What Are the Most Common Injuries From Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents cause some of the most serious injuries. This is because of the forceful impact created by the crash, given the huge size and weight of the trucks. The most common injuries from truck accidents involve broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Sometimes, these crashes lead to the loss of lives. According to the National Safety Council, truck crashes claimed a total of 5,936 lives in 2022.
When it comes to truck accident claims in Lancaster, care must be taken to capture the full extent of the injuries to the victims’ lives. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we are keen to investigate the crash properly and determine the injuries suffered as a result of the accident so as to value the claim appropriately.
Which Injuries Do Truck Accident Victims Sustain?
Truck accidents are known to cause catastrophic injuries, including:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents, often caused by the sudden and forceful movement of the neck during impact. This type of injury can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck and shoulders. In severe cases, whiplash can require many months of treatment and physical therapy.
Broken Bones
The immense force of a truck collision frequently results in broken bones. Victims often suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures are complex and may require surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care.
Burns
Truck accidents in Lancaster can also lead to fires or explosions due to fuel spills, causing severe burns. Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. These can leave victims suffering from scarring and emotional trauma.
Lacerations
During serious crashes, it is not uncommon for sharp debris from a truck accidentto cause deep cuts and lacerations. These injuries may result in significant blood loss, permanent scarring, or even infections if not treated quickly.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head experiences a violent impact. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs often result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments, drastically affecting a victim’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is highly vulnerable during truck accidents due to the immense force of impact. In some cases, injuries to the spinal cord may escalate to paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Those who sustain spinal injuries from truck accidents may require extensive, long-life medical care.
Amputation
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) publication on knee amputation resulting from accidents, road traffic accidents were the most common cause of amputation. The impact of a truck crash is reportedly the top cause of the traumatic loss of limbs.
In some cases, surgical amputation may become necessary due to severe truck accident injuries. Amputations significantly affect a person’s ability to work and carry out daily activities, often requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, are common in truck accidents. These injuries are often life-threatening and require specialized medical attention to prevent fatal complications. Your lawyer can assess the extent of the injury by consulting medical experts to help determine the life-long implications of such injuries.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
When dealing with injuries from a truck crash, it’s essential to assess the full impact of those injuries on your life, involving both financial and non-financial damages.
Financially, a lawyer can help gather all medical expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. They can also calculate lost wages, as well as any future earning potential if the injuries led to partial or permanent disability. Additionally, they will consider all out-of-pocket expenses, such as home modifications, to ensure you seek full compensation.
Non-financial damages are equally important in a truck injury claim. A lawyer can assist in quantifying the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries. They can also help articulate the loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, ensuring that all aspects of your suffering are considered in the compensation process.
An important aspect of pursuing a truck injury claim is waiting until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the point at which your condition has stabilized, and no further significant improvement is expected. This period allows for a more accurate assessment of your injuries and their long-term effects to ensure that you seek recovery that reflects the whole impact of the truck accident injuries on your life.
Contact a Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Truck accidents are not your ordinary auto accident claims and may require professional legal handling. Truck accident lawyers understand both the state and federal laws governing truck operations and leverage that knowledge to your advantage. The personal injury team at HGSK Injury Lawyers is ready to evaluate your case and begin building a claim immediately. A Lancaster truck accident lawyer will work with you to build a strategy for securing the best possible recovery Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.