Common Truck Accident Injuries

truck during day timeMany truck accidents result in fatalities and serious injuries because of the tremendous size difference between trucks and traditional passenger vehicles. These injuries can not only result in lifelong health problems, but also expensive medical bills, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident, you should consider meeting with an experienced Savannah truck accident lawyer for a free, no obligation legal consultation. We have detailed knowledge of the devastation that often results from a truck accident and are committed to pursuing the fair compensation you deserve, no matter what type of injury you suffered.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are one of the most common injuries that individuals suffer as a result of a truck accident. The momentum from a collision with a vehicle that weighs several tons often causes passenger vehicle occupants to be suddenly thrust forward into the dashboard or steering wheel. Even if victims’ seat belts prevent this from occurring, the violent shaking alone can be enough to cause a serious injury.

Common brain injuries from truck accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injury – These injuries may result from direct trauma to the head or from rapid acceleration or deceleration. These injuries may have life-altering side effects, including personality changes.
  • Concussion – A concussion is a specific form of a traumatic brain injury. It commonly occurs after a blow to the head or after a violent jolt from the impact of a collision. Concussions may cause disorientation and loss of consciousness.
  • Subdural hematoma – This brain injury is often the result of a severe head injury. It arises when blood collects between the brain’s covering and surface, causing blood to fill the brain very rapidly and compress brain tissue.

Every brain injury is different. However, common symptoms of a brain injury include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Unrelenting headaches
  • Vision problems
  • Memory problems
  • Problems balancing
  • Mood swings

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

These injuries are often severe and result in chronic pain and the need for continuous medical treatment. Common types of spinal cord or back injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injury – The spinal cord can be damaged, resulting in loss of strength or sensation.
  • Paralysis – Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or total paralysis, depending on the location of the injury. Lifelong care is often required after sustaining an injury that results in paralysis.
  • Compression fractures – Fractures along the spine may occur after the trauma of a truck accident.
  • Back injuries – The bones or soft tissue in the back may be injured during a truck accident.
  • Herniated disc – The impact of a crash can cause the cushion material between spinal discs to bulge, which can cause severe pain.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury to the soft tissues in the neck. It occurs after the neck is thrust forward and snaps backward during a sudden stop. These motions are common in motor vehicle accidents, especially commercial truck accidents. This type of injury can be severe and require ongoing treatment during a lengthy recovery period.

Symptoms of whiplash include the following:

  • Pain in the neck or shoulders
  • Dizziness
  • Limited range of motion in the neck
  • Stiffness in the neck and shoulders

Individuals who believe that they may have whiplash or other injuries stemming from a commercial truck accident should seek prompt medical attention and follow the advice of their healthcare providers to minimize the damage these injuries may cause.

Fractures

Truck accidents can cause blunt force trauma that causes fractures throughout the body. Virtually any bone in the human body can be broken during a commercial truck accident. Common fractures in truck accidents include:

  • Legs
  • Arms
  • Wrists
  • Hips
  • Ribs
  • Skull and facial bones
  • Pelvis
  • Fingers

You may experience difficulty moving the part of the body that is impacted by a fracture, along with significant pain. Fractures may be treated with casts, surgery and physical therapy.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are not always apparent because there may not be any external signs of the injury. Internal injuries include organ damage and internal bleeding.

These injuries are often caused by blunt force trauma, which can occur when your body hits objects in the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Blunt force trauma can also occur when your body is restrained by your seat belt during a crash.

Areas of the body where internal injuries often occur include:

  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Kidneys
  • Spleen
  • Bladder

Seek Legal Assistance

If you have suffered any of the injuries described above, seek immediate medical attention and contact a Savannah personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accidents.

The attorneys at Roden Law have worked with truck accident victims and understand the physical and emotional trauma that is often the result of these types of accidents. We are prepared to work diligently to secure maximum compensation for the significant injuries you have experienced.