The sheer size and weight of an 80,000 pound commercial truck compared to the average 3,000-pound passenger vehicle means collisions between them can be devastating. Injuries sustained in truck accidents are usually really serious, requiring long-term medical care, or permanently impacting a victim’s quality of life. Learn about the most common injuries from truck accidents and what to do after a crash to protect your well-being and legal rights.
How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
A fully loaded semi-truck needs up to 40% (almost two football fields) more distance to come to a complete stop than a standard car. When a truck can’t stop quickly enough, its enormous weight and speed can slam into a car, and smaller vehicles may be pushed under the trailer. The combination of a truck’s size, speed, and height compared to other vehicles often leads to serious trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are really common in large truck crashes because the massive impact often causes a driver or passenger to strike their head against the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. Even when airbags deploy, the force of impact can still cause serious injuries. Examples of TBIs include:
- Mild TBIs⎯Commonly known as concussions may cause headaches, memory problems, confusion, and sensitivity to light, but can cause long-term memory and cognitive issues.
- Contusions⎯Bruising of the brain tissue.
- Penetrating Injuries⎯When shattered glass or metal pieces pierce the skull.
According to the CDC, TBIs contribute to roughly 30% of all injury-related deaths in the U.S. Truck accident victims may experience TBI even without losing consciousness, so seeking medical attention immediately is extremely important.
Spinal Cord & Back Injuries
The spinal cord is the main pathway of the nervous system, carrying signals between the brain and every part of the body. In a collision, the sudden stop and twisting motions place immense pressure on the vertebrae, discs, and spinal cord which can cause permanent injuries. Spinal cord injuries range from herniated discs to complete paralysis. If the impact severs or severely damages the spinal cord, victims may lose feeling and motor function below the site of the injury. Even less severe back injuries like whiplash or slipped discs can cause chronic pain that prevents a victim from returning to work or enjoying daily activities. These injuries happen frequently in rear-end truck collisions where the neck and back take the brunt of the forward-whipping motion.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are common in crashes, but collisions with trucks often result in far more serious injuries where the bones can break through the skin. Common fractures include:
- Crushed ribs from the seatbelt locking or airbag deployment.
- Broken femurs and shattered knees from the dashboard collapsing inward.
- Fractured arms and wrists from bracing for the impact.
These injuries are common in truck accidents because the structure of a passenger car often caves in under the weight of a truck. Victims may require multiple surgeries, pins, and metal plates to heal, along with months or years of physical therapy.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal injuries are some of the most dangerous because they are not always visible right away. The blunt force trauma of a truck crash can compress the body so tightly that internal organs rupture or bleed.
In high-impact crashes, the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are especially vulnerable. A broken rib can easily puncture a lung, causing respiratory failure. Internal bleeding can quickly become fatal, which is why a medical evaluation right away is critical, even if everything feels fine.
Burn Injuries
Commercial trucks carry large fuel tanks, and many transport hazardous materials. When collisions rupture these fuel systems or cargo containers, fires can happen and spread quickly. In truck collisions, severe burns can destroy skin and even reach the muscle or bone. These burns can cause serious risks of infection, permanent scarring, long-term psychological trauma, and lung damage from smoke inhalation.
Psychological Trauma
Even if physical wounds heal, the psychological impact of a truck accident can last a lifetime. Survivors of traffic accidents frequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing an extreme fear of driving or riding in vehicles which can worsen symptoms, increase anxiety, and severely limit daily mobility. The accident can also cause flashbacks, insomnia, and mood changes, compounded by the stress of ongoing medical treatment, financial strain, and disruption to life.
PTSD is recognized as a mental health condition, and you can be compensated for this under personal injury law. This compensation usually falls under pain and suffering, a type of non-economic damage you can claim in a lawsuit.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help With a Claim?
Hiring a truck accident lawyer at Wettermark Keith will help ensure your rights are protected, all filing deadlines for your claim are met, and work with insurance companies to recover the compensation you may be entitled to for your physical and psychological injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, contact Wettermark Keith for a free consultation no-obligation consultation by calling (877) 455-4518 or filling out our online form. We have offices in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Panama City, but work with clients nationwide.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
