Types of Truck Accident Injuries

No matter the type of collision, the sheer size and weight of many commercial trucks are enough to cause catastrophic injuries to other road users. Victims can face a lifetime of pain, medical complications, and financial instability because of one careless truck driver.

At Bottaro Law, Mike and his experienced legal team understand the unique challenges accident victims face as they battle large trucking and insurance companies for the compensation they deserve. We are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for you. In the aftermath of a truck accident, our team offers you the support you need and the aggressive legal representation you deserve.

We have earned a reputation in Rhode Island for our work on behalf of truck accident victims. We have a solid track record of successfully fighting big insurance companies for maximum payouts. Let our dedicated team handle every detail of your case so you can focus on your health. 

Get help from a top Rhode Island truck accident injury law firm now. Contact us for a free consultation today. With our exclusive “No Fee Guarantee,” you can count on Bottaro Law to offer case reviews, 24/7 service, and effective legal representation without any upfront charges. You only pay if we win you money for your truck accident injuries.

Truck Accident Injury & Fatality Statistics 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in one recent year, nearly 5,000 people died in large truck crashes on U.S. roadways. Overall, 71 percent of those killed were occupants of other vehicles, and 13 percent were pedestrians or bicyclists. NHTSA also estimates that almost 147,000 individuals suffered injuries related to truck accidents, 68 percent of whom were occupants of other vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that during the same period, 54 percent of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas. Interstate highway crashes accounted for 27 percent of fatal truck accidents. The FMCSA also estimates that fatal and non-fatal truck accidents predominately occur on weekdays.

What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Commercial trucks must be large and heavy to carry cargo across the country. However, the size and weight of these vehicles also make them challenging to maneuver, especially when a truck driver is careless. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle, people in the smaller vehicle are almost always the ones who fare the worst.

People hurt in collisions involving large trucks often suffer life-changing injuries. These injuries can cause long-term physical and mental impairment. People injured in truck accidents might also suffer devastating financial consequences as bills pile up during recovery. In some cases, injuries can be so severe that an accident victim can’t return to the same work they did before the accident, limiting their ability to earn a steady income. 

Some of the most significant types of truck accident injuries caused by careless drivers include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries – TBIs are often the result of a violent jolt to the head during the initial impact of an accident. TBIs can cause a wide range of physical and mental impairments. Severe TBIs can cause life-long complications and disability.  
• Spinal injuries – Neck and spine injuries are common in collisions involving large trucks. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the body and the brain. An incomplete spinal injury can limit sensation and mobility, while a complete spinal injury causes total paralysis below the injury site. 
• Amputations – Truck accidents are violent events. The force of a collision can sever fingers, toes, arms, and legs upon impact. Surgical amputations may also be necessary when tissue or bone damage is too extensive to repair. 
• Broken bones – Broken bones are one of the most common injuries reported in truck accidents. The collarbone, ribs, arms, and legs are particularly vulnerable to breaks. 
• Burns – Trucks are massive vehicles that require large amounts of fuel. In an accident, fuel can leak from a truck and catch fire, causing thermal burns. Burns are incredibly painful and can cause significant scarring and disfigurement. Trucks carrying hazardous materials can also leave accident victims with dangerous chemical burns to the skin and lungs. 
• Organ damage and internal bleeding – A violent crash with a truck can easily result in unseen injuries like damage to vital organs and internal bleeding. Broken ribs can puncture lungs and other organs, while crushing injuries or puncture wounds can cause damage to the stomach, liver, or kidneys.

Other examples of physical injuries that are also common in truck accidents include:

• Joint damage
• Dental injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Sprains
• Strains
• Disfigurement and scarring

Truck accidents can cause more than just physical injuries. Crashes involving commercial motor vehicles can also cause mental trauma that may manifest as depression and anxiety. Some truck accident victims may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident Injury?

Your health should be your number one priority following a truck accident. You should seek medical attention immediately after a collision with a large truck. 

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location where you are not at risk of being involved in a secondary crash. Next, contact the authorities for help. Law enforcement can help secure the scene and offer immediate medical assistance to injured people.

If you do not go to the hospital by ambulance, go to a hospital, urgent care clinic, or your family physician as soon as possible. The rush of adrenaline released in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident can mask pain and signs of serious injury. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, may even take hours or days to manifest. 

Your medical records can be crucial evidence when it comes time to file a compensation claim.