The power, size, and speed at which semi-trucks travel put other drivers at risk for serious injuries should an accident occur. Spinal cord injuries may be devastating. People hit by a semi-truck may be at a higher risk for this type of catastrophic accident, and that means it’s critical that you know what your rights are and what to expect from the claims process.
How Do Truck Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Injuries?
Truck accidents cause spinal cord injuries for many reasons. Their weight, size, and power put other drivers and their passengers at risk for devastating injuries. Spinal injuries happen when the accident causes traumatic damage to the spinal cord. This may include dislocation, compression, or fractures of the vertebrae.
Some spinal cord injuries are less intense. Recovery may be possible. Others may leave a person unable to function as they were, often permanently disabled.
Living With a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is often devastating for the victim. Because the spinal cord controls messages sent from the brain to the limbs and other areas of the body, damage to it may leave a person unable to move. Some suffer significant and chronic pain.
Every spinal cord injury is a bit different, too, depending on the location, nerves impacted, and overall severity. Some of the most common factors people with such injuries have to live with include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Chronic pain
- Loss of muscle control or function
- Immobility and paralysis
- Respiratory issues
- Digestive problems
- Cardiovascular complications
In situations where injuries are not as severe, many people still need months of rehab and recovery to regain control over their limbs.
In serious cases, a person may be unable to work or complete tasks on their own. They may also find themselves in need of support for basic life-sustaining activities such as eating, bathing, and getting out of bed. This may mean there’s a need for constant care.
Know Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident
Any individual involved in a truck accident in Nebraska should seek out legal guidance as soon as possible. Protecting your right to compensation for your losses is critical, but it’s not always easy to do. If someone else, such as the truck driver or truck owner, caused your accident, you are entitled to be made whole again.
It’s critical to take steps to protect your rights. That means avoiding speaking to insurance companies who may wish to settle your claim for less than you’re owed. You don’t want to rush claims either, especially in cases like this where recovery may take months or longer. Hiring a truck accident attorney in Nebraska is the first and most important step to take once you are well enough to do so.
What Are the Potential Damages Owed to You?
One of the most important reasons to turn to an attorney is because the potential damages in your case may not be as clear as they seem. Often, additional problems develop over time. There’s also no way to know how extensive your recovery will be in some situations. When working with an attorney, you’ll learn those details. Some of the potential types of compensation owed to you may include:
- Medical bills from emergency care
- Lab costs
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Surgical procedure coverage for immediate and any additional procedures needed later
- Modifications to your home and vehicle
- Assistance with daily activities
- Home medical equipment needs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages
How a NE Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
You don’t have to face a truck accident like this on your own. A Nebraska accident attorney will answer your questions, gather evidence in your case, and work to ensure your right to compensation is protected. Let a professional work closely with you to determine the steps you need to take to protect your future by securing financial support for the losses caused to you after such a devastating accident.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLC, we’re here to help you. If you’ve suffered an accident due to the negligence of a truck driver, don’t wait to give us a call. Let us provide you with the support you need to protect your rights to compensation. You can call us for an appointment and free consultation to discuss your legal options.
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