Common Truck Accident Injuries (10 Types of Truck Accidents)

The most common truck accident injuries range from spinal cord injuries to neck and back issues to, sadly, fatalities.

Truck accidents are terrifyingly common occurrences on our roads, leaving those involved with life-altering consequences. Victims face a myriad of challenges, with understanding the injuries sustained being crucial. 

Our goal is to offer support and empower victims with valuable insights as they navigate the aftermath of these traumatic events.

10 Common truck accident injuries

Trucking injuries, which occur in accidents involving commercial trucks, can cause serious physical harm. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make the impact more forceful, resulting in severe consequences.

Recognizing the common injuries suffered is vital for victims and their families to get the right medical care and legal help quickly. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, your health should come first, so you should seek immediate medical attention first.

In addition, if you’re in the Atlanta area, reach out to a Johns Creek personal injury lawyer for a free consultation regarding your truck accident

 

Here are 10 types of truck accident injuries that commonly occur in large truck crashes:

1. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of large truck accidents. The impact of a collision can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function.

Victims of spinal cord injuries often face lifelong challenges and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation to regain function and mobility.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Large commercial truck accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, which occur when the head sustains a forceful impact or undergoes rapid acceleration and deceleration. Injury to the brain can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional disturbances.

Victims may require ongoing medical treatment and therapy to manage their symptoms and regain cognitive function.

3. Severe Burns

In truck accidents involving fire or explosion, occupants of passenger vehicles can suffer severe burn injuries, resulting in excruciating pain, disfigurement, and permanent scarring.

Burns not only cause physical harm but also emotional trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, to heal and rehabilitate the affected areas.

Those involved in a truck accident and suffering from burns should contact an Atlanta burn injury lawyer for expert guidance on what to do next.

4. Neck and Back Injuries

The force of the impact can cause back and neck injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, or vertebral fractures. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and decreased quality of life for victims.

Treatment for neck and back injuries may include physical therapy, medication, or even surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and restore function.

If you’re struggling neck and back injuries from a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, contact an accident attorney today from The Gumprecht Law Firm

5. Broken Bones

Truck accidents are often resulting in broken bones or fractures due to the sheer force of impact and the crushing forces involved. Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, requiring immobilization, casting, or surgical repair to promote proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

6. Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries

Truck accident victims may sustain lacerations or soft tissue injuries from broken glass, metal debris, or the force of impact. These injuries can cause:

• Significant pain
• Bleeding
• Tissue damage

All of these injuries necessitate immediate medical attention to clean and close wounds and prevent infection or complications.

7. Internal Injuries

Organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal trauma, even without visible external signs are common internal injuries.

ALL internal injuries require prompt medical evaluation and intervention to diagnose and treat effectively, as delayed treatment can lead to life-threatening complications.

8. Emotional Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, semi-truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Victims may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional distress related to the accident, impacting their daily functioning and overall well-being.

Seeking counseling or therapy can help victims cope with the psychological effects of the accident and facilitate their recovery process.

9. Rib and Torso Injuries

Blunt force trauma sustained to the chest area during a truck accident can result in rib fractures or internal organ injuries, including damage to the lungs or liver.

Such rib and torso injuries often manifest in breathing difficulties and other associated complications, exacerbating the victim’s condition and necessitating immediate medical attention and intervention.

10. Catastrophic Injuries

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that permanently alter the lives of victims, including amputations, severe neurological damage, or permanent disfigurement. These life-altering injuries impose a significant burden, often necessitating lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.

At our law firm, we recognize the gravity of such situations and are dedicated to providing compassionate assistance to victims and their families. Our experienced truck accident lawyers strives to secure the maximum compensation possible to alleviate the financial strain associated with these injuries and ensure access to the necessary resources for comprehensive recovery and support.

If you or a loved one has endured catastrophic injuries in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact a truck accident lawyer today from our firm for skilled legal representation and guidance.

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10 Types of truck accidents

Truck accidents can take on various forms, each bringing its own set of challenges and risks on the road. From jack-knife accidents to rollovers, both pedestrians and truck drivers must need to grasp the different types of truck accidents. 

In this section, we’ll dive into 10 distinct types of truck accidents, shedding light on the causes of truck accidents, their characteristics, and the potential truck injury they can cause. Understanding these scenarios can help everyone better navigate the roads and take necessary precautions to steer clear of becoming involved in truck and auto accidents. 

1. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. These accidents can result from various factors such as distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden braking. Injuries commonly associated with rear-end collisions include:

• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

2. Jack-knife Accidents

Jack-knife accidents occur when tractor-trailers swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife. These accidents often result from braking too forcefully or improperly, causing the trailer to lose traction.

They can lead to multi-vehicle collisions, severe injuries, and significant property damage.

3. Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are common types of truck accidents that involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, with factors contributing to rollover accidents including:

• Speeding
• Sharp turns
• Overloaded cargo
• Uneven road surfaces

Unfortunately, rollover accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including spinal injuries, crush injuries, and fatalities.

4. Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath the truck’s trailer.

As you’d might expect, these accidents often result in devastating injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle, including decapitation or severe head injuries.

5. Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents happen when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in their blind spot and merges or changes lanes, resulting in a collision. Injuries in blind spot accidents can range from minor bruises to severe injuries, depending on the force of impact and vehicle speed.

To get expert advice from after a truck accident in Georgia, contact us today for guidance on your next steps.

6. T-Bone Collisions

T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These accidents commonly occur at intersections or when a truck fails to yield the right of way.

Injuries from T-bone collisions can include:

• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Head trauma

7. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles crashing into each other while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents often result from factors such as distracted driving, impaired driving, or driving in the wrong lane.

Due to the sheer size, weight, and force of trucks, head-on collisions with trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries, including multiple fractures, internal injuries, and fatalities.

8. Override Accidents

Override accidents happen when a truck collides with standard passenger cars and runs over it, often due to the truck’s higher ground clearance and weight. These accidents can lead to severe crush injuries, traumatic amputations, and fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle.

9. Runaway Trailer Accidents

When a truck’s trailer becomes detached from the cab and travels uncontrollably, it poses a significant hazard to other vehicles on the road. These accidents can result from:

• Improper hitching
• Mechanical failure, or
• Inadequate maintenance

Injuries in runaway trailer accidents can be severe, ranging from broken bones to severe head trauma.

10. Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure accidents occur when a truck’s brakes malfunction or fail to engage properly, leading to an inability to stop or slow down. Causes of these issues, in our experience, tend to be worn brake pads, hydraulic system failure, or driver error.

It will be no surprise to you that brake failure accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities for occupants of other vehicles on the road.

Have you suffered a truck accident injury in Atlanta?

If you’ve been seriously injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you’re not alone. These incidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. One of our experienced truck accident attorneys at Grumprecht Law is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact us today if you need an Atlanta truck accident lawyer. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your trucking injury, or in the tragic event of wrongful death.

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