Collisions involving commercial trucks in Aurora (which can weigh up to 80,000lbs) can generate tremendous force. These crashes place occupants of smaller vehicles (which typically weigh between 3,000–5,000 lbs) at high risk for catastrophic and fatal injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most severe examples (TBI).
A brain injury can permanently alter how a person thinks, communicates, and works. Even injuries initially described as “mild” may lead to lasting cognitive changes.
If you or someone you love sustained a brain injury because of a negligent truck driver or trucking company, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. Schedule your free consultation at Feagans Law Group today.
Types of Brain Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can cause a wide range of brain injuries, from concussions to life-threatening trauma. The following are among the most common types:
- Concussions. A concussion occurs when the brain is forcefully jolted inside the skull. A truck crash can cause rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head, leading to a concussion. While some victims recover from concussions within a few weeks, others can experience lingering cognitive issues.
- Brain Contusions. A contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain tissue. During a truck crash, occupants may hit their heads against windows, steering wheels, or other objects. Severe contusions can cause swelling or internal bleeding in the brain, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI). These injuries result from intense rotational forces that cause the brain to twist within the skull. They result from the tearing of delicate nerve fibers in the brain. They are especially common in rollovers or high-speed highway crashes. DAIs are extremely serious and may lead to coma and permanent disability.
- Penetrating Brain Injuries. In catastrophic truck crashes, debris may penetrate the skull. These injuries often cause permanent neurological damage and require immediate surgical intervention.
The worst accidents can result in multiple traumas to the brain and are more likely to result in irreversible cognitive damage.
How Brain Injuries Occur in Aurora Truck Crashes
Commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. Therefore, while they are often involved in the same crashes as traditional passenger vehicles, the impact forces are amplified.
Brain injuries in Aurora truck crashes commonly occur due to:
- Underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollovers
- Falling or shifting cargo
In many cases, the victim’s head may strike interior surfaces, or the brain may be injured simply from the extreme force of motion. Importantly, symptoms do not always appear immediately. Confusion, severe headaches, and other symptoms may develop hours or days later. That’s why it’s critical to seek prompt medical attention after a crash.
Who Could Be Liable for My Brain Injury After a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A vehicle manufacturer
These parties may be responsible for your economic and non-economic losses related to the crash, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in an Aurora truck crash, contact Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.