What Are the Most Common Injuries in Truck Crashes?

Trucking accidents have a higher likelihood of resulting in significant bodily injury due to the exceedingly large size of a commercial vehicle in comparison to a car or SUV. Inevitably, compared to other forms of car accidents, tractor trailer collisions have the highest fatality rate.

If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be experiencing pain or discomfort and need to know if you should go to the doctor. It is recommended that you get immediate medical attention after a commercial vehicle accident, even if you have no apparent symptoms. This blog will cover the common injuries that victims experience as a result of being in a commercial truck crash.

Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Phoenix truck accident attorneys witness a wide range of injuries from accidents involving commercial vehicles. While some injuries may be more severe than others, if left unchecked, there could be serious repercussions. The most common bodily injuries reported in trucking collisions include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can be brought on by sudden stops, such as those that occur after a collision, where the brain hits up against the skull’s internal walls. Severe brain injuries, fatalities, and severe migraines are all examples of these injuries. Signs of a TBI can be delayed, so seeking medical attention right away is crucial to avoid irreversible brain damage.

Broken Bones

A person engaged in a truck accident may sustain one or more broken bones, depending on the severity of the collision and the power of the impact. Examples include:

• Arms and legs: Especially in T-bone crashes, the impact’s force can shatter the bones in the arms and legs, causing excruciating agony, edema, and restricted mobility.
• Hips and pelvis: This type of break is seen mostly in high-speed truck crashes. A shattered hip or pelvis can result in excruciating pain and make walking difficult.
• Neck and spine: Serious injuries to the neck and spine can result from rear-end collisions mainly. A neck or spinal fracture may result in paralysis or long-term impairment.
• Ribs and Chest: In truck accidents, particularly head-on collisions, a thoracic fracture can be life-threatening. A broken rib can inflict excruciating agony, make breathing difficult or lead to internal bleeding.

Spinal Cord Trauma

One of the most serious injuries that can result from a car collision is spinal cord damage. The major support structure of the neurological system, the spine, can sustain catastrophic harm in a collision with a truck, just like brain injuries. Spinal cord trauma can cause a variety of symptoms, from tingling and numbness to stiffness, tremors, and even paralysis.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding can take many different forms when a person is involved in a truck collision, since the power of the impact can rupture blood vessels and internal organs. This severe and potentially fatal injury may include bleeding of the abdomen, chest, head, or pelvis.

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How Are Truck Crash Injuries Calculated in a Settlement?

There is no chart or set amount that establishes the value of common truck crash injuries. If you sustain wounds in a truck wreck, each injury will be evaluated differently. For example, a broken wrist is worth more than a broken pinky finger. This is because a broken wrist can heavily impact your ability to function with more than one smaller extremity.

Larger broken bones or ones that affect your ability to stand, work, or fulfill everyday tasks are generally worth more money in a settlement. It is the responsibility of your truck accident attorney to present the pain and suffering that you are enduring in a favorable light in order to obtain a lucrative settlement.

How Long does It Take to Heal From a Truck Crash Accident?

The length of time it takes to recover from truck wreck injuries varies according to how serious the injuries were. While some wounds may recover quite quickly, others may require weeks, months, or long-term treatment. These are some general recommendations for the treatment of typical injuries received in a truck accident:

• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains are examples of soft tissue injuries that normally heal in a few days to a few weeks. Physical therapy and RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) may be used as treatments.
• Broken bones: Depending on how badly the fractured bone was, broken bones may take weeks or months to recover. Physical therapy, surgery, and a cast or brace are all possible forms of treatment.
• Brain injuries: The length of time it takes for a brain injury to heal depends on how serious the condition is. While less severe traumatic brain injuries may require months or even years of treatment and rehabilitation, mild concussions may recover within a few days or weeks.
• Spinal injuries: Healing from spinal injuries can take a long time and be very serious. The length of recovery depends on the injury’s severity and the chosen course of therapy. While physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation may be used to address some spinal injuries, surgery may be necessary for others.

It is crucial to remember that the type and severity of the injury, the victim’s age, general health, and the healing process all have an impact. To guarantee the best outcome, it is necessary to adhere to the treatment plan advised by a medical practitioner and show up at all scheduled follow-up sessions.

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Psychological Impact of a Truck Crash

Standard truck wreck injuries can include emotional and mental damage as well. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), survivor’s guilt, and depression may affect those injured in a truck crash. Therapy and other forms of medical treatment are available for victims who suffer mental anguish after a collision.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), PTSD is a common injury that arises from accidents, especially life-threatening wrecks like those involving an 18-wheeler. Since emotional distress is classified as a non-economic loss, if reported and treated, it may be eligible for compensatory damages.

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Protection for Injured Truck Accident Victims

If you or someone you know has been in a crash involving a truck, the most important thing to do is seek medical help. Remember, the scene of the accident will have the evidence needed to fight the insurance company. Filing a police report, taking photos, gathering witness information, and getting the truck driver’s information are all useful things to do immediately after an accident. Your personal injury attorney will need that information to recover compensation for you.

Lastly, speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer will ensure that the appropriate party is held liable and that the injured party is compensated for qualifying damages.

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