
A road accident can change your life in a split second, leading to severe injuries and disabilities, affecting your mental well-being, and disrupting your finances. Truck mishaps are the worst because the sheer size of these vehicles compounds the impact and injuries. Unfortunately, trucking accidents are a harsh reality that American drivers have to live with.
Here are some scary statistics: in 2020, 4840 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on American roads, a 4% drop from the previous year. That’s probably because of the pandemic. The number jumped to 5700 in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020. Beyond the fatal crashes,388,000 truck accidents are recorded in the US each year.
The worst part is that 70% of all passenger vehicle fatalities in 2023 involved a large truck. Even as a survivor, you may end up with serious injuries and disabilities. The road to recovery is long and challenging because these injuries go beyond physical suffering and leave you scarred for life. There are no shortcuts to recovery, but awareness always helps.
Here are some insights for truck accident victims traversing the long road to recovery.
Know the Possible Damages
Research shows that the weight of a vehicle is a primary factor of the extent of injuries in an accident. Being hit by a 1,000-pound heavier vehicle increases the fatality risk by 40-50%. Injuries also tend to be more severe than those in a car mishap. Victims often experience spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, and internal injuries due to the impact.
Besides the physical damage, truck accidents cause lifelong trauma for most victims because it stays in their memories. Most victims sustain post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. The pain and suffering become a part of the lives of victims and their loved ones.
Understand the Potential Recovery Implications
As a victim, you must understand the potential recovery implications of a truck accident. Following their initial medical treatment, you may have a long journey to recovery ahead. You may require extensive treatment, surgery, ongoing care, and rehabilitation. Disabilities, both short- and long-term, are also common. Likewise, you may need psychological support to deal with the mental impact.
Additionally, the pain and discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to mobility issues, sleep disorders, and appetite changes. Recovery implications are also financial, as you lose your wages or even the capacity to work in the long run. The medical costs worsen the situation, even if you have medical insurance.
Know Your Legal Rights
Knowing your legal rights can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the road to recovery after a truck accident. With commercial truck mishaps killing thousands and injuring millions every year, the number of lawsuits is on the rise. The ultimate truck accident lawsuit guide can help you understand your rights to compensation and justice as a victim.
According to TorHoerman Law, victims may struggle with the complex legal factors in these cases. Fighting against commercial trucking companies and manufacturers complicates these lawsuits further. But a strong legal representation can ease recovery by ensuring enough compensation to cover medical treatment, lost wages, financial damages, and the cost of pain and suffering.
In a recent verdict, a sidewalk bicycle death caused by a semi-truck crash led to a settlement of $10 million in Florida. The settlement was obtained from a multibillion-dollar French subsidiary operating in the U.S. That shows justice prevails for victims, no matter how powerful the defendant is.
Invest in Self-Care
Truck mishaps are devastating, but there is hope for victims. Getting justice and compensation can set the pace for recovery as it helps you get the best medical treatment for your injuries. You can start a home-based business for a secure financial future if your injuries or disabilities keep you from joining the workforce again.
Investing in self-care is also a critical part of the healing process because it enables you to handle challenges with courage. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, embrace mental wellness goals, and seek help from a counselor. Steps like long-term rehab and home modifications can help you live with your disabilities. Share your feelings with your loved ones and build a support system with family and friends.
Wrapping Up
A truck accident is the worst nightmare because it hurts your body, scars your mind, and damages your finances for life. But giving up hope only worsens your suffering. Undoubtedly, the road to recovery is long, but the right approach sets you on track. You can follow these steps to start on a fresh note and rebuild from there.