Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys APC helps anyone that’s been injured in a truck accident in Thousand Oaks. Being in one of these accidents almost guarantees that you’ll be injured, and given the factors present with a larger, heavier truck, these injuries are usually much more serious. None are more serious than head injuries, but you still have legal options that our team can help you with. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Head Injury in a Truck Accident?
Being in a truck accident is very scary–you could argue even scarier than a regular car accident. Even still, you’re not required to get a lawyer after one of these accidents. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need one, especially if you have a head injury.
Unlike minor accidents, head injuries can be serious and complex, making legal support vital. Our firm can help you in this situation by:
- Investigating the accident to figure out who’s responsible.
- Collecting all necessary medical records to support your claim.
- Analyzing the accident scene to understand what happened and how it led to your injuries.
- Working with medical experts to strengthen your case.
- Handling all communications with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement.
- Taking care of all the legal paperwork and requirements, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our goal is to make the process easier for you and your family while providing the support and patience you need during your recovery.
Who Pays for Your Damages After a Truck Accident?
A truck accident is incredibly difficult, even more so when there’s head injuries. But the starting point of your legal options is still the same–figuring out who pays for your damages. This is unfortunately another difficult part of a truck accident. Basically, there’s a lot of different people involved in a typical truck accident, not just the driver.
At the same time, the actual legal standard for figuring this out is still the same: showing negligence. So, in a typical truck accident, any or multiple of the following could be responsible for paying for your damages:
- Drivers – In a lot of truck accidents, the driver is going to be responsible for an accident in some way, usually through speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- Trucking companies – If the trucking company did not properly maintain the vehicle or failed to follow safety regulations, they may be held accountable.
- Truck or parts makers – If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or its components, the manufacturer could be liable for producing faulty equipment.
- Government agencies – If the accident happened due to poor road conditions or inadequate signage, local or state government agencies might share responsibility for not maintaining safe roadways.
- Other drivers – If another vehicle was involved and contributed to the accident, that driver might also be responsible for your damages.
Figuring out who pays for your damages sets the course of your whole claim. But when you’re in a truck accident with a head injury, it’s even more important.
What Kind of Head Injuries Can Happen in Truck Accidents?
Every truck accident is different, whether it be the underlying cause or the outcome. That said, the vast majority of truck accidents result in serious head injuries for you and others involved. Most of the time, head injuries in these accidents include:
Here are some types of head injuries you might get in a truck accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Hemorrhages or brain bleeds
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Nerve damage
- Broken facial bones
- Dental injuries
While this doesn’t change your legal options, it does change how you’re able to respond.
Given the severity of these injuries, it’s crucial to take specific steps to safeguard your health and your claim. After that, the legal process–especially concerning your damages–will be vital to any recovery you’re able to achieve.
What Damages Can You Get in a Truck Accident Claim With Head Injuries?
What separates a head injury from others you’ll likely experience in a truck accident is that the financial, physical, and emotional challenges are all increased. Fortunately, the law allows for financial support, known as “damages,” to help cover these costs. However, you need to show how the injury has impacted your life. Whether you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you could recover:
- Medical expenses – This includes all your medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, therapy sessions, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost income – You can claim the income you missed out on because of your injury, including any future earnings you might lose.
- Property damage – This covers the costs to repair or replace any personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering – This provides support for the physical pain and mental strain resulting from your injuries.
- Emotional distress – This covers costs relating to the anxiety, sadness, or other emotional challenges caused by your head injury.
- Loss of quality of life – You may receive financial support for not being able to enjoy activities you once did before the accident.
- Loss of companionship – This addresses the impact your injury has on your relationships with family and loved ones.
- Wrongful death expenses – If the injury leads to a death, this covers funeral and burial costs.
These damages are crucial for your recovery and can help address many of the challenges you and your family face due to your head injury. But remember, you have to file within California’s statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you can’t file a claim or recover damages.
How Can You Protect Your Claim After a Truck Accident With a Head Injury?
After a truck accident that results in a head injury, it can be tough to understand the full impact of what you’ve experienced, especially in the immediate aftermath. However, taking the right steps is essential to protect your claim and demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Here’s how you can help strengthen your case:
- Call 911 – Your top priority should be getting medical care. Call 911 for help from paramedics at the accident scene to stabilize your condition. With a head injury, they’ll likely take you to a hospital for further care.
- Report the accident – With 911, have them also send the local police. Not only is this often required, but it also helps clear the scene and creates an official report that documents the details of what happened.
- Start getting evidence – If you’re able, start getting evidence at the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident, as well as note down important details. This will be important evidence for your claim.
- Stick to your treatment plan – Follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor and specialists to aid in your recovery. This not only helps your health but also shows that you are taking your recovery seriously.
- Keep track of your losses – Keep detailed records related to the accident and your injury. This usually involves medical bills, treatment plans, and any communication with insurance companies. Having organized documentation is key to supporting your claim as your head injury progresses or worsens.
These steps are vital regardless of the type of head injury you have. Since head injuries can make the situation much more difficult, our team is here to help you gather all the necessary information and support your claim.
Contact Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys After a Truck Accident in Thousand Oaks
Life after a truck accident can be especially daunting, especially with head injuries. At Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, our team is dedicated to supporting you through this tough period. We will stand up for your rights and make sure you have access to all the resources you need for your recovery. To learn how we can help you through the claims process after a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.