Accidents involving 18-wheelers or semi-trucks are among the most devastating on Texas roads. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller passenger cars especially dangerous. Victims often suffer severe, life-altering injuries, and navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming without the proper support. That’s why understanding the common types of injuries and how to document them properly is key to building a strong personal injury case.
Suppose you’ve been injured in a truck accident. In that case, this guide will walk you through what injuries to watch for and how to document them effectively, so your personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
The sheer force of an 18-wheeler collision can cause catastrophic harm. Some of the most frequent and severe injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from concussions to severe brain trauma, often leading to memory loss, cognitive impairment, or emotional instability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in permanent disability, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Broken Bones: Victims frequently suffer from fractured arms, legs, ribs, or hips due to the intensity of the crash.
- Internal Injuries: The blunt force of impact can cause damage to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, or kidneys, sometimes leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Severe Burns: If the truck’s fuel ignites, victims may suffer second- or third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries & Whiplash: Muscle strain, ligament damage, and whiplash are common and can cause chronic pain that interferes with daily life.
Why Documentation Is Critical
Proper documentation is more than just helpful; it’s crucial when filing a claim with the help of a truck accident lawyer or semi-truck accident lawyer. Why?
- It Proves Causation: Clear documentation connects your injuries directly to the 18-wheeler accident.
- It Helps Calculate Damages: Thorough records support claims for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
- It Strengthens Negotiations or Litigation: The more evidence your injury lawyer can present, the better your chances of securing full compensation.
Steps to Document Your Injuries After a Truck Accident
To improve your legal position, follow these steps immediately after your accident:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Do not delay medical care, even if you don’t feel pain immediately. Truck accident injuries can be internal or have delayed symptoms. Visiting a doctor immediately also creates a medical record that your accident lawyer can use as evidence.
2. Save All Medical Documentation
Keep every document: ER visits, doctor’s notes, specialist reports, imaging results (like X-rays or MRIs), prescriptions, and physical therapy plans.
3. Photograph Injuries
Take high-quality, dated photographs of visible injuries (bruises, burns, swelling, etc.) and continue documenting the healing process.
4. Maintain a Pain & Recovery Journal
Record your pain levels, mobility limitations, and emotional well-being each day. This will help your personal injury law firm present a fuller picture of your suffering.
5. Track All Related Expenses
Include medical bills, transportation to appointments, lost wages, caregiving expenses, or any home modifications required during recovery.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer will properly collect and present your evidence and help protect you from common insurance tactics.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
After a truck accident, insurance companies representing commercial carriers often try to minimize claims. An experienced truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident, including driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters to demand fair compensation.
- File a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
The best personal injury lawyers understand the legal complexities and the individual impact of truck accident cases. They act as your advocate every step of the way.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle or semi-truck, the steps you take now matter. Documenting your injuries thoroughly and working with a trusted personal injury lawyer in Texas can make the difference between an inadequate settlement and a fair recovery.
Ybarra Law Firm is here to help. Our bilingual personal injury attorneys have experience fighting for 18-wheeler accident victims across Texas. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.
