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Semi-truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to several factors related to the size, weight, and dynamics of these trucks compared to smaller vehicles.
Commercial vehicles of all types, including 18-wheelers, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making the smaller vehicle vulnerable to the size and weight disparity, leading to severe damage and injuries for its occupants.
In addition, the force generated in a collision involving a semi-truck can be immense. The momentum of the truck, combined with its mass, results in substantial kinetic energy that is transferred to the other vehicle upon impact. This can cause devastating injuries to the occupants of the smaller car, even in relatively low-speed collisions.
No matter where 18-wheeler and other commercial vehicle accidents occur, they can vary in severity and lead to a wide range of injuries. Here, we discuss some of the most common injuries associated with semi-truck accidents and what to do if you or a loved one has been injured in these catastrophic crashes.
Common 18-Wheeler Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accident Injuries
Semi-truck accidents involve complex dynamics, including jackknifing, rollovers, and multiple-vehicle collisions that leave multiple people injured from a single crash.
These 18-wheeler accidents can result in a range of injuries including, but not limited to:
- Fractures and Crush Injuries
The force of impact in a truck accident can cause bone fractures, ranging from minor fractures to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention. Crush injuries, where body parts are trapped or compressed by heavy objects, are also common in severe truck accidents and can lead to tissue damage and limb loss.
- Head Injuries
Head injuries are a significant concern in truck accidents, especially if occupants are not properly restrained or if there is a direct impact on the head. Head injuries can range from concussions and contusions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological deficits.
- Back Injuries
Truck accidents can cause various back injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, and herniated discs. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can have lifelong consequences, affecting mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.
- Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen if left untreated.
- Burns
Truck accidents involving fire or explosions can result in thermal, chemical, or friction burns. Burn injuries can cause severe pain, scarring, and long-term disfigurement, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Catastrophically Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Semi-truck crashes that result in catastrophic injuries often require emergency medical personnel to intervene, taking injury victims to the closest hospital for immediate treatment. This leaves no opportunity for the injured party to collect evidence from the scene or record the truck driver’s information. However, because of the nature of the crash, law enforcement should respond and provide essential crash detail reports that can help determine liability.
After you receive treatment, follow all medical advice and recommendations from your healthcare providers. Attend all medical appointments, follow prescribed treatments and medications, and keep thorough records of your medical expenses, diagnoses, and treatments. Your medical records will serve as crucial evidence in your personal injury claim.
Contact Our 18-Wheeler Accident and Injury Attorney Today
Next, contact our skilled 18-wheeler accident and injury attorneys in Texas at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys to review the details of your crash, injuries, and damages during a free consultation by calling (512) 883-0277 or contacting us online today.
We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
