Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries and, in extreme cases, even death. When a accident involves a truck, the injuries may differ in nature and severity from those suffered in crashes involving smaller motor vehicles exclusively.
Due to their size, weight and the potential for carrying hazardous materials, truck accidents can lead to particularly devastating outcomes. The following are common types of injuries suffered in truck accidents.
Burns and disfigurement
Accidents involving trucks can result in fires or chemical spills due to the cargo they carry, leading to severe burns and disfigurement for individuals involved in the collision. The combination of flammable materials or hazardous chemicals with the impact of the accident can cause fires to erupt rapidly, trapping victims inside vehicles or exposing them to burning substances. Burn injuries can range from first-degree burns causing mild discomfort to third-degree burns causing extensive tissue damage and scarring.
Amputations
Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries that may require surgical amputation of limbs. The sheer force of impact from a collision involving a truck can crush vehicles, trapping occupants and leading to severe limb injuries. In some cases, limbs may become partially or completely severed during the accident or may suffer irreparable damage, necessitating surgical intervention. Amputations can profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life, requiring extensive rehabilitation and adaptive strategies to cope with the loss of function.
Internal injuries
Some of the most serious injuries sustained in truck accidents are internal injuries. The immense size and weight of trucks can exert tremendous force upon impact causing internal organs to be crushed, perforated, or otherwise damaged. Victims may suffer from internal bleeding, organ rupture or injuries to vital organs such as the liver, spleen or kidneys. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated, often requiring emergency medical intervention and surgical procedures to repair the damage.
If you have suffered injury in a truck accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages and losses via legal action. Seeking legal guidance is a great way to learn more.
