Truck accidents present unique dangers due to the massive size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs only about 4,000 pounds.
These injuries can transform lives, impacting every aspect of daily living.
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to these extreme forces, requiring extensive medical treatment and recovery periods.
Recent data underscores the severity and increasing frequency of these incidents.
In 2022 alone, an estimated 161,000 individuals sustained injuries in crashes involving large trucks, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
Truck crash injuries often require lifelong care—see how we calculate those costs.
The number of large trucks involved in injury-causing crashes also climbed, reaching 120,200 in 2022, a 2.5% increase from 2021.
Earlier data showed a similar upward trajectory, with the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increasing by 18% between 2020 and 2021, and the total number of injuries involving medium and heavy trucks reaching 160,608 in 2022.
Potential contributing elements include increased exposure due to rising freight demands and truck mileage, persistent driver-related issues such as fatigue, distraction, and error, equipment failures related to tires or brakes, and challenging road conditions.
Biomechanics of Truck Accidents
Collisions between large commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles involve complex biomechanics.
These interactions often result in severe injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
The disparity in mass and structural design between these vehicles means that, during a crash, the smaller vehicle absorbs a disproportionate amount of kinetic energy, leading to higher injury risks for its occupants.
The specific injuries sustained in such accidents are influenced by various factors, including the type of collision (e.g., rear-end, head-on, rollover, jackknife, underride), the speeds involved, the point of impact, and the effectiveness of occupant protection measures like seat belts and airbags.
For instance, occupants may experience rapid acceleration-deceleration forces in rear-end collisions, leading to whiplash injuries.
In underride scenarios, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, there is a heightened risk of catastrophic head and neck injuries due to the intrusion into the passenger compartment. Our underride truck accident cases frequently rely on cutting-edge reconstruction.
Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted that the severity of injuries in such crashes is often exacerbated by factors like vehicle mismatch and intrusion into the occupant space.
Their studies emphasize the importance of vehicle design and structural integrity in mitigating injury risks.
Similarly, the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) has conducted extensive analyses on crash injury biomechanics, underscoring the need for improved safety measures and occupant protection systems to reduce the impact of such collisions.
Understanding these biomechanical factors is crucial for developing effective safety strategies, informing vehicle design improvements, and guiding medical responses to such traumatic events.
10 of the Most Common Injuries in Truck Crashes
Proper truck accident injury compensation must account for future rehabilitation costs.
The following sections detail the ten most frequently cited severe injuries resulting from truck crashes, based on a synthesis of trauma data and expert reports.
Injury 1: Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)
Whiplash, or more accurately, Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD), refers to a collection of symptoms following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, commonly experienced in truck accidents, particularly rear-end collisions.
WAD is among the most common and misunderstood injuries in truck accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
WAD can involve many symptoms, including neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and cognitive disturbances, sometimes lasting months or even years.
According to the Mayo Clinic and other health experts, WAD is particularly problematic because the effects aren’t always immediate and can worsen over time.
Chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and even depression have been linked to untreated or severe whiplash.
Studies also show that individuals with severe initial symptoms or prior neck issues may face long-term complications.
Proper diagnosis and treatment, often involving imaging, physical therapy, and sometimes injections, are key to recovery.
Injury 2: Orthopedic Injuries and Fractures
Orthopedic fractures are among the most common and serious injuries sustained in truck accidents.
The immense force of impact can cause bones to break in multiple areas, including the wrists, arms, legs, ankles, ribs, pelvis, and face.
These fractures range from simple breaks to complex, comminuted fractures that may require surgical intervention.
Treatment often involves immobilization with casts or braces, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bones and facilitate proper healing.
Pelvic fractures, in particular, are especially dangerous in high-impact collisions like those involving large trucks.
The pelvis houses major blood vessels and organs, and fractures in this area can lead to life-threatening complications, including severe bleeding, organ damage, and nerve injuries.
Long-term consequences may include chronic pain, mobility issues, and sexual dysfunction.
Recovery from pelvic fractures often requires extensive rehabilitation, and in some cases, individuals may experience lasting disabilities.
Given the severity and complexity of orthopedic fractures resulting from truck accidents, prompt medical attention and comprehensive treatment are crucial.
Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Injury 3: Disc Injuries and Vertebral Fractures
Spinal injuries are some of the most serious consequences of truck accidents.
When a high-impact collision occurs, the vertebrae (the bones protecting the spinal cord) can fracture under the immense force.
These injuries are prevalent in the thoracic and lumbar regions and may include compression fractures, burst fractures, and dislocations.
