When a crash involving a large commercial truck happens, the results can be devastating. Because tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles often suffer severe and catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. If you were injured in an Arkansas truck accident, understanding the common types of injuries associated with these collisions can help you recognize the seriousness of your condition — and the importance of pursuing compensation for the damages you suffered.
The following are five of the most common types of injuries sustained by victims in truck accidents:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most serious injuries associated with a truck crash is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These types of injuries can occur when the head strikes a hard surface in the vehicle, such as the dashboard or steering wheel, or when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull during the force of impact. A victim may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Dizziness
- Cognitive impairment
Not only can these symptoms permanently impact a person’s ability to work, but they can also prevent them from participating in their daily activities and maintaining relationships with friends and family. Notably, brain injuries can play a crucial role in determining the value of a truck crash claim. Since these injuries can require extensive medical treatment and may have lifelong consequences, they often result in substantial economic and non-economic damages.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of impact generated by a collision with a large truck can put tremendous stress on a victim’s spine, resulting in severe spinal cord injuries, such as fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal cord trauma. In the most serious cases, it can even lead to partial or complete paralysis, which may require wheelchairs, home modifications, ongoing therapy, and lifelong medical assistance. Because spinal cord injuries frequently involve substantial medical expenses, permanent physical limitations, long-term disability, and loss of quality of life, they often form the basis of significant personal injury claims.
3. Internal Injuries
Since they are not always readily apparent, internal injuries can be among the most dangerous types of injuries suffered in a truck wreck. The blunt-force trauma associated with these crashes can damage internal organs, tear blood vessels, cause internal bleeding, and disrupt critical bodily functions, even when a victim appears relatively unharmed. However, left untreated, these conditions can quickly become life-threatening.
Common internal injuries sustained in a truck crash can include:
- Internal bleeding
- Punctured lungs
- Ruptured spleens
- Liver damage
- Kidney injuries
Emergency surgeries, hospitalization, ongoing medical treatment, and extensive time out of work during recovery can significantly increase the economic damages recoverable for internal injuries in a truck accident claim.
4. Amputation and Crush Injuries
The immense size and weight of a commercial truck can cause devastating injuries during a crash. In particularly severe wrecks, a victim may become trapped inside their vehicle or pinned beneath the wreckage, resulting in crush injuries or amputation. Even in cases where a limb is not severed during the accident itself, the extent of the damage may require surgical amputation to prevent further complications. Because amputation and crush injuries often result in permanent disability, extensive rehabilitation, and considerable pain and suffering, the medical expenses can be immense.
5. Psychological and Emotional Injuries
The effects of a truck crash are not always physical. Many victims experience psychological and emotional trauma in the aftermath of a serious collision, particularly when the crash results in catastrophic injuries, lengthy hospitalization, and ongoing medical treatment. Common psychological injuries associated with truck accidents can include the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Panic attacks
- Sleep disturbances
- Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
Although these injuries are not visible, in many cases, they can be just as debilitating and life-altering as physical injuries. Emotional trauma can affect a person’s ability to work, participate in their usual activities, and enjoy life in the way they did prior to the accident. Victims often require counseling, therapy, and mental health treatment to help them recover from the emotional and psychological impact of a truck accident. Importantly, these injuries may also be taken into account when awarding compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a truck crash, it’s essential to have a skilled advocate by your side to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Providing tireless representation and aggressive advocacy for the injured and wronged, the Arkansas truck accident attorneys at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm are committed to helping injured victims secure the maximum monetary recovery they are entitled to under the law. If you or a loved one were harmed in a collision with a truck, contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you and your family rebuild your lives.
