Truck accidents seem to be on the increase in the United States, with the United States Department of Transportation seeing an 8% increase in fatal accidents between 2014 and 2015. While a lot of truck accidents do lead to fatalities, those who do survive them are lucky if they come out unscathed. Let’s look at some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents. For anyone suffering from any of these, it is worth contacting a truck accident attorney and trying to win compensation.
Head Injuries
Among the most debilitating injuries suffered by drivers and their passengers are head injuries, especially brain injuries. Typically caused by the head hitting an object at the time of impact, symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the amount of damage caused. Even if there is no outward sign of trauma, the force of impact can lead to swelling, bruising and bleeding in the brain, which can lead to death if not treated quickly.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are another common injury as a result of truck accidents. Whiplash is the most common minor injury to occur in the neck; however, on the more severe end of the scale, there are disc injuries and cervical dislocation, both of which are very painful and can take months to correct.
Back Injuries
The lower back is the area most usually harmed in a vehicle accident. These injuries cause pain and can make it hard to move around, which can lead to financial difficulties for many Americans. Unfortunately, back pain is something that is often hard to treat, so many people end up living with pain and discomfort for much of their lives. And, even the most serious back injuries can take a while to become apparent following a crash.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries aren’t always apparent immediately after a crash, however they can be severe. In this category are things like injuries to the spleen, kidneys, bowels, lungs, liver and heart. Fractured ribs are also a common injury, which can further lead to a punctured lung. Internal injuries are life threatening, which is why it is always recommended that anyone involved in a crash sees a medical professional immediately.
Psychological Injuries
One thing that many people don’t consider, but that is just as valid, are psychological injuries. Many crashes that cause severe injuries, or loss of life, leave the surviving passengers with severe emotional trauma, and even PTSD. These psychological injuries can have a huge effect on a person’s life, making it hard for them to work and even do normal day-to-day tasks. They can also have long lasting effects, in some cases taking longer to recover from than physical injuries.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to see a doctor and speak to an attorney to get the medical help, as well as the compensation, you deserve.
