Getting into an accident with a truck can turn your life upside down. These crashes are usually much more serious than regular car accidents because trucks are so big and heavy. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you might be wondering what your injuries mean for your case—and what kind of compensation you could receive. In this post, we’ll break down the most common types of truck accident injuries and how they can affect your case value. We’ll also answer a big question people often ask: how much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Let’s get into it.
Why Are Truck Accident Injuries So Serious?
Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous because commercial trucks weigh so much more than passenger vehicles. A loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs around 3,000 pounds. That’s a huge difference—and it’s one of the main reasons why truck accident injuries can be so severe.
These big trucks also take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and are more likely to roll over or jackknife. When something goes wrong, the damage can be massive, and the injuries often require a long recovery.
Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
When you’re hurt in a truck accident, your injuries can impact everything—from your health to your job to your entire way of life. And when it comes to filing a legal claim, the type of injury you have plays a big role in how much compensation you could receive.
Below, we’ll walk you through the most common types of truck accident injuries, how they can affect your daily life, and why they matter in a legal case.
1. Head and Brain Injuries
A blow to the head during a truck accident can lead to a concussion or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can happen even if you don’t hit your head directly—just the force of the crash can jolt your brain inside your skull.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or nausea
- Memory problems
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood changes (like anger or depression)
Can I fully recover from a brain injury?
That depends. Some people recover within a few weeks, but others deal with long-term effects for months or even years. In more serious cases, a TBI can change the way a person thinks, feels, or moves—possibly forever.
How it affects your case:
Brain injuries can raise the value of your claim significantly. If your injury affects your ability to work, learn, or enjoy life, that loss is factored into the amount of compensation you can pursue.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Truck accidents can put intense pressure on your spine. A serious injury to your spinal cord can lead to:
- Partial or full paralysis
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of movement in the arms or legs
- Difficulty breathing or controlling bladder/bowel functions
Do spinal injuries always mean paralysis?
Not always. Some people experience temporary issues, while others may lose movement permanently. Either way, spinal injuries usually require months of therapy and expensive medical care.
How it affects your case:
Because spinal injuries can completely change how you live your life, they usually lead to large settlements. The costs of care—wheelchairs, home modifications, physical therapy, or in-home assistance—add up quickly, and your legal claim should account for all of it.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken arms, legs, ribs, or hips are common in truck accidents. These injuries can be simple or complex. In more serious cases, you might need:
- Surgery
- Screws, plates, or rods
- Months of physical therapy
What if my broken bone heals—do I still have a strong case?
Yes. Even if you recover, the pain, missed work, medical costs, and temporary loss of mobility can all be considered in your claim.
How it affects your case:
If your broken bones make it hard to work, drive, or do daily activities, it can increase your case value. The more serious the break—and the longer it takes to heal—the more your case is typically worth.
4. Internal Injuries
Some of the most dangerous truck accident injuries are the ones you can’t see right away. These include:
- Internal bleeding
- Punctured lungs
- Damaged organs like the liver or spleen
How do I know if I have an internal injury?
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. Internal injuries don’t always show up immediately, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor after any crash.
How it affects your case:
Internal injuries are often considered life-threatening and usually involve emergency surgery and hospital stays. These medical costs are high, and so is the physical toll. As a result, these injuries can significantly increase the value of your legal claim.
5. Burns and Deep Cuts (Lacerations)
If the accident causes a fire or if the truck was carrying hazardous materials, you could end up with serious burns. Flying glass or twisted metal can also cause deep cuts that leave scars or nerve damage.
What if the scar is small—does it still count?
Yes. Scars, especially on visible parts of the body like the face or hands, can lead to emotional distress. And deeper cuts or burns may need skin grafts or surgeries.
How it affects your case:
Injuries that change your appearance or cause long-term pain can increase your case value. Emotional distress—such as anxiety, depression, or lowered self-esteem—is often included in your compensation.
6. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash happens when your neck snaps forward and backward quickly, like in a rear-end crash. Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments—especially in your neck, shoulders, or back.
Are soft tissue injuries serious?
They might not seem serious at first, but they can cause chronic pain, limit your range of motion, and make it hard to sit, sleep, or work comfortably.
How it affects your case:
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries may not lead to the biggest settlements, but they still matter—especially if they linger or interfere with your ability to work or enjoy life. Keeping track of your symptoms, doctor visits, and physical therapy can help support your claim.
Why the Type of Injury Matters
You might be wondering, why does it matter what kind of injury I have?
Here’s the thing—insurance companies look closely at the type and severity of your injuries when deciding how much your case is worth. Some injuries lead to bigger medical bills, longer recovery times, or permanent changes in your life. These factors all increase the potential value of your case.
And at William W. Price P.A., we make sure every detail of your injury and its impact is considered. We believe you deserve full compensation for what you’ve been through—not just a quick settlement.
