Truck accidents are one of the most catastrophic events that occur on the roads, often leading to severe, sometimes life-altering injuries. This article will not only discuss the types of physical damages individuals often suffer due to these unfortunate incidents but also the frequent mental and emotional repercussions that are less tangible but equally debilitating.

Understanding the common injuries sustained in truck accidents is important as it equips you with knowledge and prepares you better in case of unfortunate circumstances. Knowledge about these injuries helps you comprehend the seriousness of the situation, the immediate response, and the long-term care that might be needed. In the following sections, we will discuss various physical injuries, the mental and emotional impact of truck accidents, and the importance of medical attention.

An Overview of Truck Accidents

A truck accident occurs when large trailers (10,000+ lbs) collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Around 500,000 trucking accidents occur every year in the United States, with about 5,000 per year resulting in fatalities. The primary causes of these accidents often include reckless driving, driving under the influence, mechanical failures, weather conditions, or fatigue from overworking. The enormous size and weight of trucks often cause these accidents to be more destructive and fatal than common automobile accidents. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in such situations is highly recommended to ensure your protection and ease any legal processes.

Compared to regular automobile accidents, truck accidents are indisputably more severe. Standard vehicles typically weigh around 3,000 to 4,000 lbs, while large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. This substantial weight difference results in a far greater impact during a collision, subsequently leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle involved. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported in 2019 that 4,119 deaths occurred due to large truck crashes. This harsh reality emphasizes the serious risks associated with trucking accidents.

Common Physical Injuries in Truck Accidents

Head and brain injuries are, unfortunately, quite common in truck accidents. The colossal force involved during the collision can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or contusions. These can manifest as immediate symptoms such as loss of consciousness or post-traumatic amnesia, or through longer-term effects including cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and physical disability. In severe cases, these injuries can significantly disrupt a person’s quality of life and require long-term medical care. Similarly, spinal cord injuries resulting from a truck accident can have severe and lasting implications. People may experience loss of motor function, sensory problems, or paralysis. The repercussions can be life-changing and necessitate long-term medical attention and rehabilitation.

Another common injury is broken bones and fractures. The human body simply isn’t designed to withstand the forces generated in a severe truck accident. As a result, the victims often suffer broken bones or fractures, particularly in upper-body areas like the ribs, arms, and skull. These injuries can lead to long-term effects, such as chronic pain, limited mobility, and an extended period of recovery. In addition, burns of varying degrees are also a common physical injury. These injuries occur when the crash leads to a fire or explosion, resulting in first, second, or third-degree burns. The potential for long-term damage or disfigurement is significant and skin grafts or reconstructive surgery may be needed.

Lastly, these high-impact collisions commonly result in internal injuries. Damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen can have severe health implications. Depending on the severity, emergency surgery may be necessary. Long-term, such injuries can increase the risk of organ failure, lead to chronic health conditions or, in the worst-case scenario, result in death.

Mental and Emotional Impact of Truck Accidents

Beyond the physical, victims of truck accidents often grapple with invisible wounds – the mental and emotional trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one such condition that is commonly observed after such high-stress events. Individuals might experience flashbacks or nightmares about the accident, actively avoid anything that reminds them of the incident, and easily startle or feel tense. The persistent emotional distress can affect daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Together with PTSD, it is not unusual for accident victims to suffer from anxiety and depression due to their sustained injuries. The sudden, drastic changes a person has to endure following a serious truck accident—such as adjusting to physical limitations, dealing with chronic pain, facing mounting medical bills, or being unable to work—can lead to feelings of hopelessness, stress, and worry. In the long term, these psychological effects can potentially be as debilitating as the initial physical injuries, emphasizing the importance of acquiring medical and psychological care after such accidents.

The Importance of Medical Attention

Due to the severity of the potential injuries, a prompt check-up is vastly important even when injuries are not immediately apparent. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, but could lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, getting quickly evaluated by medical professionals ensures that any injuries are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, potentially saving lives and mitigating the long-term impact of the injuries. Be sure to document any injuries, should there be legal proceedings following the accident.

The severity and long-lasting repercussions of a truck accident, both physical and mental, cannot be ignored. Knowledge of the common injuries sustained and the importance of medical care is significant, as is understanding when to consider the role of a personal injury lawyer. Awareness and preparedness can make a significant difference should you or anyone you know become a victim of a truck accident.