In Georgia, you can spot a delivery truck just about anywhere. You’ll see them on highways, residential streets, and busy commercial districts. As consumers shop more and more online, we see more and more of these trucks from companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx, and with them, a rise in delivery truck accidents. These accidents are often severe and life-altering.
Common Delivery Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the size and weight of a delivery trust, injuries that result from an accident are often more severe than those that result from more minor vehicle collisions. Some of the most common injuries are:
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is in danger of injury after a hard impact. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and often lead to long-term care and rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A head injury is one of the most serious injuries a human can sustain. After the harsh force of a delivery truck collision, victims who suffer TBIs may suffer from memory loss and permanent cognitive disorders. Even a minor head injury can cause ongoing issues that interfere with daily life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractured ribs, arms, legs, and hips can often come as a result of a collision. Sometimes, these fractures require surgeries, metal implants, and physical therapy to recover properly.
Internal Injuries
One of the most dangerous injuries a victim can sustain is an internal one. That’s because these often go undetected at first, and the longer they go untreated, the more likely they can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash, torn ligaments, and strained muscles are all common injuries in any car accident, especially in a delivery truck rear-end accident. They may seem like minor injuries, but they can cause permanent issues such as chronic pain and limited mobility.
Lacerations and Burns
These can be caused by broken glass, sharp metal, or fire from the collision. Injuries of these types can cause life-long problems. For instance, they can cause scarring and disfigurement, even after a skin grafting surgery.
Emotional Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and depression are all common emotional injuries that arise as a result of a delivery truck accident. Because of the size of these trucks, the emotional impact tends to be much heavier than that of a typical car accident.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries after you’ve been hit by a delivery truck, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and as often as you need it. Having medical documentation is key for your delivery vehicle accident claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Delivery Truck Injury?
Unlike in a passenger car accident, a delivery truck accident can have multiple liable parties, including:
- The driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent
- The delivery company, if they fail to maintain proper work schedules and vehicle maintenance
- A third-party contractor, if the delivery company uses contracted drivers instead of their own employees
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers, if the accident resulted from malfunctions in the truck
Determining who is at fault requires an investigation into the details of the accident. A personal injury attorney can help you with this part of the claims process.
What Compensation Can Victims Seek?
In Augusta, Georgia, you can seek many types of compensation after a crash with a delivery van. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Both the value of your case and which of these types you can seek depends on the details of your case. It’s a good idea to start documenting everything from the moment of the accident forward so that your lawyer can help you determine what your case might be worth. This includes photo evidence of the scene, witness statements, and medical records. Remember, the sooner you acquire an attorney, the more likely you are to be able to use things like back box data and driver logs in your claim to prove negligence.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve suffered injuries in a delivery truck crash, don’t fight the legal battle alone. Chris Hudson Law Group knows how complicated these claims can be. Delivery companies and their insurance carriers work hard to minimize your compensation. You deserve someone who will fight for you to receive what’s fair. Contact us today at (706) 863-6600 for a consultation with a Georgia truck accident lawyer to find out how we can help you.