In severe cases, pieces of the vertebrae can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to permanent neurological deficits such as paralysis.
Disc injuries, including herniated or bulging discs, frequently accompany vertebral trauma.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the more rigid exterior casing, often leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
While many disc injuries can be managed conservatively with rest, physical therapy, or injections, others may require surgical intervention if neurological symptoms persist.
Long-term outcomes for spinal fractures vary widely.
Some individuals fully recover with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, while others experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent disability.
Prompt imaging, stabilization, and neurological assessment are critical in the aftermath of any suspected spinal injury, especially in truck accident victims, where the forces involved often exceed those seen in everyday auto collisions.
Injury 4: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most catastrophic injuries a person can suffer in a truck accident.
The sudden and violent forces from a collision, especially in high-speed or underride truck crashes, can cause the brain to slam against the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
TBIs range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.
Each year, tens of thousands of Americans are hospitalized due to crash-related TBIs, with vehicle accidents ranking among the leading causes.
The effects of a TBI are far-reaching and often permanent.
Cognitive impairments, emotional instability, headaches, sleep disorders, and sensory processing issues are just a few of the common consequences.
Some victims face worsening symptoms years after the initial injury, with increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The economic toll is staggering; non-fatal TBIs cost the U.S. over $40.6 billion in 2016 alone, factoring in medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost productivity.
What makes TBI even more dangerous is that it’s often invisible at first glance. Symptoms may not surface for days or weeks after a crash, and routine imaging like CT scans can miss subtle but severe damage.
That’s why early evaluation, ongoing monitoring, and access to specialized neurorehabilitation are critical for anyone involved in a truck crash with suspected head trauma.
Injury 5: Lacerations, Contusions, and Disfigurement
While not always life-threatening, severe lacerations (deep cuts), contusions (bruises), and disfigurement are common in truck accidents and can lead to significant long-term physical and psychological consequences.
The immense forces involved in truck collisions often result in penetrating injuries from shattered glass, twisted metal, or debris, causing deep wounds and extensive bruising.
These injuries may necessitate surgical intervention and can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, impacting a person’s appearance and self-esteem.
Facial injuries, in particular, carry a profound psychological burden.
The face plays a central role in personal identity and social interaction; thus, disfigurement can lead to body image issues, social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.
Studies have shown that individuals with facial trauma may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal.
An extensive set of adults with visible disfigurements exhibit symptoms of an anxiety disorder and suffer from depression.
The psychological impact of disfigurement is often underestimated compared to physical injuries, but can be equally debilitating.
Victims may require long-term psychological support and counseling to address these challenges.
Early intervention and comprehensive care are crucial to address recovery’s physical and emotional aspects.
Injury 6: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating outcomes of truck accidents, often resulting in permanent paralysis and profound life changes.
These injuries occur when trauma damages the spinal cord, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Depending on the injury’s location and severity, individuals may experience partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site.
The financial burden of living with an SCI is substantial.
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the first year of expenses for a person with high tetraplegia can exceed $1 million, with subsequent annual costs averaging around $185,000.
These figures encompass medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and necessary home modifications.
Advancements in research offer hope for improved outcomes. T
he Reeve Foundation highlights ongoing studies exploring neuroprotection, nerve regeneration, and cell replacement therapies.
For instance, research into activity-based rehabilitation and electrical stimulation aims to restore some motor functions and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery.
Comprehensive programs often include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technologies to maximize independence.
Early and consistent rehabilitation efforts can significantly impact long-term outcomes, emphasizing the importance of immediate and ongoing care following an SCI.
Injury 7: Internal Organ Damage & Bleeding
Internal organ damage and bleeding are among the most life-threatening injuries resulting from truck accidents.
The immense forces involved in such collisions can cause blunt trauma to the chest or abdomen, leading to injuries in organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
These injuries often result in internal bleeding (hemorrhage), which may not be immediately apparent but can rapidly become fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of internal bleeding can vary depending on the affected organ but commonly include abdominal pain or swelling, deep bruising, dizziness, fainting, and signs of shock such as low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
Sometimes, blood may be in the urine, stool, or a distended abdomen. Because these signs can be subtle or delayed, individuals involved in serious accidents must seek immediate medical evaluation, even if they feel fine initially.
Specific organ injuries, such as a ruptured spleen, are hazardous due to the organ’s rich blood supply, which can lead to significant internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock.
Treatment for internal organ injuries often involves surgical intervention to repair or remove the damaged organ and control bleeding.
