What Happens if a Truck Accident Leaves you Paralyzed?

A truck accident resulting in paralysis can have devastating consequences that impact every aspect of your life. From the physical and emotional challenges to the financial burdens, navigating this problematic situation requires expert legal guidance.

By enlisting the services of a skilled truck accident attorney, you can safeguard your rights and interests. These experienced professionals will guide you through the intricate legal proceedings, conduct a thorough accident investigation, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and diligently pursue a personal injury claim to ensure you receive rightful compensation.

Causes and Effects of Paralysis After Truck Accidents

The causes and effects of paralysis following a truck accident can differ significantly based on the unique circumstances involved.

Causes of Paralysis:

Spinal Cord Injuries: Truck accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis. The impact of the accident can damage the spinal cord, disrupting the communication between the brain and the body.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: In some cases, traumatic brain injuries sustained during a truck accident can result in paralysis. Given that the brain controls movement and bodily functions, damage to certain areas is known to cause paralysis.

Effects of Paralysis:

Loss of Sensation and Motor Function: Paralysis typically results in the complete loss of sensation and motor function in the affected areas, rendering individuals unable to feel or move those specific body parts.
Physical Limitations and Disabilities: The consequences of paralysis often manifest as physical limitations and disabilities, necessitating the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces, or other assistive devices to perform daily activities.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: The impact of paralysis reaches far beyond the physical realm. It can deeply affect an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. Coping with the sudden loss of mobility and independence may lead to feelings of frustration, grief, depression, anxiety, and a need to adapt to a new way of life.
Financial and Lifestyle Implications: Paralysis can have severe financial implications that go beyond the immediate medical expenses. The costs associated with ongoing medical treatments, extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, necessary home modifications, and long-term care can be overwhelming. Additionally, individuals may face employment challenges, requiring adjustments in career paths or accommodations. The need for continuous support and care can also significantly impact an individual’s lifestyle and that of their family.

How to Determine Liability After a Truck Accident?

Determining liability after a truck accident involves a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some steps to help determine liability are as follows:

Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photographs, videos, witness statements, and police reports.
Identify Potential At-Fault Parties: Determine the parties involved in the accident, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance personnel, or any other relevant parties.
Investigate Driver Negligence: Assess whether the truck driver engaged in negligent behavior that contributed to the accident, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
Evaluate Trucking Company Responsibility: Determine to what extent the trucking company may share liability.
Assess Vehicle Defects or Malfunction: Evaluate whether a defective part, faulty maintenance, or mechanical failure of the truck contributed to the accident.

Compensation Options for Paralysis from a Truck Collision

The compensation you can receive after paralysis from a truck collision can vary depending on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the aws specific to Philadelphia, PA.

Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to your paralysis, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation therapies, assistive devices, and ongoing care needs.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your paralysis prevents you from working or significantly reduces your earning capacity, you may be eligible for compensation for the income you have lost and the potential future income you would have earned.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your paralysis may be pursued as well.
Punitive Damages: In some cases where the truck driver or the trucking company’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

Need Legal Assistance? Contact an accident lawyer

When faced with legal challenges in Philadelphia, PA, having experienced legal representation by your side is crucial. The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman can provide the support and expertise you need. With over 30 years of knowledge, skill, and experience, they are equipped to handle a wide range of cases, whether it’s a truck accident or a personal injury claim.

By entrusting your legal matters to them, you can be confident that they will adeptly guide you through the intricacies of your case, ensuring you receive the necessary support and expert navigation to navigate through its complexities. Schedule a free consultation or call 215-464-4600 to pursue compensation for your paralysis.