A truck accident can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injuries that may require extensive medical treatment, such as surgery. While health insurance may provide some coverage, copayments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly, leaving you struggling to cope with the mounting medical bills. This is an additional source of stress on top of the physical and emotional challenges you might already face.
However, if you weren’t at fault for the truck crash, you shouldn’t be responsible for covering the costs of your treatment. Consulting with an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer ensures your rights stay protected and that you receive rightful compensation to pay for surgery and other truck crash injury expenses.
Common Truck Accident Injuries Requiring Surgery
The significant size and weight disparity between commercial rigs and smaller vehicles mean that when collisions occur, the force and impact involved can result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
Spinal injuries
Truck accidents frequently cause spinal cord damage, leading to herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis. Surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure, and restore function.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
A violent impact with a big rig causes TBIs ranging from concussions to more severe brain damage. Surgery might be required to reduce pressure and prevent further complications.
Bone fractures
The force of a truck collision can lead to bone fractures, which may require surgery to set the bone properly and facilitate healing. Commonly broken bones include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Internal organ damage
Blunt force trauma from a truck accident may result in internal injuries such as lacerations, punctures, or ruptures of organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Surgery is often necessary to control bleeding and repair or remove damaged organs.
Limb amputations
In severe truck accidents, limbs may be crushed beyond repair, necessitating surgical amputation to prevent infection and further complications.
Facial injuries
Traumatic facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets, may require reconstructive surgeries to restore appearance and function.
Truck accident injuries requiring surgery often lead to prolonged recovery periods, extensive medical treatment, and cause emotional and financial burdens on both you and your family. Rehabilitation and ongoing care may be necessary to regain mobility and function fully.
Holding the At-Fault Party Responsible for Paying for Surgery
In Virginia, the at-fault party's insurance company is typically responsible for covering the expenses resulting from the accident. For example, if the truck driver is found liable for the accident, their fleet company insurance policy usually covers the damages.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can determine what party or parties to hold responsible and fight to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the damages you suffered. Your legal team also does the following to help with your truck accident claim:
Gather evidence
To establish the at-fault party's liability, obtaining clear evidence to support your claim is essential. This may include photographs, videos, witness statements, police reports, driver logs, employee records, and any other relevant documentation.
Negotiate with the insurance company
Your attorney initiates negotiations with the trucking company’s insurer. They present your evidence and argue for rightful compensation that covers your surgery expenses and other damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Provide court representation
If a settlement cannot be reached with the trucking company’s insurer, a skilled truck accident lawyer will take your case to court. They’ll advocate for your rights, present evidence supporting your claim, and seek a fair settlement that holds the responsible party accountable for their actions and covers your surgery and other expenses.