invisible injuries like PTSD. They might seem normal outwardly, but their lives have drastically changed. Family members frequently report a stark change in their loved ones after such incidents, highlighting how traumatic events can result in new, less functional versions of the person they once knew.”

The Dangers of Internal Injuries

“Internal injuries can be hazardous in trucking accidents. Take brain injuries, for instance. A CT scan might show average results, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an injury present. The gold standard for diagnosing brain injuries is an MRI, particularly advanced techniques like diffuse tensor imaging.

Insurance companies often take advantage of initial scan results, claiming that a lack of visible injury indicates the victim is okay. However, many injuries aren’t detectable with a simple CT scan. Victims must seek further evaluation, as symptoms can manifest over time, leading to significant life changes.”

Addressing Visible Injuries and Their Implications

“On the other hand, visible injuries, such as fractures or ruptured discs, are more apparent but can still be life-altering. Many victims may appear to recover from their initial hospitalization, yet they can still face chronic pain and require ongoing care, whether through conservative treatments or surgery.

The severity of the injuries often influences the legal process and potential settlements in trucking accident cases. Generally, more severe injuries warrant greater compensation. For instance, a case involving paralysis should yield higher damages than a minor injury.

The guilt of the trucking company plays a significant role, too. Often, companies fail to preserve evidence, such as logbooks or electronic records, which can significantly affect the case outcome.”

Challenges in Evidence Preservation

“The preservation of evidence is a critical challenge in these cases. When we respond quickly to an accident scene, we can gather crucial evidence—like skid marks and witness statements—before they disappear or change.

Witness statements can often evolve after the involvement of insurance companies or defense attorneys, so it’s vital to act quickly. We analyze various forms of evidence, including cell phone records, to verify drivers’ claims about their service hours and travel patterns.”

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, trucking accidents can lead to a wide range of visible and invisible injuries. Understanding these injuries is crucial for victims seeking justice. Suppose you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident. In that case, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who can help navigate the complex legal landscape and advocate for the compensation you deserve is essential.

Thank you for joining us on Road to Recovery. We hope this discussion has illuminated the importance of recognizing the full scope of injuries that can arise from trucking accidents and the significance of thorough legal representation.