Truck accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on American roadways. When a standard passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds, the results can be catastrophic. The massive size and weight difference between trucks and passenger cars often results in serious truck accident injuries for those in the smaller vehicles.
Truck accident injuries can be life-altering, so a thorough truck accident investigation is so important. It helps uncover what went wrong and supports your path to recovery, care, and the justice you deserve.
Recent statistics from the National Safety Council reveal a troubling trend. In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, marking a 1.8 percent increase from the previous year and a staggering 49 percent increase over the past decade. Additionally, 120,200 large trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2022, a 2.5 percent increase from the prior year. The story these numbers tell is clear: truck accidents continue to pose a significant risk on our roads, with devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident injuries tend to be more severe than those sustained in regular vehicle collisions due to the tremendous forces involved. Here are some of the most common injuries after a truck accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries from truck crashes: When the head sustains a sudden impact or violent movement, the brain can suffer trauma ranging from mild concussions to severe damage affecting cognitive function, memory, and coordination.
- Spinal cord injuries in trucking accidents: The force of a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These life-changing injuries often require lifelong care and adaptive equipment.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs commonly result from the intense force of truck accidents. These painful injuries can cause long-term discomfort and limit mobility.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash occurs when the neck is jerked back and forth during impact. This painful condition can persist for weeks after a crash, causing stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Broken bones and fractures: The tremendous force in truck collisions frequently breaks bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.
- Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma from truck accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage that may not be immediately apparent but can quickly become life-threatening.
- Crush injuries: When limbs become trapped between parts of vehicles or debris, the resulting damage can lead to tissue death, nerve damage, and even
- Burns and disfigurement: Truck accidents involving fuel or hazardous materials can cause severe burns, which can result in permanent scarring and require extensive reconstructive surgery.
Long-Term Impact of Truck Accident Injuries
The effects of truck accident injuries extend far beyond the initial recovery period. Victims often face:
- Chronic pain from truck crashes: Many injuries result in persistent pain that can last months, years, or even a lifetime, significantly reducing quality of life.
- Emotional trauma after truck accidents: The psychological impact can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
- Permanent disability: Severe injuries may prevent victims from returning to their previous careers or participating in activities they once loved.
- Financial strain: The combination of overwhelming medical expenses from truck accidents and lost income creates significant financial hardship for many families.
- Relationship challenges: The stress of the recovery journey can immensely strain family and social dynamics.
The Financial Burden of Truck Accident Injuries
The cost of treating truck accident injuries can be overwhelming. Victims may require:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Home modifications
- Adaptive equipment
- Mental health counseling
- Long-term nursing care
These expenses can devastate a family’s financial security. Many victims turn to resources like a personal injury claim guide to navigate the process of pursuing compensation through personal injury claims for a truck accident
Understanding Liability in Truck Accidents
Determining liability in truck accidents is often more complex than in standard vehicle collisions. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
Trucking company negligence can take many forms, including inadequate training, unrealistic scheduling that encourages speeding or drowsy driving, and poor maintenance practices. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to securing appropriate compensation.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Truck Accidents
The journey to recovery after a truck accident is often lengthy and challenging. Rehabilitation after truck accidents may include:
- Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
- Occupational therapy to relearn daily living skills
- Cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury victims
- Pain management programs
- Psychological counseling
- Support groups
- Adaptive driving programs
Each victim’s recovery path is unique, with some requiring months of treatment and others facing lifelong medical needs.
Seeking Legal Help After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident, securing experienced legal representation is critical. Trucking companies often do everything they can to avoid liability, and their insurers employ tactics designed to minimize or refuse compensation. A skilled attorney will know how to combat these efforts by building a compelling case for your deserved compensation. Rather than accepting a quick lowball offer, an experienced lawyer for truck accidents will fight for a settlement covering current medical expenses, future needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Turbak Law Office, P.C. Today
At Turbak Law Office, P.C., we understand the life-altering consequences that truck accident victims face. After such a devastating experience, you deserve an opportunity to seek justice and financial support. Since 1982, our experienced legal team has helped countless individuals across South Dakota through the harrowing aftermath of commercial vehicle accidents. Our Watertown truck accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. In cases involving fatal truck accident injuries, we provide compassionate representation for families seeking justice through wrongful death claims.
Many injured individuals are hesitant to consider seeking legal assistance for fear of what it might cost. At Turbak Law Office, P.C., our Watertown truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Contact us online or call us at 605-886-8361 today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Watertown, South Dakota.
Related Post
The Role of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in South Dakota Truck Accident Cases
Know the Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer
Wrongful Death Involving a Semi Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know