Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Other Crashes
Unlike standard
car accidents, collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the sheer force of impact. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to stop quickly in an emergency.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may fall asleep at the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Using a GPS, texting, or adjusting radio controls can cause truck drivers to lose focus.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Commercial trucks require more time to stop, making speeding extremely dangerous.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Unsecured or unbalanced loads can cause jackknife accidents or rollovers.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and transmission issues can lead to loss of control.
Trucking companies are legally required to follow safety regulations, but many fail to enforce proper maintenance, rest breaks, and driver training. When negligence occurs, victims have the right to seek compensation.
Common Injuries in Polk County Truck Accidents
Truck accidents frequently cause severe or permanent injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma leading to memory loss, cognitive impairments, or long-term disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – Injuries that may require extensive rehabilitation or lifelong medical care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Common in high-impact crashes, often requiring surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can lead to internal bleeding or life-threatening complications.
- Severe Burns – In accidents involving fuel spills or fires, victims may suffer third-degree burns requiring skin grafts.
Truck accident injuries often require long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and ongoing pain management, and in the most tragic cases, they can result in
wrongful death—making full compensation essential not only for recovery but also for holding responsible parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident liability can extend beyond just the driver. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- The Truck Driver: If the accident was caused by driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: If improper training, negligent hiring, or failure to maintain vehicles contributed to the accident.
- Cargo Loaders: If improperly secured cargo caused the truck to jackknife, tip over, or lose control.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or steering components, played a role in the crash.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage were contributing factors.
At Kemp Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Polk County, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work, as well as future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and physical pain.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Compensation for families who have lost a loved one in a fatal truck crash.
Insurance companies and trucking companies will often fight to minimize claims, which is why working with an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle
In addition to truck accident cases, Kemp Injury Law represents victims in a wide range of personal injury claims, including:
- Car Accidents: Collisions involving distracted driving, speeding, and reckless behavior.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Serious injuries caused by negligent drivers who fail to yield to motorcyclists.
- Boating Accidents: Watercraft collisions, jet ski crashes, and drowning accidents.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Hit-and-run cases, crosswalk accidents, and injuries caused by negligent drivers.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Injuries resulting from hazardous conditions in stores, businesses, and public areas.
- Bus Accidents: Accidents involving public transportation, school buses, and private charters.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, we will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Call Kemp Injury Law to Speak With a Polk County Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accident cases are complex, and trucking companies will often do everything possible to avoid paying fair compensation. At Kemp Injury Law, we fight for victims' rights, ensuring they receive the financial support they need to recover.
