Tractor-trailer accidents can be devastating. These accidents undoubtedly result in severe injuries to those who are involved. Tractor-trailer accidents can cause major injuries because these vehicles are not just very big but also heavy. The large size and heavy weight of these vehicles increase the risk of harm in collisions. As per the reports, there have been nearly 450,000 accidents involving heavy trucks in Florida in recent years.
Many people have misconceptions about tractor-trailer accident injuries. This is one of the major reasons why many injured neither consult a tractor-trailer injury attorney nor file the case. They think that these injuries are similar to slip-and-fall or motor accident injuries.
Many times, the misconceptions make it tough for the injured to get the compensation, benefits, and care they deserve for their loss and injury. However, knowing more about tractor-trailer accident injuries helps you be aware of the common injuries that arise from these accidents.
Being aware of common tractor-trailer accident injuries is crucial to filing the compensation case at the right time and in the right manner and getting the benefits and care you deserve. This understanding is essential for both victims and the broader community. This also helps you calculate the need to hire a professional tractor-trailer accident attorney. Let’s have a look at the various injuries that people usually sustain in tractor-trailer accidents, along with the legal considerations surrounding them.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When a tractor-trailer crashes, it can cause spinal cord injuries. It is one of the most common types of injuries that results in these accidents, which usually include crashes. These injuries can be mild or very serious. Spinal cord injuries that result from tractor-trailer accidents can be mild or very serious. These injuries not only may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis but also affect a victim’s ability to perform daily activities. They increase the need for lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in tractor-trailer accidents. It is a type of injury that occurs when the head suddenly jerks forward and then backward. This type of injury can hurt the neck muscles and damage the soft tissues. Neck injuries can be mild and cause some discomfort. They can also be more severe and thus can make it hard for the injured to move and live comfortably. One of the major symptoms of these injuries is pain in the neck and shoulders.
Fractures
The powerful force in a tractor-trailer accident can lead to fractures and broken bones. These injuries can result in different parts of the body. People who get injured in tractor-trailer accidents might get hurt in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. This often needs surgery, a long time for recovery, and could even result in ongoing problems or disabilities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
When tractor-trailers crash, there’s a big worry about head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The strong impact can make the brain hit the skull, causing concussions, bruises, or more serious damage. TBIs can affect how the brain works, including memory and overall mental health. Immediate or delayed symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may include blurry vision, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. TBIs can also affect how the brain works, including memory and overall mental health.
Burn Injuries
Tractor-trailer accidents also lead to fuel spills and vehicle fires that further increase the risk of burn injuries. Burn injuries are not only physically painful but can also leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional, requiring extensive medical treatment and reconstructive surgeries.
Beyond the immediate physical impact, victims of tractor-trailer accidents that face burn injuries may experience psychological trauma. This further affects their mental health and overall well-being. The emotional toll of burn injuries also includes the financial strain of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. This increases the need for an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney to ensure that victims receive the compensation necessary for their recovery and future well-being.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a tractor-trailer collision can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries may involve damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding can pose a life-threatening risk and may require emergency medical attention.
Recognizing and addressing these injuries in a timely and careful manner is essential for the injured to prevent the risk of further harm to the body and risk of life. Many times, the victims of tractor-trailer accident injuries remain unaware of the internal injuries and thus later face severe pain and health problems. Consulting a professional tractor-trailer accident lawyer helps the injured get the right medical treatment in a timely manner and take the right steps for compensation and benefits.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, tractor-trailer accidents can have a major impact on the mental health of the victim. Psychological trauma, which includes stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, may develop in the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Addressing these emotional challenges is essential for the accident survivors for their overall well-being.
Compensation for Injuries
Victims of tractor-trailer accidents may face significant medical expenses, loss of income, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Seeking legal recourse is often essential for them to obtain compensation for these damages. This is where the need for a professional tractor-trailer accident attorney arises. A skilled attorney can help the injured navigate the complexities of the legal system, determine liability, and pursue a claim against the responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, the trucking company, or other entities.
Conclusion
Tractor-trailer accidents can result in a variety of injuries. The injuries that result due to these accidents can impact the victim physically, emotionally, and financially. Being aware of the common injuries that arise from these accidents helps you know the importance of legal support in seeking compensation. Having a tractor-trailer injury attorney by your side helps you prevent the risk of mistakes that can increase the risk of compensation denial and deal in treatment.