Truck accidents are some of the most life-altering incidents on the road. The size and weight of commercial trucks, semi-trailers, and 18-wheelers can cause catastrophic injuries to victims, especially those in smaller passenger vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Such collisions become even more dangerous if the truck is fully loaded or carrying hazardous materials.
Unfortunately, truck accident victims can suffer physical, emotional, and financial hardships, and some of these consequences may be life-changing. While we can’t undo what happened, we can take legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for the harm caused. Victims shouldn’t have to bear the burden of medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll on their own. Legal action can provide a path to recover damages.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
The primary reason why truck accidents are so dangerous is the size and weight of the vehicles. Large trucks are difficult to stop or steer quickly, and even at low speeds, their impact can cause serious damage to smaller cars.
The size of the trucks means they have large blind spots, making it hard for the truck driver to see nearby vehicles, which increases the risk of crashes. Additionally, trucks take much longer to brake or maneuver compared to smaller vehicles, which makes avoiding sudden hazards on the road challenging.
Another critical aspect is the potential instability of cargo. Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to lose balance or spill debris onto the roadway. This creates hazardous conditions for other drivers.
The risk of severe injuries increases dramatically if the truck is moving at high speeds. As you can imagine, the massive weight of a truck moving at high speed results in enormous force during impact. Some of this force gets transferred to the drivers and passengers in a crash, resulting in life-altering injuries.
Statistics and Impact On Victims and Families
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,764 people died in crashes involving large trucks in 2022. A large percentage (66%) of the deceased were people in smaller vehicles. The IIHS also highlights that the size and weight of trucks play a major role in making these accidents so dangerous. Large trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times more than smaller cars, and their structure can cause smaller vehicles to slide underneath during a crash.
Another major issue highlighted is the braking capability of trucks. Loaded trucks take 20% to 40% more distance to come to a complete stop compared to cars. The difference becomes even greater on wet or icy roads or if the truck’s brakes aren’t properly maintained.
Many crashes result in injuries, some of which are life-changing. One study estimates that more than 168,000 truck accidents happen every year, with nearly one-third resulting in injuries. These injuries often include broken bones, head and brain trauma, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries.
For victims and their families, the impact of truck accidents extends far beyond the physical injuries. The financial burden is often overwhelming, as medical expenses pile up alongside the costs of surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The lost income or loss of earning potential is another challenge for victims, especially for those who are unable to return to work due to their injuries. Families may also face additional expenses if they need to hire caregivers or make modifications to their homes to accommodate disabilities.
The emotional toll on victims and their families cannot be overlooked. Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety after a truck accident. In many cases, these emotional challenges can last for years, creating a ripple effect that impacts relationships, work, and daily life.
Understanding the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries due to the sheer force and unpredictability of the collisions. The following are ten of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a frequent and serious outcome of truck accidents. These injuries occur when the head suffers a sudden jolt or impact during a collision. TBIs can lead to memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating, along with long-term cognitive impairments. Victims may need extensive rehabilitation, therapy, or even lifetime care.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
Spinal injuries are devastating and can result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. The crushing force of a truck collision often causes severe damage to the spinal cord, leaving victims with permanent loss of mobility and independence. Beyond the physical effects, these injuries are emotionally taxing, requiring adjustments to nearly every aspect of daily life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The immense force generated by truck accidents frequently results in broken bones or fractures. Commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis. These injuries often require surgeries, prolonged immobilization, and physical therapy to recover. Complications such as improper healing or infections can further worsen the situation.
Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they aren’t always immediately visible after a crash. The impact from a truck can damage vital organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, or lead to internal bleeding. Without prompt medical attention, these injuries can quickly become life-threatening.
Burns and Disfigurement
Burns and disfigurement are common in truck accidents involving fires or explosions. Victims often suffer severe burns that require skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. In addition to physical pain, the emotional toll of disfigurement can affect self-esteem and mental health, making recovery even more challenging.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are among the most common truck accident injuries. The sudden force during a collision can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, particularly in the neck and back. These injuries often cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, requiring physical therapy for recovery.
Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Truck collisions can lead to amputations or the loss of limbs in severe cases. Victims may require prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation to adjust to life after an amputation. Emotional healing is just as critical, as the loss can affect confidence and independence.
Crush Injuries and Nerve Damage
Crush injuries occur when part of the body is compressed by the truck or debris during an accident. These injuries can lead to serious nerve damage, resulting in pain, numbness, or permanent loss of function in the affected area. Crush injuries often require complex surgeries and rehabilitation.
Lacerations and Deep Cuts
Lacerations and deep cuts are caused by shattered glass, twisted metal, and other debris during a truck accident. These injuries can range from superficial to severe, requiring stitches, surgery, or care to prevent infection and scarring. While less life-threatening than other injuries, lacerations can still impact victims’ recovery and confidence.
Steps to Take If Injured in a Truck Accident
Suffering an injury in a truck accident can be traumatic. Victims often feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of the collision and may not know what steps to take. In some cases, panic or shock can cause victims to make mistakes that may undermine any legal action that they want to take later.
If you get injured in a truck accident, your priority should be to get medical attention for your injuries. Call 911 and alert them about the collision. This way, you and others will get the help you need.
Victims often wonder if they should get medical attention even if their injuries are minor. We recommend that even if your injuries aren’t serious or you feel you aren’t injured at all, get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible after the accident.
Many injuries sustained in truck accidents, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time without proper treatment. Prompt medical care not only ensures your health is prioritized but also establishes an official medical record of your injuries, which can be vital if you decide to pursue legal action later.
Once you have taken care of our health and safety needs after the truck accident, you can focus on building the foundation for a potential claim or lawsuit. If you’re in stable condition at the crash site, you can start gathering evidence such as photos of the scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, skid marks, and road conditions.
Capturing the details of the truck involved in a crash, such as license plates, company logos, or any identifying information, can also be helpful. Collect contact information from witnesses at the scene, as their testimony can strengthen your case. If police are present, cooperate with them and get a copy of the police report.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you have consulted a lawyer. Truck accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties, and an experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the process.
Legal Guidance For Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
Once you have an attorney engaged in the process, they can handle all the legal aspects of the case. This includes everything from investigating the case and gathering evidence to completing the legal paperwork and negotiating with the opposing parties through the truck accident settlements. In your initial consultation with an attorney, they will assess your case to guide you in choosing your best legal options.
Schedule your consultation with Angel Reyes & Associates. Our team of dedicated attorneys specializes in truck accident cases and understands the challenges that victims face. We know how serious injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, affecting your health, finances, and overall well-being.
Allow us to use our experience in such cases to help you secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. It’s the legal responsibility of the liable party to compensate victims for the harm they’ve caused through their negligence. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice. Schedule your free case evaluation with a truck accident injury lawyer.
