Accidents involving large trucks can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries and significant financial burdens for those involved. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, collisions with them tend to result in more serious consequences compared to accidents involving smaller cars, and the road to recovery can be longer and more daunting.
Understanding the types of injuries commonly seen in trucking accidents can help victims and their families navigate the aftermath and pursue appropriate medical treatments and legal actions. Contact a New Orleans truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries, some of the most common injuries experienced by crash victims, are among the most severe and life-altering injuries resulting from trucking accidents. Victims might experience concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even skull fractures.
Such injuries can lead to long-term or even lifelong cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes, and often require extensive rehabilitation and continuous medical care.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild form of TBI that can cause temporary loss of brain function. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and changes in mood or behavior. While some concussions may heal with rest and time, others might need more intensive treatment to prevent lasting damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs are more severe and can result in permanent brain damage. These injuries might require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical monitoring. The impact on the victim’s life can be profound, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily activities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The forceful impact from a trucking accident can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or total paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, victims might lose mobility and sensation in the affected areas of their body. Recovery often involves surgery, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment to assist with daily living.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
Injuries to the neck and upper vertebrae are common when the victim’s vehicle is brought to an abrupt stop, and may occur even at relatively low speeds.
Whiplash is a common injury in trucking accidents, caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck during a collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
While whiplash often heals over time, severe cases might lead to chronic pain or discomfort and require ongoing treatment.
Back Injuries
Back injuries, including herniated discs and fractures, are prevalent in truck accidents. Victims may experience persistent pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgical intervention to repair the damage.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial for recovery, and some individuals might face long-term disability.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
The impact of a trucking collision can cause significant trauma to the chest and abdominal regions. Common injuries include broken ribs, internal bleeding, and organ damage. These injuries often require immediate medical attention, surgery, and extended hospital stays.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are frequent in serious truck accidents. Victims might suffer broken arms, legs, or pelvises, requiring surgical repair, casts, and long-term physical therapy.
The recovery process can be arduous and may involve complications that require further medical intervention. Depending on the exact nature of the break, victims may never recover full functionality and range of motion of the limb.
Burns
Trucking accidents can result in fires, leading to burn injuries. Burns can cause permanent scarring and may require skin grafts to heal properly.
The long-term effects of serious burn injuries can include chronic pain, limited mobility, infections, and nerve damage, which may require ongoing medical treatment and psychological support.
They may also lead to secondary injuries to the eyes, throat, and lungs from chemical vapors and smoke inhalation.
Lacerations
Victims might also suffer from lacerations due to shattered glass and debris. Said injuries are likely to cause bleeding and often require stitches. Deep lacerations might need surgical repair and can leave lasting scars or even nerve damage.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, trucking accidents can cause significant psychological trauma. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties.
Psychological support and therapy are essential to help victims cope with the mental aftermath of the accident.
Long-Term Consequences
The injuries sustained in trucking accidents often have long-term consequences that affect the victim’s quality of life. Chronic pain, disability, and psychological trauma can hinder their ability to work, enjoy activities, and maintain relationships. Any delay in treatment can exacerbate the above issues.
Understanding these consequences is crucial for pursuing appropriate legal actions and securing the necessary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident Involving a Truck or 18-Wheeler?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait. Contact our experienced truck injury lawyers at Cueria Law Firm today for a free consultation. The sooner you speak to one of our legal experts, the sooner you can get what you are owed and be on the path to recovery.