Truck Accident Injuries: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and have devastating consequences for those involved. The impact of a large truck colliding with another vehicle can result in severe physical trauma and emotional distress. Injuries sustained from truck accidents can vary in severity, and it is crucial to be aware of the different types of injuries, their symptoms, and available treatments.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. However, to get the full and fair compensation you deserve, you need the help of a leading truck injury attorney who can fight for your rights and interests against the trucking company and their insurance carrier.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident injuries are generally categorized as blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma. Blunt force trauma occurs when the body is struck by a blunt object or force, like a steering wheel, dashboard, seat belt, airbag, or another vehicle. Penetrating trauma involves the body pierced by sharp objects or forces, such as glass shards, metal fragments, or debris.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A sudden head impact results in TBI ranging from mild to severe, affecting cognitive functions, memory, speech, vision, hearing, balance, coordination, mood, and behavior.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) – Caused by fractures, dislocations, compressions, or severing of vertebrae or spinal nerves, SCI can cause partial or complete paralysis, impacting breathing, bladder control, bowel control, sexual function, and sensation.
- Neck and back injury – Resulting from sudden twists or strains, these injuries affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, or bones, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of motion.
- Chest and abdominal injury – These injuries, caused by blunt or penetrating forces, can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, rib fractures, lung collapse, heart attack, or shock.
- Bone fracture – High-impact forces can cause fractures in various body parts, resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or loss of function.
- Soft tissue injury – Injuries to the skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, infection, or scarring.
Symptoms of Truck Accident Injuries
Symptoms of truck accident injuries vary based on the injury type and severity. While some symptoms manifest immediately, others may take hours or even days. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty speaking, seeing, or hearing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Blood in urine or stool
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Loss of sensation or movement
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain, stiffness, swelling, or bruising
- Deformity
Treatment of Truck Accident Injuries
Treatment for truck accident injuries depends on their type and severity. It can range from emergency medical care to ongoing rehabilitation and therapy. Common treatments include:
- Medication – Used to alleviate pain, inflammation, infection, or other injury-related symptoms.
- Surgery – Conducted to repair damaged tissues or organs, stop bleeding, remove foreign objects, or stabilize fractures.
- Physical therapy – Aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, mobility, and function of the injured body parts.
- Occupational therapy – Helps the injured person perform daily activities and tasks.
- Speech therapy – Focuses on improving communication and swallowing skills.
- Psychological therapy – Aids in coping with the emotional and mental effects of the injury.
Conclusion
Accidents involving trucks can result in severe injuries that demand urgent medical treatment and ongoing care. Should you suffer such injuries due to someone else’s negligence in a truck accident, promptly contacting a truck injury attorney to safeguard your legal rights and pursue compensation for the harm caused is vital.
A truck injury attorney plays a vital role in aiding you to collect evidence, engage with the insurance company, and initiate legal action if needed, all in pursuit of securing the most favorable resolution for your situation.