On any given day, countless trucks will be traveling our roads as they move goods across the country.
Though such large trucks perform an important function within the economy, they also create substantial dangers on the road.
When carelessness joins, the results can be catastrophic, leading to horrific accidents that not only incur the costs of compensation but also cause emotional pain to people who are caught up in these accidents.
Here, we discuss some major aspects of neglect in 18-wheeler truck accidents that are not seen on the surface; these are not only the financial costs but also the emotional prices which are paid by everyone irrespective of class or status in society.
Financial Toll Due to Truck Accidents
Direct Costs: Maintenance and Medical Expenditure
The aftermath of a truck accident is usually characterized by damaged property which may be as mild as dents and scratches on other vehicles to total destruction of infrastructure.
The expenditure incurred in fixing or replacing the damaged items could be covered either by insurance companies, taxpayers or the individuals found to be responsible in a case of public property or the individuals involved if found culprit.
In addition to that, injuries and the medical costs associated with them in a truck crash can go up by many folds.
For instance, from ER visits and surgeries to chronic care and rehabilitation, the costs may soon go out of control.
Health insurance coverage is not a guarantee that you will not incur health care expenses, as health care costs like copays, deductibles, and out-of-network charges can put a strain on your finances and even break the bank.
Legal Expenses and Liability
Legal implications that come with an accident involving the truck are usually a lengthy and costly process.
The legal fees, court costs, and the settlement or judgments can be the ‘black holes’ that melt down the resource, especially for those who are not well-insured.
Establishing liability in these kinds of cases can be complex. There are various stakeholders involved, such as the truck driver, other drivers on the road, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturing company.
Business Disruptions
This is one of the most significant impacts, as it poses new challenges for workers and the way businesses operate.
The main issue with truck accidents is that they can disrupt supply chains and logistics networks, which means that there will be delays in deliveries, and businesses will incur extra costs.
Local enterprises, especially those ones, are likely to face difficulties in overcoming such losses and thus may even face closure which in turn may lead to increased unemployment.
How Can You Claim Compensation For Financial Losses?
The legal complications of a truck accident lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially when one is confronted with powerful insurance companies and corporate entities.
Constituting a professional 18-wheeler accident lawyer whose practice area is truck accidents, would certainly be of great help to guide and represent you.
A competent attorney can help you understand the strength of your case, talk to the insurance company on your behalf, and fight for you in court.
What Are Emotional Disruptions Due to Truck Accidents?
Survivor’s Guilt
For those who fortunately survive a truck accident, carrying the guilt of being a survivor on their shoulders is a heavy burden to them.
They can develop the feeling that they are unworthy because they survived while others did not. They might be questioning themselves why they should be alive while others were not.
Survivors might get away with physical injuries but in fact, they face a lot of emotional trauma which is symbolized by the memories they carry from the accident.
This trauma is often a nightmare because they see those who were killed and those who have had their lives changed forever.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Truck accidents provide an impactful instance of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the survivors.
Flashbacks, nightmares, and thoughts that repeatedly intrude on the accident can upset the routine of an individual’s daily life to such an extent that it becomes too hard for them to continue moving forward.
Similarly, the unfortunate fear and anxiety that trucker victims may have about getting back on the road or even being next to big rigs can exacerbate their suffering such that it would result in trauma for them.
Impact on Families and Communities
The ripple effects of truck accidents are not limited to those people involved in the crashes.
The loved ones, the friends, and the whole community are also affected in some ways.
The death of a family member or the disabling of an income earner could be the reason for a family’s financial problems and downfall.
How Seeking Emotional Support Can Help You?
The following phase of a truck accident that survivors and their relatives should take into consideration is the one which involves seeking assistance and guidance for the emotional aspects that are affected by the whole issue.
As a matter of fact, a person can build his or her own network of support through therapy sessions, support groups, or peer counseling.
This way, the best possible sense of understanding and validation can be attained.
