The 5 Most Common Truck Accidents Explained (Including Estimated Compensation)
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5 Common Truck Accident Injuries: A Guide for Victims
Commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. These injuries range from whiplash to more complex spinal cord injuries and TBI. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, a clear grasp of your injuries will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With this understanding, you can work with an attorney to pursue fair compensation that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life. More about our truck accident lawyers here.
This guide outlines common injuries sustained in truck accidents, how they occur, their symptoms, and estimated compensation.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury that occurs when inertia causes your head, neck, and body to move at different speeds, forcing your neck to compress or extend too quickly. In truck collisions, your vehicle may suddenly accelerate forward while your body remains in place momentarily. When your vehicle stops moving, your head continues forward, then snaps backward. This violent motion stretches neck tissues beyond their normal range. It is common with rear-end truck accidents.
Compensation for whiplash injuries resulting from truck accidents varies depending on the injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on daily life. While specific figures for truck accidents are not readily available, general estimates for whiplash settlements can range from 2,000 USD to 50,000 USD or more, depending on individual circumstances.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue and dizziness
2. Broken Bones
Fractures occur when bones crack or break due to trauma. The tremendous force in truck collisions can break bones through direct impact (striking the dashboard or steering wheel), crushing (vehicle compression), or when occupants are ejected from vehicles. Even properly restrained occupants may suffer fractures due to the extreme forces involved. Bones commonly broken in truck accidents include ribs, arms, legs, collarbones, pelvis, and facial bones.
Compensation for broken bones from a truck accident can range from 15,114 USD to 195,258 USD or more depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time, and any complications. Victims can pursue both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). If complications arise, such as improper healing or the need for further treatment, additional compensation may be possible. Evidence supporting the claim can include medical bills, pay stubs, and testimonies about the physical and emotional toll. The more severe the injury and its effects, the higher the potential compensation.
The common symptoms of broken bones include:
- Intense pain that worsens with movement
- Swelling and bruising
- Visible deformity or bone protrusion
- Limited mobility or inability to move the affected area
- Grinding sensation when moving (crepitus)
- In severe cases, bone may pierce the skin (open or compound fracture)
3. Burns
Burns are tissue damage resulting from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Truck accidents involving hazardous materials, fuel spills, or fires are the most common causes of severe burns.
Burn injuries are categorized into degrees, each with distinct characteristics and potential compensation ranges:
- First-Degree Burns: These are minor injuries affecting only the outer skin layer, typically resulting in redness and minor pain. Settlements for first-degree burns are generally modest, often below 10,000 USD.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns damage both the outer and underlying skin layers, leading to blisters and more intense pain. Compensation for second-degree burns can range from 20,000 USD to 75,000 USD. You could get more or less depending on the injury’s severity and complications.
- Third-Degree Burns: These severe burns destroy all skin layers, potentially affecting deeper tissues. Settlements for third-degree burns can be substantial, ranging from 75,000 USD to 500,000 USD or more.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe burns, extending beyond the skin to muscles and bones, often resulting in life-threatening conditions. Compensation for fourth-degree burns can be significant, with settlements reaching up to $100 million in some cases.
Burn injuries sustained during commercial truck accidents may result from:
- Flammable Cargo: Many commercial trucks transport hazardous materials, including flammable liquids or gases. In the event of a collision, these substances may ignite, causing intense fires.
- Spilled Fuel: Even without the presence of hazardous cargo, the fuel tanks of commercial trucks themselves pose a significant risk. A collision can rupture these tanks, spilling large quantities of diesel fuel that can ignite upon contact with hot engine components, sparks, or other ignition sources.
- Engine Fires: The intense heat and potential for mechanical damage during a truck accident can also lead to engine fires. These fires can quickly spread to other parts of the vehicle, including the cabin, posing a serious risk of burn injuries to those trapped inside.
- Friction Burns: While airbags are designed to save lives, the rapid deployment and friction involved can sometimes cause friction burns to the skin. Similarly, contact with rough road surfaces during an accident, especially if ejected from the vehicle, can lead to abrasions and burns.
- Hot Vehicle Components: In the aftermath of a collision, various components of the truck, such as the engine, exhaust system, or even deformed metal parts, can reach extremely high temperatures. Contact with these hot surfaces can cause severe burns, particularly if the victim is trapped or unable to move away quickly.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden trauma damages the brain. They range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing long-term disability or death. The forceful impact in truck collisions can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This can happen even without direct head impact. Penetrating injuries from debris or direct blows to the head are also common in severe truck accidents.
The symptoms of TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness (from seconds to hours)
- Confusion and disorientation
- Headache (persistent or worsening)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Speech problems
- Convulsions or seizures
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in ears, bad taste in mouth)
- Memory or concentration problems
- Clear fluids draining from ears or nose (cerebrospinal fluid)
Compensation for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from truck accidents could range from 100,000 USD to 500,000 USD. In more severe cases, such as those involving permanent disabilities or the need for long-term care, settlements can be higher.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries include damage to the vertebrae, spinal cord, or surrounding nerves and tissues. They range from herniated discs to complete spinal cord transection. The tremendous forces in truck collisions can compress, fracture, or dislocate vertebrae. Sudden acceleration/deceleration can herniate discs. In severe cases, the spinal cord itself may be damaged by bone fragments or direct trauma, potentially causing paralysis.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) symptoms depend on the location and severity of the damage. Injuries to the upper spinal cord affect more of the body, potentially causing paralysis in all limbs (tetraplegia or quadriplegia). Injuries lower down the spinal cord may only impact the lower body and legs (paraplegia). Paralysis can occur immediately after the injury (primary damage) or develop over time due to bleeding, swelling, and cell death (secondary damage).
The typical symptoms of a spinal injury include:
- Numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation in the hands and feet
- Paralysis or loss of movement
- Pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- Weakness in any part of the body
- Unnatural positioning of the spine or head
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Walking difficulties
- Breathing problems
- Changes in sexual function
The settlement for SCI is typically high since treatment costs often exceed $1 million, encompassing expenses like spinal surgery, ventilator use, long-term care, medical equipment, and ongoing medications. In more severe cases, such as those involving permanent disabilities or the need for long-term care, settlements can be millions of dollars.
Why These Injuries Matter for Your Case
Understanding the full extent of your injuries is crucial when seeking compensation after a truck accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term consequences.
Proper documentation of all injuries and their connection to the accident strengthens your case and ensures you receive compensation that covers:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care needs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consult with both medical professionals and an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure all your injuries are properly diagnosed, treated, and documented for your legal claim.
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