Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Personal Injury
Getting into a crash with a commercial truck can leave you shaken—and not all injuries are apparent right away. Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up, and delaying care can put both your health and your legal claim at risk. In the event that you want to seek compensation, the medical documents from your initial visit can also be crucial.
This post explains why medical treatment after a truck accident matters, what kinds of injuries to look out for, and how your doctor visit could affect an insurance claim or lawsuit in Louisiana.
Because of the truck’s size and weight, truck accidents often cause more serious injuries than regular car crashes. When a large commercial vehicle hits a smaller car, the impact can be severe for those inside.
Drivers of these trucks must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued under F CSA rules. These drivers are held to higher safety standards, which makes accidents involving them especially concerning.
Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury in the United States.
You might feel fine after a truck accident, but some injuries—like whiplash, brain trauma, or internal bleeding—can take hours or days to show up. Seeing a doctor early helps catch these issues before they worsen. It also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash, which is essential if you file a claim. Prompt treatment supports your recovery and protects your legal case.
In Louisiana, you have just one year to file a personal injury claim, so time matters. If you delay medical treatment after a truck accident, it becomes harder to prove the crash caused your injury. Louisiana’s comparative fault rule (Article 2323) can also reduce your compensation if you’re partly at fault. Quick medical care helps document your injury and makes it harder for insurers to argue it’s unrelated or minor.
Compared to typical auto accidents, the size and weight of a truck frequently result in more serious injuries. These injuries can be long-lasting and may affect one’s ability to work or live comfortably.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
A sudden jolt to the head can lead to a concussion or more serious br in injury. TBIs can cause memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and long-term cognitive issues.
Whiplash occurs when your neck snaps back and forth quickly. Although it may seem minor, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, reduced motion, and headaches.
The force of a crash can injure your spine or nerves, sometimes leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Cuts, bruises, and fractures are common, especially if your vehicle crumples or glass shatters during the crash.
Not all injuries can be seen. Internal injuries can be deadly if not diagnosed quickly.
In the worst cases, truck accidents result in lost limbs or even death.
Truck crashes may not happen as often as other accidents, but they are usually more severe. Here’s what the data shows:
According to the FMCSA, there were over 4,900 fatal large truck crashes in 2019. In 21% of those, the driver lacked a valid commercial license.
|
Cause of Accident |
Percentage of Crashes |
| Speeding | 7.6% |
| Distracted Driving (e.g. phone, eating) | 5.3% |
| Driver Impairment (fatigue, alcohol, illness) | 4.7% |
| Failure to Yield Right of Way | 4.6% |
| Careless or Reckless Driving | 4.4% |
After a truck accident, it’s essential to act fast. Here’s what you should do:
Yes. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical exam can detect hidden problems and help prevent complications later on.
It’s best to go mediately. Waiting too long can raise questions about the cause of your injury and weaken your legal claim in court.
Delayed injuries include internal bleeding, brain trauma, whiplash, and spine damage. These injuries may become painful or dangerous days after the crash.
Insurance companies can contend that the collision wasn’t the reason for your injuries or that they weren’t severe. A stronger argument for medical recompense is made with prompt care
Yes, but early treatment is always better. The sooner you see a doctor, the easier it is to prove your injuries are crash-related
This could increase their liability. A lawyer can investigate the driver’s credentials and use them as evidence in your injury claim.
Getting medical care after a truck accident isn’t just about treating injuries—it’s also about protecting your future. Even minor crashes can lead to severe, hidden damage that worsens without care. A timely medical visit helps ensure a smoother recovery and supports your legal case.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Louisiana, understanding your options quickly is key. Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC has years of experience helping people deal with the aftermath of commercial vehicle crashes. We’re here to help guide you through the process, starting with the proper medical steps.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
