Commercial trucks outweigh passenger vehicles by several tons, which is why truck crashes often result in debilitating injuries and fatalities for those in passenger vehicles. In fact, 69 percent of those killed in truck accidents in 2015 were occupants of traditional passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Below, our attorneys review some of the most common injuries that occur in truck accidents. If you have suffered any of the injuries described below, consider contacting our Cincinnati truck accident attorneys to find out if you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. We can explain your legal options during a free, no obligation legal consultation.
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries are common in truck accidents because the sudden impact of the crash tends to shake or jar the head. This can cause the brain to collide with the skull.
Two common head injuries associated with truck accidents include:
- Concussions – A concussion occurs when there is a sudden blow to the head. Individuals who suffer this injury may become temporarily unconscious.
- Traumatic brain injuries – These injuries occur when the brain is injured due to a violent blow or jolt to the head. This can result in lifelong health problems and the need for continued medical care.
2. Internal Damage
The force of a truck crash can also cause internal bleeding and other damage to internal organs, particularly in the abdomen.
Organs that often suffer damage in a truck crash include:
- Liver
- Bladder
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Lungs
Injuries to these organs are not always easy to detect in the minutes and hours after a crash. That is why it is important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident involving a commercial truck. A qualified medical professional can determine if you suffered any internal injuries.
3. Burns
Commercial trucks have much larger fuel tanks than passenger vehicles, increasing the likelihood of an explosion in a crash. If the fuel tank explodes, people in the passenger car could suffer a variety of burn injuries. While minor burns often heal over time, severe burns can result in death.
4. Crush Injuries
These injuries can occur when a body part is squeezed between two objects with legit online pharmacy no rx great force. Crush injuries can include:
- Compressed nerves
- Damage to internal organs
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Fractures
- Acute compartment syndrome
5. Neck Injuries
The impact of a truck accident often jolts the head and neck around, resulting in a variety of neck injuries, including whiplash and paralysis. Neck injuries can also affect other body parts, such as bones, joints, ligaments and muscles.
Symptoms of whiplash and other neck injuries include:
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Stiffness in the shoulders
- Stiffness in the neck
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Headaches that start at the base of the neck
- Fatigue
6. Back Injuries
Some of the most common back injuries from truck crashes include:
- Herniated discs – This type of injury occurs when the accident’s impact tears the soft discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine. These injuries often result in severe pain, and victims may experience weakness or numbness in their limbs.
- Spinal cord injuries – These injuries can cause permanent disabilities, including paralysis in the arms, legs and other body parts.
- Compression fractures – These injuries are caused when the impact fractures back bones.
- Strains or sprains – These are injuries where the muscles and ligaments are stretched or partially torn.
7. Wrist Injuries
Your wrists can collide with numerous objects in a truck accident, including the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag or windows. This can cause a variety of injuries, such as:
- Fractures to the wrist, scaphoid bone, knuckles and fingers
- Sprains
- Dislocated joints
- Tendon damage
- Ligament tears
- Crush injuries
These injuries may range from mild to severe, with some requiring surgery and the need for continued rehabilitation.
Contact A Cincinnati Personal Injury Attorney Right Now
You may be able to recover compensation for the injuries that you sustained in a truck accident, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Cincinnati have detailed knowledge of state and federal laws governing truck drivers and trucking companies. We are prepared to apply our knowledge to your claim and conduct an in-depth investigation to help build a strong case. Our priority is to help you obtain all of the compensation you deserve.