Truck Accidents Can Cause Traumatic Injuries

Commercial vehicles vastly outweigh passenger cars, which is why collisions between these two types of vehicles tend to be so destructive. Unfortunately, the worst injuries are usually sustained by the occupants of the smaller vehicle, who are far less protected and so more prone to injuries caused by blunt force impact. These kinds of injuries include everything from lacerations and traumatic brain injury to spinal cord injuries and internal injuries, all of which are not only painful and expensive to treat, but also potentially permanently disabling.

Traumatic Injuries 

Most of the traumatic injuries sustained in truck accidents will require some combination of emergency treatment, surgical intervention, medications, routine follow-up care, and physical therapy. Many victims are also forced to deal with multiple traumatic injuries at the same time, which increases recovery time, inhibits quality of life, and heightens the expense of treatment. The types of traumatic injuries that are sustained in truck accidents are wide ranging, but there are certain injuries that tend to crop up more than others. Read on to learn more about the most common traumatic truck accident-related injuries.

Lacerations 

Collisions with commercial trucks almost always leave a desolate accident scene full of twisted metal, shattered glass, and even dangerous spilled cargo. These kinds of hazards make it a lot more likely that a person will suffer from deep puncture wounds and serious lacerations either during or after the crash (when a victim is trying to extricate him or herself from the wreckage). Deep lacerations of this nature usually require sutures or stapling, come with a high risk of infection and internal bleeding, and may leave behind scars. Some lacerations are so severe that they require amputation.

Brain Injuries 

Brain injuries are another common trauma-based injury experienced by truck accident victims and in these scenarios typically occur when a victim is:

• Jolted against the seatbelt upon impact;
• Thrown through a window and onto the ground;
• Struck by flying objects inside the car; or
• Thrown into the steering wheel, window, windshield, or dashboard.

These kinds of impacts can cause serious internal damage to the brain tissue, leaving victims to suffer from a wide range of symptoms, including everything from confusion and nausea to sensitivity to light and sound and even unconsciousness.

Spinal Cord Injuries 

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spine and allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. While the spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, it is not impervious to injury. In fact, the spinal cord is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body in truck accidents. If severed, either by a foreign object or a piece of the spine itself, a person could end up partially or fully paralyzed.

Internal Injuries 

The force of truck accidents can also cause internal injuries, which are particularly dangerous because they often leave no outward signs. Trauma to the organs in the chest and abdomen can cause internal bleeding, which, if left untreated surgically, can result in severe health complications, blood loss, and death.

Contact a Tulsa Trucking Accident Lawyer 

Filing a truck accident claim can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for those who are suffering from catastrophic traumatic injuries. Working with an experienced Tulsa trucking accident attorney can make this process easier. Call the legal team at Levinson Law, P.C. to get started today.

Source: 

ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi