In the US, about 130,000 people suffer from injuries from truck accidents. And about 4,000 people lost their lives because of them.
If you have been in a truck accident, you may already know the debilitating injuries these accidents can cause. Truck accident injuries include minor neck, joint, or bone injuries to the more severe brain, spinal cord, or internal injuries.
Read on to discover some of the most common injuries and available treatment options. It can help you make an informed choice about the best way to proceed if you are in a trucking accident.
1. Back and Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can range in severity from a mild sprain or strain to a more severe whiplash or herniated disc injury. Injuries to the spine, such as fractures or dislocations, can be disabling and lead to long-term pain and suffering. Injuries to the back can also cause damage to the muscles and ligaments, leading to permanent impairment.
Even minor back and neck injuries can cause chronic pain and necessitate long-term medical care. It is essential to have experienced legal and medical counsel to assist with filing and litigating a claim.
2. Lacerations
These injuries can range from minor scrapes and abrasions to deep cuts and large gashes that can cause severe bleeding. Victims of truck collisions are often jostled around inside their vehicles. It will then result in cuts caused by contact with broken glass or exposed metal edges.
Lacerations can also come from contact with the road surface or the airbag deploying. These cuts often occur from passengers being ejected from the vehicle. They may also come from the extreme force experienced during a collision.
Depending on the severity of the cuts, victims of truck collisions may require stitching or other medical attention. In some cases, the severity of the laceration may cause permanent scarring or lasting nerve damage.
These cuts often accompany bleeding and swelling and require stitches and antibiotics to treat injuries. These trucking injuries are often severe and require medical attention. It is essential for those in a truck accident to seek immediate medical attention to avoid further medical complications.
Furthermore, it’s essential to document injuries and seek legal advice. It can help in getting compensation for the damages.
3. Broken Bones
You can break bones in various ways in a truck accident. It may come from the vehicle colliding with something else or the truck driver over-correcting and sliding off the road’s edge.
The force of impact from the truck can cause the passenger to be jolted. It can result in broken bones in the head, neck, chest, spine, and extremities.
Broken bones can be painful and dangerous. The injury can range from a minor fracture to a compound fracture, in which the bone protrudes through the skin.
The risk of infection is always possible with a broken bone, and medical attention is necessary for proper healing. It is essential for those involved in a truck accident to get a proper medical evaluation. It ensures that any breakage or fractures will be identified and treated.
4. Head and Brain Injuries
High-impact collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and have serious, long-term consequences. TBIs can include a variety of symptoms—confusion, changes in mood and behavior, memory loss, and difficulty speaking.
In severe cases, a truck accident victim can be profoundly disabled. Those who experience these types of injuries must seek medical attention. Successful recovery often depends on the quality of aftercare and the severity of the injury sustained.
5. Burns
Burns may occur as the truck’s fuel tanks, and gasoline may leak and combust during a crash. If the truck driver or a passenger near the combustion zone cannot exit the vehicle in time, they may suffer from severe burns. Burns are very painful and, depending on the burn type, and degree, can lead to disfigurement and permanent scarring.
In extreme cases, severe burns can even result in the loss of life if not treated properly. Those that survive often require lengthy and costly medical treatment. It can include skin grafts, scar revision surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological counseling to cope with the trauma of the accident.
6. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries refer to those that are not visible externally, which can result from blunt force trauma in a severe truck accident. Examples include a ruptured spleen, organ or vessel damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Other internal injuries may include fractures of the spine, chest or rib injuries, abdominal tears, and internal organ perforations.
The severity of such injuries can vary greatly, and prompt medical care is essential. Regardless of the extent of the internal damage, these injuries can often result in lifelong disability or, in the worst of cases, death. Therefore, if an accident occurs, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
7. Wrongful Death
Due to the sheer size, weight, and power of the truck, a truck accident can be incredibly destructive. It can lead to severe and permanent injuries or death.
The damages can result in extensive medical bills, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs. Additionally, it will also involve lost wages and social and psychological impacts such as depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medical costs, in turn, may leave the victim or their family with a significant financial burden.
If a truck accident does result in wrongful death, the families of the victim may pursue legal action. They can get a wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses.
Make sure to get the services of a reputable truck accident lawyer to get the legal help you need. Hire an attorney with lots of experience who can guide you throughout the process.
Get Compensated for Truck Accident Common Injuries
Truck accidents can have a significant impact on victims and their families. Common injuries range from whiplash to broken bones and brain injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck-related accident, you must speak with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer today!