Semi trucks are an important part of our nation’s delivery system, carrying 10 billion tons of commodities across the highways every year. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh more than 80,000 pounds, making it important for other drivers to use extra care when sharing a road with these giant vehicles, because when you collide with a vehicle 20x larger than an average car, it can be dangerous. Below, our Kansas City personal injury lawyers discuss the 5 most common types of truck accident injuries.
5 Truck Accident Injuries Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers See Most Often
Many of these accidents are fatal, unfortunately. In fact, more than 5,000 people die each year in semi truck accidents. Those who survive often have debilitating injuries that cause trouble for years after the accident. The 5 most common types of truck accident injuries include:
1) Head and Neck Trauma
Head injuries can range from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury. And while the impact might give the car occupants whiplash, they can also have acute back and neck injuries such as spinal fractures, dislocations, and torn or ruptured discs. Victims can then suffer from debilitating pain and high medical expenses from these injuries.
2) Broken Bones
Broken or crushed bones and fractures are common truck accident injuries due to the force of such a crash. In some cases, the muscles and nerves surrounding the broken bone can be damaged as well.
3) Burns, Cuts and Lacerations
Ruptured fuel lines can lead to a fire following a truck accident, and burns are one of the leading injuries. These type of injuries can be very difficult and costly to treat, as they can result in scarring, nerve damage, limb loss and other physical injuries. Flying glass can cause cuts and lacerations that can also be costly to treat, especially if they occur on the face.
4) Internal Bleeding
The blunt force trauma from a seat belt or airbag can often cause internal bleeding. Aortas and spleens can rupture, organs and ribs can be damaged, and blood vessels can become too damaged to clot or repair themselves. Internal bleeding can lead to cardiac arrest and even death.
5) Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries might not be apparent right after the accident, which is why it’s important to be immediately check by a doctor. Most spinal cord injuries happen in the neck and the lower back, and can include herniated discs, crushed vertebrae and a fractured spine that could result in paralysis.
Contact Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers Now!
The financial, physical and emotional toll from a semi truck accident can add up fast. You need experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyers on your side to fight for your rights while you are healing.
Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with one of our Kansas City personal injury lawyers. Or contact us online and schedule your free consultation. We take all injury cases on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless we win the case for you.
