What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents?

 Posted on August 22, 2023 in Car Accidents

Commercial truck accidents can be devastating, and in many cases, they result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers and other large trucks, collisions with smaller vehicles often result in life-changing injuries. Drivers and passengers in other vehicles are likely to suffer the most harm in a collision with a tractor-trailer truck, and they can work with a personal injury attorney to ensure that a negligent truck driver or trucking company will be held responsible. Some injuries that often occur in these types of accidents include:

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

In a truck accident, the sudden impact can cause the head to jerk forward, backward, or to the side forcefully. This places a great deal of strain on the neck muscles and ligaments, and it may also cause damage to the nerves in the neck and shoulders. Neck injuries can cause multiple types of ongoing symptoms, including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and reduced range of motion. Nerve damage may also result in numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the shoulders, arms, and hands.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

The force of a truck accident can damage the bones in the spine and the nerves in the spinal cord. This can not only cause a great deal of pain and affect the range of motion in the back, but damage to the spinal cord may lead to partial or complete paralysis below the point of the injury. Spinal cord injuries may result in permanent disabilities, and the treatment a person may need to receive may include surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A blow to the head in a collision with a large truck can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can range from relatively mild concussions to more serious forms of brain damage. A TBI can have long-term symptoms, including cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, seizures, sleep disorders, and problems with balance and coordination.

4. Broken Bones

The sheer force of a collision with a commercial truck can easily result in bone fractures for people in other vehicles. Fractured ribs and collarbones due to the pressure of seat belts are particularly common, but broken bones can also occur in the arms, legs, and hips. Bone fractures can be very painful, and they often take several months to fully heal. In serious cases involving crushed or shattered bones, surgery may be required, and a person may need physical therapy before they will be able to fully regain the use of the parts of the body that were affected.

5. Internal Organ Damage

A truck accident may cause internal injuries even if there are no external signs of harm. Victims may suffer damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, and these injuries may include lacerations, punctures, or internal bleeding. Prompt medical care is crucial in identifying and treating these hidden injuries.

6. Burns

If a collision results in a fire or explosion involving hazardous materials carried by trucks, victims may suffer severe burns. Emergency medical care and surgery such as skin grafts may be required, and ongoing treatment may be needed. Serious burns are also likely to result in scarring or disfigurement.

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A truck accident can leave lasting emotional scars on the individuals involved. The trauma of a collision can result in issues such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and other issues that can affect a person’s overall well-being. 

Contact Our Winnebago County Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents can be devastating. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a truck accident to properly diagnose and treat any potential injuries. By filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, victims can make sure a negligent truck driver or their employer will be held liable for the damages they have suffered. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our Rockford truck accident lawyers understand how to address the injuries that people suffer in collisions with commercial trucks, and we are dedicated to helping our clients recover full compensation for their damages. Contact us today at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K13-202