Common Injuries Following a Truck Accident

Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than any other vehicle on the road. Therefore, when a truck accident occurs, it can have devastating consequences for those involved. In fact, injuries resulting from truck accidents are often more severe than those resulting from other automobile accidents. Sadly, truck accidents have the highest likelihood of resulting in death compared to all other motor vehicle accidents. What’s even more alarming is that a truck accident can easily lead to multiple fatalities involving several other vehicles on the road. According to the National Institute of Traffic and Highway Safety, injuries resulting from truck accidents are often catastrophic. Even those fortunate enough to survive such crashes are sometimes left dealing with permanent and debilitating injuries. Many victims of Sugar Land truck accidents can testify that their quality of life has been severely impacted by the accident. From high medical bills to being dependent on others for basic life activities, many victims have lost so much from their lives. Such forms of suffering are both tragic and unacceptable. The potential injuries resulting from a trucking accident include:

Head Injuries

Head injuries are often severe and may result in Traumatic Brain Injury. This can happen when your head hits the window, the car’s interior, or if you are thrown out of the vehicle during a collision. Brain injuries can also occur due to sudden force or whiplash. It’s important to note that not all head injuries cause loss of consciousness. Victims may experience cognitive problems, nausea, or vision loss without losing consciousness. Brain injuries can be life-defining and expensive to treat.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Not all spinal cord injuries result in paralysis. There are different types of spinal cord injuries, including “total” or “complete” Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and incomplete spine injuries. A “total” spinal injury leads to the loss of sensation below the point of injury. Both complete and incomplete spinal injuries can cause pain. The most common outcomes of complete spine injuries are quadriplegia, which involves the total loss of function in all limbs, and paraplegia, which involves total impairment in the lower limbs. Treating spinal cord injuries can be extremely costly, often requiring millions of dollars for lifelong treatment.

Neck Injuries

Truck accidents can cause significant force and result in neck injuries. Any impact or damage to the neck muscles, ligaments, or joints can pose a serious risk to your health. Whiplash injuries, which are frequently seen in truck accidents, can have long-term consequences if not properly treated.

Burns

Many trucks in the area transport hazardous materials such as petroleum across the state. In the event of an accident, a fire could ignite, posing a significant danger. These fires have the potential to cause severe burns and further harm those involved in the accident. Burns are excruciatingly painful and can leave victims vulnerable to infection and organ damage. If the victim survives, burns may result in permanent physical disfigurement, leaving behind noticeable bodily scars.

Bone Fractures

Automobile accidents can cause bone fractures, and truck accidents are no exception. Truck accidents may result in broken arms, legs, rib fractures, and more. Some drivers may break bones in their feet from having their foot on the brake during impact. These fractures leave victims at the mercy of orthopedic doctors, physical therapy, and time. Although treatment may help with the injuries, some fractures may take longer to heal and may even result in permanent impairment.

Internal Organ Damage

Not all truck accidents in Sugar Land result in visible external injuries. Even if you are lucky enough to escape without any physical injuries, you may still be suffering from internal organ damage. These types of injuries require an extensive medical evaluation to determine the severity of the damage and the appropriate course of treatment. For example, the impact of the accident may cause damage to your liver, spleen, kidneys, or stomach. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a truck accident to ensure that any internal injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.

What Should I do After a Sugar Land Truck Accident?

If you have been involved in a Sugar Land truck accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, especially if you are experiencing any pain or neurological issues. It is advisable to get checked out by an emergency room physician to rule out any serious injuries. After receiving medical attention, you should gather as much information as possible about the accident, such as taking photos of the scene, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other parties involved, and collecting witness statements if possible. It is also important to avoid making any statements or signing any documents from the insurance companies before speaking with a Sugar Land truck accident lawyer. If you have further questions regarding your Sugar Land truck accident, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your case.