Truck Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries Are More Common Than You Think

Accidents with big commercial trucks can shatter lives. Whether it's a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, log truck, dump truck, or some other type of big rig, these massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and create devastating force in a crash, leaving crash victims with severe and life-altering injuries. Among the most devastating consequences of truck accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and with Brain Injury Awareness Month in full swing this March, now is a good time to raise awareness. Unlike broken bones, which heal with time, a TBI can change every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to work, think clearly, and even perform basic daily tasks.

Additionally, many victims struggle to get the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and future care. Making matters worse, brain injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms, which often leads victims to delay treatment, only to realize later that their injuries are far worse than they initially thought. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a California truck accident, you need to act fast to protect your rights. Oaks Law Firm can guide you through every step of the legal process, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you deserve under California law.

What makes truck accidents so dangerous?

A collision with a big truck isn’t like a typical car accident—it’s usually far more violent. These gigantic vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars, which amplifies the force of impact. That means even at moderate speeds, the sheer weight of a truck can cause catastrophic injuries. Here’s why truck accidents are especially dangerous:

• Size and weight: A truck can weigh up to 20 times more than a passenger vehicle.
• Speed: Many truck drivers operate under tight deadlines, which pushes them to speed or drive aggressively.
• Limited stopping power: Trucks need longer distances to slow down and stop.
• Driver fatigue: Although federal law limits driving hours, many truckers push past their limits.
• Distracted driving: GPS devices, mobile phones, and in-cab communication systems can divert a trucker’s attention.
• Mechanical failures: Poor fleet maintenance, brake failures, and tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control.
• Improperly secured cargo: Shifting loads can destabilize a truck, causing rollovers and jackknife accidents.

How do truck accidents cause traumatic brain injuries?

A truck accident can cause a brain injury in multiple ways, even if there’s no direct blow to the head. The sheer force of impact and sudden motion in a crash can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, which can lead to serious and sometimes permanent damage. Some of the most common ways truck accidents result in TBIs include:

• Direct impact trauma: The victim’s head slams into the dashboard, windshield, or pavement, causing a concussion or skull fracture.
• Coup-contrecoup injuries: The brain is violently jolted back and forth inside the skull, which can lead to bruising and internal bleeding.
• Diffuse axonal injuries: High-speed crashes cause the brain to twist inside the skull, which tears nerve tissues at a microscopic level.
• Penetrating head injuries: Flying debris, shattered glass, or metal fragments pierce the skull and cause brain tissue damage.
• Whiplash-related TBIs: The rapid motion of the head in a crash can cause brain damage even without a direct impact.

Watch for these brain injury symptoms after a truck accident

Brain injuries affect everyone differently, but even a mild TBI can have long-lasting effects. The most common symptoms of a mild TBI include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and nausea
• Confusion and memory problems
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Common symptoms of moderate to severe TBIs include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Slurred speech or difficulty communicating
• Personality changes, mood swings, and depression
• Cognitive impairment and difficulty focusing
• Loss of coordination and motor function issues

What are the long-term effects of a truck accident-related TBI?

While milder head injuries can heal with time, many TBI victims never fully recover. Some long-term effects include:

• Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and trouble making decisions.
• Constant headaches, migraines, and nerve pain that never fully go away.
• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and severe mood swings.
• Loss of independence and the ability to take care of yourself.
• Increased risk of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Financial burdens from ongoing medical treatments, lost income, and rehabilitation costs.

Brain injury victims may be eligible for significant compensation

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a truck accident in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, or anywhere in California, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care. One of your key rights is the ability to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. This could be the truck driver, the trucking company, and/or another entity responsible for the crash (e.g., a cargo loader, truck maintenance provider, a defective tire/truck part manufacturer, or another vehicle involved in the accident).

If negligence played a role (e.g., reckless driving, driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo), you may have grounds to sue. However, you must demonstrate that the responsible party failed to uphold a duty of care, that their actions directly caused your brain injury, and that you suffered damages as a result of their negligence.

Remember, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. In addition to the truck driver, the trucking company could be at fault if it failed to train or overworked its employees. A truck manufacturer might be responsible if a defective truck part contributed to the crash. Even cargo loaders could be liable if improperly loaded freight made the truck unstable. Holding all responsible parties accountable can help maximize your compensation and cover the full extent of your losses, but identifying all potential sources of compensation isn't easy without experienced legal representation. That's when having a California truck accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

How a California truck accident attorney can help after a brain injury

If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a truck accident in California, hiring a lawyer can make a real difference in your recovery and financial future. Truck accident cases are much more complicated than standard car crashes because they often involve multiple responsible parties, and each of them will try to shift the blame.

A California truck accident lawyer from Oaks Law Firm can investigate your crash, gather key evidence (e.g., black box data and driver logs), and hold the right parties accountable for your head injury. Without legal help, you could end up settling for far less than what you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering. We have a proven track record of winning big cases, including $1 million to a client severely injured when a large truck backed into a loading dock. We also offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

With offices in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and all of California. Let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve! Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a truck accident lawyer who knows how to get meaningful results for his clients.

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"Oaks Law Firm provided exceptional service from start to finish! Matt, Nicole, and the entire team were professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to my case. They kept me informed every step of the way and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Their expertise and commitment led to a great outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you need a reliable and skilled legal team, look no further—Oaks Law Firm is the best!" — Erik K., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