Prompt medical attention is essential to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications or death.
Injury 8: Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of truck accidents, often resulting from fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous materials.
These incidents can cause severe tissue damage and systemic complications, necessitating immediate and specialized medical care.
Severity of burns is classified by depth and body surface area affected.
Burns are categorized as first, second, or third degree (or by partial/full thickness), and the extent is measured as a percentage of total body surface area (TBSA)
Thermal burns, caused by direct contact with flames or hot surfaces, are common in high-impact collisions involving fuel tankers or vehicles carrying flammable substances.
The severity of these burns is classified based on depth and the percentage of body surface area affected.
Deep burns covering more than 20% of the body can lead to life-threatening complications, including fluid loss, infection, and hypothermia.
Chemical burns are another serious risk, particularly when trucks transport hazardous materials like acids, alkalis, or oxidizers.
Exposure to these substances can cause deep tissue damage, respiratory issues, and systemic toxicity.
In some cases, chemical reactions may not only burn the skin but also lead to internal injuries if inhaled or absorbed.
The treatment of severe burns often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including fluid resuscitation, wound care, pain management, and surgical interventions such as skin grafting.
Long-term rehabilitation may involve physical therapy and psychological support to address the profound impact on a victim’s quality of life.
Given the complexity and severity of burn injuries from truck accidents, prompt medical attention and specialized care are crucial to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Injury 9: Psychological Trauma
The aftermath of a severe truck crash extends beyond physical injuries; the psychological impact can be equally, if not more, debilitating.
Experiencing or witnessing such traumatic events often leads to significant psychological trauma, profoundly affecting recovery and long-term well-being.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric condition diagnosed in trauma survivors.
It can develop after exposure to events involving actual or threatened death or serious injury.
Symptoms must persist for over a month and cause significant distress or functional impairment. They fall into four clusters:
Re-experiencing
Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Avoidance
Avoiding trauma-related reminders, places, thoughts, or feelings.
Negative alterations in cognitions and mood
Negative beliefs, blame, detachment, loss of interest, and inability to feel positive emotions.
Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity
Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, sleep, and concentration problems.
PTSD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD affects approximately 6% of the U.S. population over their lifetime, with higher rates in women and trauma-exposed groups.
Serious accidents are a known trigger for PTSD.
Studies indicate that the prevalence of PTSD among road traffic accident survivors ranges from 25% to 33% in one study, with another finding a range of 6% to 58%.
Factors contributing to higher PTSD rates include witnessing death during the accident, severe impact of the trauma on family relationships, and previous psychiatric illness.
Early intervention and comprehensive care, including psychological support and counseling, are crucial to address these challenges and improve outcomes.
Compounding Effects of Multiple Injuries
In high-impact truck accidents, it’s rare for victims to sustain just a single injury.
The immense forces involved often result in multiple severe injuries coinciding, which is a condition known as polytrauma.
This can include combinations like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple fractures, and internal organ damage.
Polytrauma complicates every aspect of medical care.
Diagnostically, identifying all injuries can be challenging, especially in unconscious or unstable patients.
Therapeutically, managing competing priorities, such as stabilizing the spine while controlling internal bleeding and addressing rising intracranial pressure, requires complex decision-making and highly coordinated multidisciplinary teams.
Rehabilitation becomes exponentially more difficult, as progress in one area may be limited by deficits in another.
Furthermore, the body’s systemic response to severe trauma, characterized by shock, inflammation, and coagulopathy, affects all injured systems.
This can create a synergistic adverse effect where the combined impact is far greater than the sum of the individual injuries.
Recovery timelines are significantly extended, the risk of complications like infection and organ failure is magnified, and the ultimate functional outcome is often considerably worse than if only a single injury had occurred.
The overall burden of care, medically, financially, and emotionally, is substantially increased for patients with multiple severe injuries.
Summary
Truck accidents are uniquely devastating due to the sheer size and force involved, often resulting in a complex web of injuries that extend beyond the physical to encompass emotional and financial hardships.
Understanding the multifaceted nature of these injuries, from the immediate trauma to the long-term implications, is crucial for victims, healthcare providers, and attorneys alike.
Comprehensive care, early intervention, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential in navigating the challenging road to recovery.
By acknowledging the profound impact of these accidents, we can better support victims in their journey toward healing and justice.
Why Choose Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers?
Choosing the right representation can substantially affect your case’s outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone.
Our experienced team is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
The experience of Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers’ team ensures that your unique situation is handled with care and precision, focusing on securing the compensation you deserve.
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