Last month, a 58-year-old man from West Fargo was driving on North 45th Street when his car collided with a semi-truck. Media reported that the man did not survive his injuries, and this is only one example of how tragic truck crashes can be in the Fargo area – both on and off the highway.
Large Commercial Trucks
When you see a large commercial truck, the size difference between your car and the truck is immediately clear. Tractor-trailers are much longer and taller than any passenger vehicle, and it might weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. When such a giant and heavy vehicle collides with a smaller car that weighs about 4,000 pounds, it should be no surprise when the car is severely damaged, and occupants suffer serious injuries.
Fatal Injuries
There are many injuries that might be fatal in a truck accident. Some injuries that make it difficult to survive include:
- Head trauma and brain injuries – A severe brain injury can render a victim unconscious and cause them to permanently lose brain activity. Skull fractures and other head trauma can contribute to the severity of a brain injury that can be fatal.
- Broken neck – An impact can often lead to direct trauma or a jolt strong enough to sever the spinal cord. While some people survive spinal injuries, a broken neck can also cause instant death in certain situations.
- Chest and abdomen injuries – When someone suffers trauma to the chest or abdomen, their chest can be completely crushed, or they can suffer internal organ damage and hemorrhaging. If organ damage is severe and not repairable, it can cause the body to shut down and lead to death.
Some truck crash victims are pronounced dead on the scene, while others later pass away at the hospital when medical care cannot save them. In either situation, a fatal truck crash can leave family members of the deceased facing extreme financial and emotional losses.
Who is Liable?
North Dakota law allows family members who lost a loved one in a truck crashes to hold the parties that caused the crash liable for their losses. There are different parties that might be liable in a wrongful death claim stemming from a truck crash, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The cargo-loading crew
- A truck repair or maintenance company
In order to know the best course of action after a tragic truck crash, speak with an experienced North Dakota personal injury attorney who regularly handles complex claims.
Contact Our Fargo Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
Truck crash cases can be challenging, but you have the chance to recover for your losses with the right legal representation. We stand up for clients who have suffered a tragic loss, and we are ready to evaluate your rights and options. Contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, Tim O’Keeffe, Tatum O’Brien, or Sara Monson by email or call O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys at 701-235-8000 or toll-free 877-235-8002.
