Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Texas roadways, often leaving victims with life-altering injuries. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler far exceed that of a standard passenger vehicle, and when a crash occurs, the occupants of the smaller vehicle absorb the majority of the force. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a commercial truck crash, speaking with an Austin truck accident lawyer early can be critical to protecting your rights and future compensation.
With weights that can be 20 to 30 times greater than a passenger vehicle, a semi-truck can cause permanent injury or death in a matter of seconds. Additional dangers—such as hazardous cargo spills, multi-vehicle pileups, and underride or override accidents—further increase the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes. These factors make trucking accidents some of the most complex and high-stakes personal injury cases.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries in personal injury law refer to long-term or permanent injuries that change the victim’s life. They can cause physical, neurological, cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes that affect the victim’s abilities and daily life. Catastrophic injuries can also have significant financial consequences on the victim and the victim’s family.
Common Catastrophic Injuries in Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large trucks and big rigs can inflict a wide range of severe and permanent injuries on victims. Statistically, passenger vehicle occupants are more likely to suffer serious injuries in truck accidents than truck drivers. This is due to the smaller vehicle absorbing more of the force of impact.
Common examples of catastrophic injuries suffered in commercial truck accidents are:
- Multiple or compound bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis or nerve damage
- Severe lacerations
- Third-degree burn injuries
- Facial injuries
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Loss of an important bodily function
- Amputations and crush injuries
These injuries often require lifelong medical treatment, repeated surgeries, and ongoing physical or occupational therapy. In many cases, victims are unable to return to their previous careers, or to work at all, resulting in substantial lost income on top of medical expenses.
The Financial and Emotional Cost of Catastrophic Truck Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars over a lifetime. Medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity are only part of the picture. Victims and their families also endure significant pain, suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
Because these claims involve high damages, insurance companies often fight aggressively to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, injured victims may be pressured into accepting quick settlements that fail to account for future medical care, assistive needs, or long-term disability.
How an Attorney Helps With Catastrophic Truck Accident Claims
It is critical to work with a personal injury attorney if you are diagnosed with catastrophic injuries after a trucking accident, as insurance companies are likely to try to diminish payouts when this type of claim is filed by unrepresented victims.
The extent to which catastrophic injuries impact an individual’s life and livelihood tends to make these settlements larger than mild to moderate injury claims. In an effort to avoid a large settlement, an insurance company may try to take advantage of you.
A personal injury attorney in Austin can negotiate with an insurance adjuster on your behalf to help you recover fair compensation for a catastrophic injury. While a lawyer can help with any type of injury claim, it is especially important to be represented by a competent and knowledgeable attorney if you or a loved one suffered a life-changing injury.
Rather than accepting a quick settlement that may underpay you for future foreseeable costs associated with a catastrophic or permanent injury, work with an attorney to achieve a fair and full payout. Your lawyer can hire experts and Life Care Planners to accurately project what may be a lifetime of medical and care needs.