December 15, 2022 | Accidents

Being out on the open road at the helm of your truck can be quite a freeing feeling. There’s nothing but you and the road. However, truck drivers face various risks whenever they get behind the wheel. One of these risks is being involved in an accident. According to government data, about 65 percent of truck drivers that die on the job lose their lives as a result of truck accidents. Many truck drivers are injured every year as a result of truck accidents. The National Safety Council reports that about 118,000 large truck accidents were reported in 2019 alone.

While all drivers that get behind the wheel of any vehicle are at risk of being involved in an accident, truck drivers are at greater risk. Truck accidents are different from accidents involving other types of vehicles. This is because trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Accidents involving these vehicles are likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Common Injuries Truck Drivers Suffer

Truck accidents are especially dangerous not only to those in smaller vehicles but also to the truck driver. Truck drivers are seated much higher in their cab than drivers of other vehicles. However, the size and weight of the vehicle still puts them at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. Many suffer injuries that are life-altering and mean that they will never be able to return to work or make a living through other means. This is why seeking expert legal assistance is vital for truck drivers that have suffered injuries in a truck accident.

Some of the most common injuries suffered by truck drivers in truck accidents.

1. Neck and back injuries

Neck and back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries suffered by truck drivers. This is primarily because of the force of the impact during the accident. The truck driver’s body is thrown back and forth violently. The neck and back which have numerous fragile bones often experience some sort of damage. Injuries such as whiplash and strains in other parts may be difficult to notice as the symptoms become apparent hours or even days after the accident. It is therefore important for truck drivers to see a doctor after an accident even when you think your injuries aren’t very serious.

2. Spinal cord injuries

This catastrophic injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. The parts of the body affected by the paralysis will depend on the location of the injury along the spine. For example, you may suffer paralysis only in the legs if the injury is in the lumbar spine or lower regions of the spine. You may suffer paralysis of all four limbs if the injury is suffered in the neck.

These injuries are life altering injuries for truck drivers. Truck drivers that have suffered spinal cord injuries often aren’t able to return to work or earn a living through other means. The road to recovery is often long and painful. It may involve multiple surgeries and extensive treatment.

3. Traumatic brain injuries

This is also a catastrophic injury. It can have devastating effects on the injured driver such as a coma, loss of life or loss of some function. These injuries are a result of a violent blow to the head such as when the truck driver’s head hits the windscreen during an accident. They can also occur as a result of a violent jolt. This is when the body is jerked violently and the brain moves within the skull and collides with the inside of the skull resulting in tissue damage.

There are instances when the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries aren’t obvious. This is especially in the absence of external signs of head trauma. The symptoms may begin to show hours or days after the accident. It is therefore important to have a medical examination as soon as possible after the accident to rule out these injuries.

4. Internal injuries

These injuries are also quite common amongst truck drivers that have been involved in a truck accident. Internal injuries can occur as a result of a blow by an external force such as the airbag deploying violently or penetration of internal organs by foreign objects. Blunt force to the torso for example can result in broken ribs. The ribs can puncture a lung or cause other internal damage. Internal injuries are often life threatening and require immediate medical intervention.

5. Burns

Truck drivers may also suffer mild or severe burns. These may occur as a result of fires and explosions or coming into contact with heated parts of the vehicle. Burns result in severe pain and disfigurement. They can also result in various other complications.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important that you seek expert legal guidance and representation to recover just compensation for your injuries. Contact us now to schedule free consultation with an attorney.