Semi-truck accidents are always terrifying and often destructive. Even when they happen at low speeds, these collisions have the potential to inflict catastrophic and even life-altering injuries. Our Washington truck accident attorney mentions how the sheer force of an 18-wheeler crash can shatter glass, twisted metal, and scatter toxic chemicals. If any of this debris strikes the head or neck of a victim, it could cause disfigurement and permanent disability.
Facial Trauma in Washington Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, burns, and traumatic brain injuries. However, facial wounds are especially common. This is because:
- Glass fragments from a shattered window or windshield could scatter after an impact, cutting the face
- A sudden airbag deployment could impact the face, nose, and jaw
- Motorists could be thrust head-first into their steering wheel, potentially fracturing their occipital bones and other facial features
- Fire or hot automotive parts could burn vulnerable tissue, muscle, and organs
- If the truck was carrying hazardous waste or chemicals, the release of toxins could cause chemical burns, temporary blindness, or permanent blindness
Common 18-Wheeler Facial Injuries in Bothell
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—nearly 20 times the weight of an ordinary pick-up truck, SUV, or passenger sedan. When a semi-truck and private automobile collide, the massive amounts of physical force are often most detrimental to the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Common facial injuries include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Fire and chemical burns
- Ruptured eyes
How to Protect Your Legal Recovery
Facial injuries can be tragically life-changing. While you might not be able to think straight in the immediate aftermath of a Washington semi-truck accident, there are certain steps you could take to bolster your chances of making a successful legal recovery:
- Call the police. If you do not need emergency medical attention, contact law enforcement. Even if the police cannot establish who was at fault in the accident, the responding officer’s report could contain evidence needed in insurance negotiations or in the courtroom.
- Seek immediate medical attention. You should always visit the doctor after any semi-truck accident—even if you do not think your injuries are severe. A physician could help identify and treat injuries you did not realize you had. Seeing the doctor will also show the insurance company that you had legitimate concerns about your well-being and are not simply seeking to profit from the crash.
- Log your symptoms. If your semi-truck accident injuries have left you disfigured, in physical pain, or in psychological distress, keep a journal and record how you feel daily.
- Contact an attorney. You always stand your best chance of recovery when you contact an experienced Washington 18-wheeler accident attorney.
Facial Injuries Ruin Lives
Facial injuries can be minor, moderate, or severe. However, facial injuries are considerably more likely than other types of injury to result in disfigurement. Lacerations can mar a semi-truck crash victim’s eyes, nose, and lips. Oftentimes, scarring is a best-case outcome; permanent disfigurement is not uncommon.
While no settlement can undo the damage wrought by a severe facial injury, Washington does entitle victims to compensation. You could be awarded damages for:
- Your past, present, and anticipated medical expenses
- Physical rehabilitation
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Lost paid time off
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of intimacy
- Loss of companionship
- Disability
- Disfigurement
Unlike some states, Washington does not cap the compensation you could receive for semi-truck accident facial injuries. However, the state does have a strict statute of limitations: if you wait too long to file a complaint, the court could automatically dismiss your case.
