What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries After a Truck Accident?

Posted On November 20, 2017 In Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks are the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. When semi-trucks crash into other vehicles, they may cause multiple fatalities. However, many people also survive truck accidents with catastrophic injuries. These are permanent injuries that make it impossible to maintain gainful employment. Catastrophic injuries after a truck accident may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Survivors with TBIs may have multiple health problems that complicate their lives. For example, TBIs may cause aphasia, a condition that impairs a person’s ability to speak or understand language. TBIs can also cause problems with balance, cognition, memory and behavior. In the most severe cases, TBIs may leave accident survivors in a vegetative state.
• Burn injuries: Truck accidents can also cause burn injuries, which have varying levels of severity. Third degree burns can destroy the deep layers of tissue and could cause disfigurement. The consequences of fourth-degree burns are even more severe.
• Amputations: Limbs may suffer severe trauma during a truck accident. In some cases, amputations may be medically necessary. Open wounds and severe burns could also become infected and require amputations.
• Spinal cord injuries: Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can damage the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries may cause a partial or total loss of function below the injury site. Some individuals with these injuries may be unable to move one or more limbs. The severity and effects of spinal cord injuries vary.

The traumatic nature of a surviving a truck accident may also lead to severe psychological issues. Truck accident survivors can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating mental health condition that may severely reduce the quality of life. PTSD symptoms include flashbacks, insomnia, panic attacks and severe depression. Accident survivors with PTSD may become withdrawn and unable to provide for themselves or their families.

Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Survivors with Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are financially costly for truck accident survivors and their families. Some individuals with these injuries may require home modifications and rehabilitation services. They will lose their ability to provide income for themselves or their families. When injured motorists or their families file lawsuits after truck accidents, they may be able to secure damages from the responsible parties. Damages from a lawsuit could help pay for lost income, medical expenses, and other costs associated with a catastrophic injury.

The Texas truck accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC are experienced at litigating truck accident cases. We can discuss the details of your situation to help you determine whether you could bring a successful claim against a trucking company or other parties.