December 8, 2022 | Accidents

Being involved in an accident with a truck is a devastating experience. These accidents often result in severe injuries or even the death of the victims. When an accident occurs between a truck and a passenger vehicle or other smaller vehicle, those in the smaller vehicle are at a great disadvantage. This is because big rigs are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. While the average big rig weighs about 30,000 pounds, the average passenger vehicle weighs around 4000 pounds. Those in passenger vehicles involved in an accident with a truck are therefore more likely to suffer serious injuries.

Common Injuries in Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents with passenger vehicles often result in catastrophic (life-altering) injuries. While these accidents often occur in a split second, their impact is often felt for a long time thereafter. Victims may suffer injuries that result in a lifetime of pain and require extensive medical treatment for the rest of their lives. It is therefore important for truck accident victims to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney. Your attorney will fight to recover financial compensation that will cover not just your past medical expenses but also future medical expenses as well as other costs you are likely to experience.

Some of the most common injuries that accident victims are likely to experience include:

1. Neck and back injuries

Neck and back injuries are common in truck accidents. This is because the neck and back consist of many small and fragile bones. These bones can be easily damaged from the impact of the accident. Injuries to the neck and back may be a result of a blow by an external force to the body or violent jolting of the body. Whiplash for example occurs as a result of the violent back and forth jolting of the head during an accident.

Neck and back injuries can be life threatening. They can also be life altering and result in various complications such as paralysis and chronic pain. Unfortunately, these injuries aren’t always obvious. The symptoms of the injury such as pain may begin to show hours or days after the accident. It is therefore important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident even when you think your injuries aren’t serious enough.

2. Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic (life altering injuries) that often result in paralysis in the part of the body below the site of the injury. These injuries can be the result of a blow from an external force on the spine, violent jolting of the body resulting in displacement of the vertebrae or from puncture of the spine by a foreign object.

Spinal cord injuries are not easy to fix. Treatment may involve multiple surgeries, physical therapy and the use of adaptive devices over months or even years. Some people never fully recover from their injuries and require a lifetime of care and medical treatment. It is important to seek expert legal representation to recover compensation that will cater for these future expenses.

3. Traumatic brain injuries

These injuries are also quite common in truck accidents. The injuries can be the result of a blow to the head or even the violent back and forth jolting of the body causing the brain to crash against the inside of the skull.

Traumatic brain injuries can have a long term impact on the victim’s life. Victims may experience pain as well as other complications such as loss of functions in the body. Unfortunately, these injuries aren’t always apparent immediately after the accident especially in the absence of external trauma to the head. It is therefore important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.

4. Internal injuries

Internal injuries are also common in truck accidents. These accidents can be the result of a blow from external force, a violent jolt or a puncture by a foreign object. Abdominal trauma from the forceful release of airbags for example can result in damage to the rib cage, spleen, bladder, pancreas, kidneys or liver.

Internal injuries are often life threatening. They can also be life-altering and result in various complications such as the loss of function.

5. Disfigurement and amputation

This can happen as a result of the impact during the accident. It can also be the result of a medical decision made in order to save the life of the victim. Amputation and disfigurement not only affect the confidence of the victim but can also interfere with carrying out day to day tasks. Accident victims may require extensive and continual treatment, physical therapy as well as the use of prosthetic devices.

Injuries suffered in a truck accident are often life-altering. They often result in the need for long term medical treatment. It is crucial that you have the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney. Contact our law firm to learn more.