What You Need to Know About Types of Truck Accident Injuries
What are the most common truck accident injuries, and how are they compensated? Discover crucial insights and ensure you know your rights. Explore more here.
Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that Oklahoma had 2,841 fatal and non-fatal large truck and bus crashes in 2024. They resulted in 1,332 injuries and 99 fatalities. All these figures are also higher compared to the previous year.
While the number of truck crashes is less than that of light vehicle incidents, truck accident injuries are usually more severe, given the significant difference in size and weight. For this reason, it’s imperative to be familiar with the injuries truck crashes can cause, as they may require more extensive treatment and, therefore, a higher level of compensation from the party that caused the incident.
Join our team at BDIW, Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle, and Wicker, our law firm in Oklahoma, as we explore common truck accident injuries and share insights into their compensation.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
The type of injuries in a truck accident aftermath can be similar to those in light vehicle crashes but are often more severe. The most common ones include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Let’s explore each in more detail.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
According to WebMD, whiplash affects nearly three million people in the United States. Many develop it following light vehicle and big-rig accidents. While most individuals recover over time and treatment, many others suffer from chronic effects that can last for months, even years.
Whiplash occurs when the force from the impact causes the head and the neck to snap back and forth rapidly (like the lashing of a whip, hence the name). It can cause many unpleasant, even debilitating symptoms, including:
- Neck pain that radiates to the face, head, shoulder, or back
- Spasms in the neck muscles
- Bruising and swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, or upper back
- Headaches, dizziness, or vision changes
In addition to whiplash, neck injuries may include herniated discs or cervical spine damage. Either way, proper and immediate treatment is necessary to prevent the problem from worsening and causing long-term effects.
Broken Bones
Broken bones often occur in truck collisions due to the vehicle’s sheer force and weight. Victims may experience fractures in the bones of the:
- Arms
- Ribs
- Pelvis
- Legs
Broken bones are painful and can require expensive surgical intervention and physical therapy. Depending on the injury’s severity, it can take at least several weeks to over a year for bone healing to complete, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Head and Brain Injuries
Truck accidents can result in mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The impact from the collision can cause the brain to “crash” with the skull, resulting in brain bruising or bleeding. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Inability to recall the cause of or events immediately preceding the injury
- Confusion and disorientation
- Communication problems
- Vision problems, including blurriness and light sensitivity
- Changes in emotions or sleep patterns
Many people with minor TBIs heal and recover over time, but others, especially those who’ve sustained more severe injuries, may never truly recover. Indeed, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, some TBIs may raise one’s risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), years after the incident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are more severe truck accident injuries that may lead to partial or complete paralysis. They damage the vertebrae, disrupting nerve signals that result in the loss of function below the injured area. Emergency medical intervention is critical to preventing the injury from worsening.
Some of the other symptoms of spinal cord injuries that may result from a truck crash are:
- Numbness, tingling, or sensation loss in the hands, legs, or other areas below the injury site
- Difficulty moving the injured body part
- Loss of control over urination and bowel functions
- Severe pain in the neck, back, or injured site
- Breathing difficulties
Internal Injuries
A truck accident can cause internal injuries as a result of the immense force of impact, damaging internal organs such as the:
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Spleen
When those internal organs sustain damage, it can lead to ruptured blood vessels and internal bleeding. In more severe cases, the organs may rupture. Internal injuries require emergency medical attention, as they can be potentially fatal.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Since a truck accident is potentially life-threatening, it can trigger a strong physiological response in victims, resulting in possible mental health issues such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
People who experience emotional and psychological trauma may exhibit symptoms like:
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Significant mood changes
- Fearfulness
Such problems, especially if left untreated, can significantly affect daily life, normal functioning, and cognitive skills.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYHow Are Truck Injuries Compensated?
If you or a loved one is a truck crash victim, please consider contacting a personal injury attorney immediately. They can help file truck accident claims that provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering)
The exact amount of a truck accident injury compensation varies from one case to another, but Oklahoma courts often consider the following factors:
- The nature and extent of the injuries
- Impairments caused by the incident
- Whether the injuries can affect a victim’s ability to earn income in the long run vs. the short-term
- The root causes of truck accidents
With a highly experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you’ll receive all the legal advice and support you need to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Do You Need Expert Legal Help for Truck Crash Injuries?
From whiplash and neck injuries to fractures, TBIs, and PTSD, these are just some of the many types of truck accident injuries. Not only can they be painful and debilitating, but they can also affect victims for many years and, in some cases, could even be deadly.
So, if you or someone you care about has been in a crash involving a large truck in Oklahoma, please don’t delay seeking the advice of our personal injury attorneys at BDIW, Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle, and Wicker. Our highly experienced lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience handling and winning personal injury cases, including truck accident claims and suits.
Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.
