Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. In this article, we will share some of the most common types of truck accident injuries.

If you know what to expect, you’ll be better prepared for your recovery time and the aftermath of an incident like this. Keep reading to learn more about the injuries one may experience in a truck accident.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are one of the most common types of injuries in truck accidents. If the bone is not reset, it may heal improperly and become weaker.

The most common broken bones that result from a motor vehicle accident include the following:

• Collarbone (clavicle)
• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Radius (lower arm bone)

When your bones break, it is important to get treatment immediately. Some injuries are more severe than others and can be life-threatening.

Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries

Among the most expected injuries that result from truck accidents are soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Whiplash is a type of soft tissue injury that occurs when your head moves quickly forward and backward or sideways because of an impact. It causes pain in your neck or upper back when you move your head or turn it from side to side. This can lead to:

• Headaches
• Soreness in the shoulders and arms
• Stiffness in the lower back
• Trouble sleeping

If you sustain a soft tissue injury, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen your muscles. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to repair ligaments or tendons.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur when flammable cargo is involved in an accident. This can be particularly dangerous if the fuel tank ruptures. If this happens, it can cause fires and create toxic fumes that are potentially deadly.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of damage to the brain that occurs when it’s subjected to sudden, violent forces. A bump, blow, or jolt to the head can cause these types of injuries.

TBIs can be mild or severe and may cause long-term complications, like memory loss or behavioral changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries

When you’re injured in a truck accident, spinal cord damage can be one of the most devastating effects. You could lose control over some or all parts of either side of your body below the neck. This can cause paralysis and other serious injuries.

Psychological Injuries

Psychological damage can be just as devastating as physical injury. Emotional distress may occur immediately after an accident, or it may take months or years to develop. Symptoms include the following:

• Depression
• Fear of driving
• Anxiety

These symptoms can lead to difficulties with sleeping and nightmares, which can cause more fear of driving. This cycle may continue for a long time until the sufferer can work through their fears and move forward in their lives again.

Lacerations

A truck accident can also leave you with cuts and lacerations that are going to take a while to heal, if ever.

A doctor or nurse can assess the severity of your wounds, determine if you require stitches or staples, and prescribe any medications you may need.

Unfortunately, even if you have insurance that covers medical expenses, the costs associated with treating wounds over time can be astronomical.

Amputations

In the worst cases, truck wrecks can cause limb loss. Whether this results from severe injury or a situation in which your arm had to be severed in order to free you from the wreckage, an amputation can change your life forever. You may need prosthetic limbs and physical therapy to help you adjust, which can take months, if not years, to recover.

Death

On average, about 4,000 people die from large truck accidents each year. It’s important to remember that semi-trailers weigh several tons, so even minor collisions have the potential to result in serious harm.

If a vehicle accident killed a family member, seek counsel from an attorney to discuss your options for compensation.

What to Do When You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, there are some immediate steps that you can take to help protect your rights and get the compensation that you deserve.

Call 911

This first step is important for both personal safety reasons and to preserve evidence of the accident. If someone has been injured, emergency responders will provide immediate medical care.

Don’t Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Many people make the mistake of reaching out to an insurance company because they think they’re getting things cleared up quickly. But all contact with other parties should wait until an attorney advises you to do so.

Collect Evidence of the Scene and Your Truck Accident Injuries

Take photos of damage and injuries at the scene of the accident, as well as any skid marks or anything else that might help establish liability in court.

Get contact information from witnesses who may be able to provide testimony about how the accident unfolded. Collect medical records and bills. Get in touch with your attorney and gather evidence that might help you collect compensation if you’re not the at-fault driver.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Truck Accident Injuries

If you have severe truck accident injuries, you should know your legal rights. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury. Reach out to us at Alpha Accident Lawyers and we’ll guide you through every step of the claims process.