Commercial trucks, often called big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semis, are heavier and larger than any other vehicle on the road. When a truck accident occurs, the possibility of significant damage and injury is high.
Injuries sustained in a truck accident are usually much more severe than what occurs in a collision between two passenger vehicles.
If you are involved in a truck accident, contact our truck accident lawyers in Corpus Christi for assistance. At The Burkett Law Firm, we understand what must be done to help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.
From brain injuries and broken bones to paralysis and death, the injuries seen in truck accidents vary greatly. Learn more about some of the common injuries in these accidents here.
Most Common Truck Accidents
The most common injuries seen in Corpus Christi truck accidents are described here.
Neck and Back Injuries
Your neck and back are made up of fragile bones and ligaments. Even a minor collision can cause damage to this area of your body.
For example, whiplash, common when hit from behind, occurs when your neck and head jerk forward while your body remains stationary. Sometimes, this injury does not appear immediately. However, you could experience symptoms days or weeks after your accident.
Because injuries to the neck and back are so serious, you should seek medical attention after a truck accident, even if you do not feel any pain. A doctor can find potentially hidden injuries and ensure they are treated.
Spinal Cord Injuries
An injury to the spinal cord can cause complete, temporary, or partial paralysis of your torso and lower body. Remember, your spine is considered the “superhighway” of your body. It contains nerves that carry messages from the brain to all the other parts of your body. If you experience a spinal injury, there is usually no “quick fix” or treatment.
You may have to endure months or years of surgeries, treatments, adaptive devices, and physical therapy. Some people are permanently disabled after experiencing this injury.
Head and Brain Injuries
Another common injury seen in truck accidents is to the head and brain. A TBI, or traumatic brain injury, includes concussions, lacerations to the scalp or face, blunt head trauma, and more.
A TBI occurs when your brain experiences some type of physical injury. Sometimes, the small lesions created by these injuries are invisible on CT scans and X-rays. Because of this, special brain imaging tests are used to find changes in your brain.
Common symptoms you may have suffered from a TBI include mood issues, sleeping concerns, problems concentrating, issues with memory, and headaches. Even though a TBI is not something you can see, it is a serious injury that can impact you for the rest of your life.
Broken Bones
If you experience a broken bone, you may believe that it will heal naturally and fully with proper and immediate treatment. Unfortunately, this is not always the cost.
Depending on the location and severity of the break, you may have to undergo multiple surgeries and other treatments to repair the break. You may also require the placement of screws, pins, and rods to hold your bones together or in place.
You may experience a non-displaced broken bone, which means the bone cracks but does not separate into pieces. Another type of break is called displaced. This means the bone completely fractures.
A compound fracture occurs if your bone penetrates through your skin and is exposed to the “open air.”
Regardless of the type of fracture you experience, they all risk infection, internal bleeding, permanent deformity, and nerve damage if you do not seek immediate treatment. Even with proper medical care, most broken bones will show they were once broken.
Lacerations
Dash panels, hard plastic interiors, auto frames, sharp metal, and shattered glass can all lead to puncture wounds and severe lacerations. Some people who survive a truck accident will suffer the rest of their lives after these injuries. They may also experience disfiguring cuts all over their bodies.
The most severe lacerations are to the head because they can be seen, and your head and face are the most exposed.
Amputation and Disfigurement
Injuries like this may occur due to the impact or burn injury. When a truck collision occurs, crushing from the collision may cause an amputation. If you suffer an amputation or disfigurement injury, you will need medical treatment, and you may have to use an adaptive device, such as a prosthetic, to function normally.
Some individuals in this situation require caretakers to help with daily needs. The cost of this can be high. Our truck accident lawyers in Corpus Christi will ensure you get the full compensation needed to receive the long-term care required.
Internal Injuries
If you are in a truck accident and avoid sustaining head trauma or a spinal injury, you could still experience internal injuries. Unfortunately, like other injuries listed here, these may not show symptoms for several hours, days, or weeks after your accident.
Even though an airbag is created to protect you, its strong force can cause abdominal trauma. You may also experience injuries to your kidneys, bladder, pancreas, liver, or spleen.
Rib and torso injuries may also occur in truck accidents; however, these are not internal injuries alone but can cause harm to your internal organs. For example, a broken rib may puncture your lung or cause other internal damage.
Let Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Corpus Christi Help with Your Case
If you were involved in a truck accident, your injuries might be severe and life-changing. You must seek our experienced lawyers’ representation if this is the case. We can help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.
The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.