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Regretfully, truck accidents happen on our roads a bit too often. While injuries can occur in any vehicle accident, truck accidents can have more severe repercussions. Because of their size and weight, trucks have a higher chance of seriously injuring other drivers in collisions.
In this article, we will discuss some of the
common injuries in a truck accident and the importance of being aware of them. We will also explore some tips on how to avoid truck accidents and what to do in case you find yourself in one.
What Are These Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are sometimes the first thing that comes to mind when we discuss truck accidents. However, just what constitutes a catastrophic injury? According to definitions, this kind of damage includes "any severe injury to the brain or spinal cord."
These kinds of injuries affect a person's physical, emotional, and cognitive capacities in permanent or long-lasting ways. The sheer force of a vast commercial truck hitting a smaller vehicle usually results in severe injuries.
Common Catastrophic Injuries in a Truck Accident
Commercial trucks are hazardous in an accident due to their size and weight. When fully loaded, these cars may weigh up to 80,000 pounds and inflict significant damage when colliding. The most common injuries in a truck accident include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): As the brain is one of the most delicate organs in our body, it is vulnerable to injury in an accident. TBI can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, affecting a person's memory, concentration, and overall cognitive abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A truck crash's force can cause severe damage to a person's spinal cord, which may result in paralysis or a loss of sensation and movement in particular body parts.
Prevention Tips for Motorists
Although it is not feasible to exclude the possibility of truck accidents, drivers can lower their odds of getting into one by taking some precautions. These include:
- Maintaining a safe distance: As commercial trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop, it's essential for drivers to maintain a safe following distance.
- Avoiding blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots, so it's crucial for drivers to avoid lingering in these areas and ensure they are visible to the truck driver.
- Not driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment can significantly impair a person's ability to drive safely. It's essential never to operate a vehicle while under the influence.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: When trucks are involved in collisions, they can cause significant bone fractures that need to be treated surgically and for a long time to recover properly.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding can also be brought on by the force of an accident. These kinds of injuries are particularly risky since they might not be noticeable right away and have the potential to be fatal if medical care is delayed.
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What to Do If You're Injured in a Truck Accident
It's critical to get medical help right away if you or a loved one was in a truck accident and sustained severe injuries. Specific injuries might not be immediately noticeable, even if you feel OK at the collision scene.
Contacting a trustworthy personal injury attorney is imperative, as they can guide you through the legal system and ensure you get compensation for your injuries.
Conclusion
Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, which have long-lasting and often permanent impacts on a person's life. It is imperative that drivers understand the most common injuries that occur in truck accidents and take the appropriate safety measures to lower the chance of them happening.
Seek medical care and legal counsel if you or someone you know has been hurt in a truck accident. Remember, safety should always be a top priority on the roads. Stay vigilant and stay safe.
By Chris Bates
