When a passenger vehicle collides with a tractor-trailer, the result is often devastating. The size and weight of the trucks can cause catastrophic injuries.
Every crash is different; however, certain injuries are more common, and some affect the victims for the rest of their lives.
What are truck accidents typically catastrophic?
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to the average weight of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds for a car. When traveling at highway speeds, the combination of mass and speed can be devastating in a collision, often crushing smaller vehicles and causing severe injuries or fatalities.
One of the most serious consequences of a tractor-trailer accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can range from a concussion to severe brain damage. Many times, victims require multiple surgeries, long-term therapy or are left with permanent disabilities that change the way they live and work.
Truck accidents often result in significant trauma to the spine. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Accident victims with spinal injuries frequently live with chronic pain, limited mobility and ongoing medical needs such as surgery, injections and physical therapy.
A tractor-trailer’s force in a collision can easily break bones in the arms, legs, ribs or pelvis. Most fractures eventually heal. However, severe breaks or shattered bones may require multiple surgeries, metal implants and an extended stay in a rehabilitation facility. Reduced strength and limited mobility can affect a victim’s daily activities and their ability to return to work.
The aftermath of a truck accident often affects every aspect of a victim’s life. Ongoing medical treatment, pain and suffering and the loss of income can place a financial and emotional strain on the victim and their loved ones. It’s crucial to work with someone who can protect your rights, navigate the complexities associated with insurance claims and pursue the compensation needed for the long road toward recovery.
