5 Most Common Truck Accident Injuries

October 2, 2023

5 Most Common Truck Accident Injuries

Table of Contents

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?

The most common injuries in truck accidents include head and brain injuries, broken bones, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can have long-lasting impacts on an individual’s life.

Factoids About Truck Accident Injuries

Factoid Description
Large Truck Accidents In 2021, there were 523,796 large truck accidents in the U.S., a 26% increase from 2020.
Fatalities About 1% of large truck accidents resulted in a fatality, with 5,788 deaths occurring in 2021.
Most Common Vehicles Involved 21.5% of large truck accidents involved a passenger car.
Rural Areas 55% of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas.
Daytime Accidents 79.6% of large truck accidents occurred in the daytime.
Speeding 7.3% of fatal large truck accidents involved speeding.
Male Drivers 96% of fatal truck accidents involved male truck drivers.
Texas Texas had the highest amount of fatal large truck accidents in 2020.
Hazardous Cargo Less than 1% of truck accidents involved hazardous cargo.
Settlements Truck accident settlements vary widely, with the largest-ever reported settlement at $150 million.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents are a prevalent and severe issue in the United States, causing numerous injuries and fatalities annually. Understanding the common injuries resulting from such accidents is crucial for awareness and prevention.

Truck accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, each varying in severity and long-term implications. Emergency responders and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in managing the aftermath of such accidents.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common result of truck accidents—206 bones in the human body, any of which can break during such incidents. Treatment varies from minor casts to surgeries, depending on the break’s severity.

Without proper care, improper healing can trigger future issues. For example, an impacted fracture occurs when bone fragments are forced into each other, requiring immediate and precise medical attention from medical professionals and hospitals.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, affecting approximately 2 million Americans annually, are prevalent in truck accidents. Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), are especially common and can lead to long-term disabilities. Immediate medical attention is crucial as untreated concussions can be severely dangerous, causing complete loss of function or other serious side effects like headaches and decreased alertness.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are catastrophic, especially when trucks carry flammable materials. These injuries are classified into degrees, with fourth-degree burns being the most severe, often requiring amputations. Burn injuries can cause permanent scars and life-long struggles, emphasizing the importance of immediate and appropriate medical care. Victims’ families often face emotional trauma and financial burden due to these severe injuries.

Rib and Torso Injuries

Rib and torso injuries can be life-altering, requiring quick medical response to prevent long-term effects. These injuries can cause severe trauma and impact the overall health of an individual, necessitating extensive medical attention and rehabilitation.

  1. Rib Fractures
  2. Internal Bleeding
  3. Organ Damage

Back and Neck

Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash, can impact mobility and require various treatment options. Whiplash can occur even at speeds as low as 15 mph and may not display symptoms until up to 24 hours after the trauma, highlighting the need for immediate medical evaluation following a truck accident. Traffic and road conditions are significant factors in the occurrence of these injuries.

A Look at Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are severe and require immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. These injuries can be life-threatening and require extensive medical care to ensure a full recovery. The role of insurance companies is pivotal in covering the medical bills associated with the treatment of these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. These injuries are classified by severity and placement, with cervical injuries being the most severe, causing breathing loss and complete paralysis of upper extremities. Rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in the recovery and management of spinal cord injuries.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is the most tragic outcome, with legal implications and compensation processes. Coping with such a loss is challenging, and legal support is often necessary to receive the proper compensation. Legal counsel is essential to establish negligence and liability in wrongful death cases.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

Compensation is a critical aspect for victims, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The amount is influenced by various factors, and legal representation plays a pivotal role in securing rightful compensation. If you or a loved one have been a victim of a truck accident, consider reaching out to Callender Bowlin for comprehensive legal support and representation.

  • Covering the cost of treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Compensating for the loss of income due to the inability to work.
  • Addressing the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Filing a wrongful death claim involves a detailed legal process and specific requirements. Compensation in such claims is crucial for the families of the victims, and having a wrongful death attorney is essential. Witnesses, testimonies, and documentation are critical in proving the claim and ensuring rightful compensation.

Understanding common truck accident injuries and the associated legal aspects is crucial. This knowledge empowers individuals to take informed actions and seek rightful compensation. It’s essential to be aware of the various injuries and legal processes to ensure the well-being and justice of the victims. If you need legal advice or representation, don’t hesitate to contact Callender Bowlin, ensuring that you receive the support and compensation you deserve!

Legal representation is crucial to knowing how to move through the legal processes effectively. Selecting the right attorney is essential to ensure that the victims receive the compensation they deserve.

The legal process can be intricate, and having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. The court systems and jury play a significant role in determining the settlement in truck accident cases.

  • An attorney with specialization in truck accidents provides invaluable insights and a detailed understanding of the legal complexities inherent in such cases.
  • The legal journey post a truck accident is multifaceted and involves several meticulous stages, including claim filing, negotiations, and potentially, a trial.
  • The court supervises the entire process, ensuring compliance with legal standards, while the jury, typically composed of peers, is tasked with delivering a verdict based on the assessment of the arguments and evidence laid before them.
  • The jury’s decision hinges on the reliability of the evidence, the persuasiveness of the arguments, and the overall case presentation.

The harmonious interplay between adept legal counsel and a judicious legal system is essential in the relentless pursuit of justice in truck accident cases.

Statistics on Truck Accident Injuries

In 2021, large trucks were significantly involved in road mishaps, leading to fatal crashes and severe injuries. The statistics reveal a concerning increase in such incidents, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures. Here are some key statistics from 2021:

  • Fatal Crashes: 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, marking an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years.
  • Injury Crashes: 117,300 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 12% increase from 2020. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased 15%.
  • Deaths in Large-Truck Crashes: A total of 5,788 people died in large-truck crashes in 2021. The number of deaths increased 17% from 2020 and is up 47% in the last 10 years.
  • Injuries in Large-Truck Crashes: The number of injuries in large-truck crashes increased 5% in 2021, to 155,000.

Detailed Insights

Aspect Detail
Majority of Victims The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (72%), followed by truck occupants (17%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).
Crash Locations More than half of fatal large-truck crashes occurred on rural roads, and about a quarter on interstates.
Time of Crashes Sixty-three percent of the crashes happened during daylight hours, and 6% happened in construction zones.
Peak Month for Crashes The peak month for fatal truck crashes was September, and February had the fewest crashes.

These statistics underscore the critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness to mitigate the risks associated with large trucks on the roads.

If you or a loved one has experienced the trauma of a truck accident, don’t delay in seeking legal counsel. Callender Bowlin, a renowned truck accident lawyer, is here to assist you every step of the way.

Reach out at (505) 302-2995 to discuss your case and explore your legal options for compensation and justice.