Common Causes and Injuries in Truck Accidents

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed and reckless driving are common causes of truck accidents, especially on busy roads like Broadway and Griffin Road in Bangor. Large trucks require longer stopping distances, and speeding can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles, leading to collisions.

Mechanical Failures

Truck accidents can also occur due to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety of commercial trucks, and trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles in safe operating conditions.

Road and Weather Conditions

Maine's diverse weather conditions, including snow, ice, and rain, can create hazardous driving conditions for all vehicles, including trucks. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and inadequate signage can also contribute to truck accidents.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Bangor, Maine, often result in devastating injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to smaller vehicles. If you've been involved in a truck crash on Griffin Road or elsewhere in Maine, it's crucial to be aware of the common injuries that may occur.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs are among the most severe injuries sustained in truck accidents. The impact of a collision can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is vulnerable in truck accidents, and injuries can range from minor sprains to complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can drastically alter a person's life, requiring ongoing medical treatment, assistive devices, and adaptations to daily routines.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The immense force of a truck accident can easily cause broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often necessitate surgery, casting, and physical therapy, leading to significant medical bills and time away from work.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries are common in truck accidents. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial to seek medical attention even if you feel fine after a crash. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Burns and Lacerations

Fires or explosions following a truck accident can cause severe burns while flying debris and shattered glass can lead to deep lacerations. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, surgeries, and pain management.

Psychological Trauma

The emotional impact of a truck accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. It's essential to seek therapy and counseling to address these emotional scars and aid in the healing process.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities. If you've lost a loved one in a truck crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident in Bangor, Maine, it's crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney. McCue Law Office's Maine truck accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, navigate the complexities of truck accident claims, and fight for the total compensation you deserve. Don't face the aftermath of a truck accident alone – contact McCue Law Office today for a free consultation.

Types of Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims in Maine

If you've been injured in a truck accident in Maine, such as on Griffin Road in Bangor, it's crucial to understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to under Maine law. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to smaller vehicles. At McCue Law Office, our Maine truck accident lawyers are committed to helping victims navigate the complex legal process and seek the total compensation they deserve.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to compensate you for the financial losses you've suffered due to the truck accident. These damages are typically quantifiable and include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all past, present, and future medical costs related to your injuries. It includes hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income. This includes both past lost wages and any future income you may lose due to ongoing disability or reduced earning capacity.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for the intangible losses you've suffered, which are often more challenging to quantify. These may include:

• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you've experienced due to your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Emotional Distress: The trauma of a truck accident can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Compensation may be available for these emotional damages.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have negatively impacted your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded in Maine truck accident cases. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the at-fault driver or trucking company for particularly reckless or egregious conduct.

Benefits of Hiring a Bangor Truck Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a truck accident on I-95 or Griffin Road in Bangor, Maine, can be overwhelming. Dealing with severe injuries, navigating complex Maine law, and facing powerful trucking companies and their insurers can be daunting. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer can be the difference between receiving fair compensation and being left with overwhelming medical bills and financial stress.

Leveling the Playing Field

Truck accident cases are often more complex than car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, federal regulations, and the potential for catastrophic injuries. An experienced Bangor truck accident lawyer can level the playing field, providing you with the legal expertise and resources necessary to effectively pursue your claim.

Investigating the Accident

One of the most crucial aspects of a truck accident case is a thorough investigation. A skilled truck accident attorney will meticulously examine police reports, accident scene photos, black box data from the truck, driver logs, maintenance records, and any other relevant evidence. This comprehensive investigation aims to determine the cause of the accident and identify all parties who may share responsibility.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are often trained to minimize payouts. They may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn't fully cover your medical care, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced truck accident lawyer understands the tactics used by insurance companies and can skillfully negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

Pursuing Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your Bangor truck accident attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court. They will advocate for your rights, present your case persuasively, and fight for the total compensation you deserve.

More Notable Benefits of Hiring a Bangor Truck Accident Lawyer

• Expertise: Truck accident lawyers specialize in this area of law and have a deep understanding of federal and Maine trucking regulations, as well as the nuances of truck accident litigation.
• Resources: Truck accident lawyers have access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists who can provide valuable testimony and evidence to support your case.
• Reduced Stress: Knowing that an experienced legal team is handling your case allows you to focus on your recovery and well-being, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with the legal process.
• Maximized Compensation: Studies have shown that accident victims who are represented by an attorney often receive larger settlements than those who attempt to handle their claims on their own.

FAQs on Truck Accident Injuries in Bangor

How can I prove liability in a Bangor truck accident case?

Proving liability in a truck accident case requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. This can include obtaining police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and black box data (if available). An experienced truck accident attorney can help collect this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

What types of compensation can I seek in a truck accident claim?

In Maine, you can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the truck driver's conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Maine?

Maine has a six-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, including those from truck accidents. However, it's crucial to act quickly after an accident to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

Contact a Maine Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Bangor or elsewhere in Maine, contact McCue Law Office by calling (207) 421-9406 today for a free consultation. Our Bangor truck accident lawyers have the experience and expertise to handle complex truck accident cases and fight for the total compensation you deserve. Don't delay, as there may be time-sensitive deadlines that could affect your claim.