How Injuries Affect Case Value
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you might be wondering: How much is my case actually worth? The answer depends on a few different things—but one of the biggest factors is the type and seriousness of your injuries.
In general, the more serious or long-lasting your injury is, the more your case may be worth. But let’s break it down so it’s easier to understand.
Two Main Types of Damages in a Truck Accident Case
When we talk about the “value” of a legal case, we’re talking about something called damages. Damages are what you’re legally allowed to claim as compensation for your losses. There are two main types:
1. Economic Damages
These are the things you can put a number on—costs that come directly from the accident and your injury.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills – hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost wages – money you didn’t earn because you had to miss work.
- Future medical expenses – any care you’ll need going forward, like therapy, equipment, or long-term treatments.
- Loss of earning potential – if your injury makes it harder or impossible for you to go back to your job or earn the same income you used to.
How do I prove economic damages?
Save everything. Doctor’s notes, hospital bills, pay stubs showing time off work, receipts for medications, and anything else related to your injury. The more proof you have, the easier it is to show what your injury has really cost you.
2. Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to measure with a dollar amount, but they’re just as important. Non-economic damages cover the personal side of things—the pain, stress, and ways your life has changed because of the accident.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering – physical pain or discomfort caused by your injury.
- Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, or trauma from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if you can’t do the things you used to love, like sports, hobbies, or even spending time with your family.
- Scarring or disfigurement – especially if your appearance has changed or you feel embarrassed in public.
How do I prove non-economic damages?
This might include a journal where you write down how you’re feeling each day, testimony from doctors or therapists, and even statements from family and friends about how the injury has affected your daily life.
Why the Severity of the Injury Matters
Not all injuries are the same—and neither are the payouts. A sprained ankle that heals in two weeks won’t lead to the same case value as a spinal injury that leaves you in a wheelchair.
Here’s what can increase the value of your case:
- Permanent injuries
- Long-term medical care
- Major surgeries or rehabilitation
- Inability to return to your job
- Emotional trauma that lasts for months or longer
What if I feel okay now—should I still file a claim?
Yes, especially if you haven’t seen a doctor yet. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Always get a full medical check-up after an accident—even if you think you’re fine. If you wait too long, it might be harder to link your injuries to the crash.
Can I Get More Money if the Truck Driver or Company Was at Fault?
Yes, you might be able to recover something called punitive damages. These are different from the economic and non-economic damages we talked about earlier.
What are punitive damages?
Punitive damages are meant to punish the other party for especially bad or reckless behavior. They also help send a message to other drivers or companies to be more careful.
Examples of reckless behavior might include:
- A truck driver was drunk or under the influence
- The trucking company forced the driver to work more hours than legally allowed
- The truck was knowingly sent out with serious safety problems
Do all cases include punitive damages?
No, not every case qualifies. But if there’s clear evidence that the crash happened because of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, your lawyer may be able to go after additional compensation.
The Bottom Line
Your truck accident injuries aren’t just medical problems—they affect every part of your life. And that’s exactly why your legal case should reflect the full impact, not just the hospital bill.
When we build your case at William W. Price P.A., we take time to understand everything you’ve gone through—physically, financially, and emotionally. Whether your injury will heal in a few months or stay with you for years, we fight to make sure your compensation matches your experience.
Not sure what your case could be worth? Contact us today to talk directly with an experienced attorney who can help you figure it out—with no pressure and no upfront costs.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
A lot of people worry about money after an accident and wonder: how much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Here’s the good news—at William W. Price P.A., you don’t have to pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee. That means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, and we’ll explain it clearly before we start working together.
This way, you can focus on getting better without worrying about legal bills.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters
Truck accident cases can be tricky. It’s not just the truck driver who might be responsible. The trucking company, the people who loaded the truck, or even the truck manufacturer could all be part of the problem.
A good lawyer will:
- Investigate the crash
- Look at driver logs and truck data
- Gather evidence like video footage or company safety records
- Talk to the insurance companies
- Represent you in court if needed
At William W. Price P.A., we take pride in giving you direct access to your attorney—not just a paralegal or assistant. We treat every case with personal care and attention.
If You’ve Been Hurt in a Truck Accident in South Florida
If you’re dealing with truck accident injuries in Boca, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, or Jupiter, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
There are time limits in Florida for filing personal injury claims, so it’s important to act quickly.
Final Thoughts
Truck accident injuries can have a huge impact on your life—from physical pain to emotional stress to financial worries. Knowing how your injuries affect your case value can help you make the right choices.
If you’re still asking yourself, how much does a truck accident lawyer cost, remember: with us, you don’t pay unless we win.
We’re here to help you move forward—one step at a time—with legal advice that’s modern, professional, and personal.
Want to speak with an attorney about your truck accident case? Contact us today to get started. We’re here for you.
