Commercial trucks are large, powerful, and capable of doing serious damage in the event of a collision. Many of the most common truck accident injuries saddle individuals with immense medical expenses, temporary or permanent disabilities that prevent them from working, and adverse effects on their mental and social well-being. Here’s what you need to know about the most common truck accident injuries in Tampa, and what you can do if you suffer them.
Common Injuries After Trucking Accidents
The Tampa truck accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers have seen far too many times how the devastating effects of truck accident injuries can turn a person’s life upside down. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries that have led Tampa clients to seek our help.
Head and Brain Injuries
Truck accidents often result in life-altering head and brain injuries due to the immense force involved in these collisions. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe damage that causes long-term cognitive and physical impairment. Victims may experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent headaches
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in personality
- Sensory problems
Even seemingly minor head trauma can have lasting effects on a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work and maintain relationships.
Neck and Back Injuries
The sudden impact of a semi-truck accident can cause significant damage to the neck and back. Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury that occurs when the head snaps violently back and forth. While some people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, others may experience chronic pain and limited mobility for months or even years.
More severe neck and back injuries can include:
- Herniated discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Sprained or strained muscles and ligaments
These injuries can lead to chronic and excruciating pain, reduced range of motion, and the need for ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy.
Spinal Cord Injuries
SCIs are among the most devastating consequences of truck accidents. These injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Victims may experience:
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of motor function
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
Spinal cord injuries may require long-term or lifelong care and can significantly affect a person’s independence and quality of life.
Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
Some of the most serious injuries caused by truck accidents are the ones that are not immediately apparent. Organ damage and internal bleeding may be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Common internal injuries include:
- Ruptured spleen
- Liver lacerations
- Kidney damage
- Punctured lungs
These injuries often require emergency surgery and extended hospital stays, leading to substantial medical bills and prolonged recovery periods.
Broken Bones
The impact of a truck crash can easily break or even shatter bones. Commonly fractured bones include:
- Ribs
- Pelvis
- Arms and legs
- Skull
While some broken bones heal relatively quickly, others may require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Severe fractures can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and permanent disability.
Burns
Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can result in severe burns. These painful injuries often require extensive treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Burn victims may experience:
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of sensation
- Increased risk of infection
- Psychological trauma
The recovery process for severe burn injuries can be long and painful, often requiring ongoing care and sometimes resulting in disfiguring scars.
Lacerations
Flying debris, shattered glass, and twisted metal can cause deep cuts and lacerations during a truck accident. While some cuts may be superficial, others can result in:
- Significant blood loss
- Damage to underlying tissues and nerves
- Permanent scarring
- Risk of infection
Severe lacerations may require stitches, plastic surgery, or even amputation in extreme cases.
PTSD and Psychological Injuries
Not all of the injuries associated with truck accidents are physical in nature. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues. Symptoms may include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the accident
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression
- Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
These psychological consequences can be just as debilitating as physical ones, affecting a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life. Treatment often involves long-term therapy and sometimes medication.
Potential Compensation After Truck Accident Injuries
If you’ve suffered any of the above injuries in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, you might be eligible to recover compensation. The financial award you receive will depend on the nature of your injuries and their effect on your life. Furthermore, the success of your claim will depend on the quality of your legal counsel. A skilled Tampa truck accident attorney can recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income due to missed work time
- Reduced earning capacity after a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consult with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Tampa to learn how much your claim might be worth.
How an Attorney Can Help
Choosing to work with an attorney can be pivotal after suffering injuries in a truck accident. A skilled lawyer can optimize your chances of a successful claim by:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly to identify all liable parties
- Calculating the total value of your accident-related losses
- Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurer
- Filing a truck accident lawsuit against the at-fault party if their insurer is unwilling to settle out of court
An effective attorney will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing from your injuries. They will only charge you if they successfully recover compensation.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Today
Since 2008, the compassionate and skilled legal team at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has dedicated itself to fighting for the rights of injured individuals so they can move forward with confidence and dignity. Let our Tampa truck accident attorneys give you the support and advocacy you need at this challenging time. Call us today at (619) 233-5020 or contact us online for a free consultation.
