Truck Accident Injures Woman Near Merced
A woman suffered injuries in a recent truck accident involving two large commercial trucks near Merced. The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. along the southbound lanes of Highway 99, just north of Applegate Road. A woman from Atwater was driving her 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV southbound along Highway 99 when she was involved in a crash with a big rig. Officials said the collision caused a second tractor-trailer to strike the rear of the Chevrolet. This propelled the SUV over the western side of the highway and down an embankment. The two drivers of the big rigs were uninjured in the crash while the woman driving the Chevrolet complained of pain. It is unknown whether she was hospitalized for her injuries.
Common Injuries in a Truck Accident
To build a truck accident case, the exact nature of the psychological and physical injuries must be evaluated. A collision with a semi-truck can cause a host of traumatic injuries. These include cervical sprain, bone fractures, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
Establishing Fault in a Truck Accident
To recover damages in a personal injury case, a burden of proof must show that the negligence of a trucker or trucking company caused the truck accident and injuries sustained. While in most cases fault can be attributed to the truck driver, it can sometimes be pinpointed on other parties. Following are some of the factors that can prove the negligence of another party or entity in a trucking crash:
- Distracted Driving: Commercial truckers are often distracted by radios, cell phones, and other devices. If a truck driver was proven to be distracted at the time of a crash, this could prove negligence.
- Fatigued Driving: Trucking companies often place unrealistic transporting expectations for truckers. This may force a trucker to work extended hours without sufficient rest to meet that deadline, which can come with the risk of a crash caused by drowsy driving.
- Impaired Driving: When a trucker drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this can result in devastating consequences for those riding in passenger vehicles. Toxicology reports can provide a measure of a truck driver’s blood alcohol content.
- Poorly Loaded Cargo: If the cargo on the truck was not secured properly, whether due to the negligence on the part of cargo loaders or faulty vehicle equipment, the trucking company or manufacturer can be held financially liable for a crash caused for these reasons.
- Road Defects: When the road conditions where the crash happened are deemed unsafe, the government entity responsible for maintaining those roads can be held liable for damages incurred. Hazardous road conditions can include potholes, lack of roadway signage, inadequate street lights, and faulty traffic signals.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
To recover damages in a personal injury case, it must be proven that the truck accident caused significant losses for the injured party. Your injury lawyer can help you compile a list of all the ways the incident has impacted your life. An injured individual may be eligible to recover compensation for the damages listed below:
- Any past and future medical treatment deemed necessary
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement, including the cost of cosmetic surgery to revise the scarring
- Loss of consortium for the injured party and his or her spouse
- Pain and suffering
- Wage loss, including loss of future earning potential
Should I Hire an Attorney?
Those involved in a truck accident often suffer severe psychological and physical trauma. This can lead to mounting medical expenses, time missed from work to recuperate, and other long-term financial concerns. After a collision with a large commercial truck, it is essential to have an attorney at your side to obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Whether you have suffered minor or serious injuries in a trucking collision, an experienced Merced truck accident attorney can help an injured party in their journey back to a normal life.
Merced Truck Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced truck accident lawyer. Injuries in a truck accident can be catastrophic or life-threatening. They often require extensive medical treatment followed by time away from work to recover. If this situation applies to you or a loved one, you may be eligible to seek compensation to help pay for those expenses. Please phone me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly legal advice.
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