4 severe injuries that can occur as a result of truck accidents

Trucks are an indispensable part of the modern economy, facilitating the transportation of goods over long distances efficiently and reliably. In the event of an accident, they are also among the most dangerous vehicles on the road, and are capable of causing severe injuries and significant damage due to their size and weight.

Truck accidents cause hundreds of fatalities every year and even higher numbers of severe injuries. Some of the debilitating injuries commonly suffered as a result of these accidents include the following.

Limb amputations

Due to their massive size and momentum, trucks can cause devastating crush injuries in accidents. Limbs may become trapped between vehicles or crushed by the sheer force of the impact resulting in traumatic amputations or severe damage requiring surgical intervention. The high probability of limb entrapment in truck accidents increases the risk of irreversible injuries and long-term disabilities for victims.

Extensive burns

Some trucks ferry hazardous materials or carry flammable cargo increasing the risk of fires in the event of an accident. Extensive burns can result from exposure to flames, hot surfaces or chemical spills causing severe tissue damage and potentially life-threatening complications. The intense heat generated during a truck accident can engulf vehicles and nearby objects leaving victims with catastrophic burn injuries that require specialized medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries

Victims of truck accidents are particularly susceptible to severe spinal cord injuries including complete severance of the spinal cord due to the violent forces involved in such collisions. The impact of a truck crash can exert tremendous pressure on the spinal column leading to fractures, dislocations or complete transection of the spinal cord. Severed spinal cords result in permanent and often devastating loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury leading to paralysis. These injuries typically require immediate medical attention and may necessitate emergency surgery, although the chances of functional recovery are often limited.

If you have suffered severe injury due to a truck accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to pursue legal action to seek compensation. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to learn more about your rights and options under the law.