A collision with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle can result in severe, life-altering injuries.
Due to the sheer size and weight of these trucks, victims often experience far more serious harm than in standard car accidents.
Understanding the common truck accident injuries can help victims recognize their symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, and determine their legal options.
The following are some of the most frequent truck accident injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in these crashes.
To speak with our skilled New Mexico and Texas truck accident lawyers, please call (575) 222-1000 or fill out our online form today.
We offer free consultations.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head trauma is one of the most serious consequences of a truck accident, often leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact or violent jolt causes damage to the brain. Truck accidents frequently lead to TBIs due to the force of impact, especially in high-speed collisions.
Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea;
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating;
- Loss of consciousness; and
- Seizures or permanent cognitive impairment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes contribute to 25% of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Victims with severe TBIs often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating truck accident injuries, often resulting in permanent mobility limitations or complete paralysis. Truck crashes frequently cause spinal cord injuries (SCIs) due to the extreme force exerted on the body.
Damage to the spinal cord can result in:
- Partial or complete paralysis;
- Chronic pain and nerve damage; and
- Loss of sensation or motor function.
The severity of spinal cord injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that motor vehicle accidents, including injuries from truck accidents, account for nearly 38% of all spinal cord injuries.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
The extreme force involved in a truck accident can easily cause fractures or broken bones, leaving victims with limited mobility and long recovery periods. Fractures are among the most common types of injury from a truck accident.
Victims often suffer broken bones in the:
- Arms and legs from bracing against impact,
- Ribs and sternum from seat belt pressure, and
- Pelvis and spine in rollover crashes.
Severe fractures may require surgery, metal implants, or long-term physical therapy. Some victims never fully recover mobility, impacting their ability to work or perform daily activities.
4. Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
Some of the most dangerous injuries after a truck accident are internal, as they may not be immediately noticeable but can quickly become life-threatening. Blunt-force trauma from a truck accident injury can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which may not be immediately visible.
Common internal injuries include:
- Ruptured spleen or liver damage,
- Punctured lungs from fractured ribs, and
- Brain hemorrhages or abdominal bleeding.
These injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Victims should seek medical attention even if they do not have visible wounds, as internal injuries may take hours or days to manifest symptoms. Timely medical intervention significantly improves the chances of recovery.
5. Burns and Disfigurement
Severe burns caused by fires, explosions, or chemical exposure in a truck accident can leave victims with permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and lifelong medical needs. Collisions involving fuel tankers or hazardous materials can lead to burn injuries due to explosions or fires.
Even in standard truck crashes, burns may result from:
- Contact with hot metal or vehicle parts,
- Chemical exposure from cargo spills, and
- Friction burns from being ejected onto the pavement.
Severe burns often require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term medical care. Victims with extensive scarring or disfigurement may also experience emotional trauma and diminished quality of life. Permanent injuries can impact self-confidence, requiring psychological support in addition to medical treatment.
6. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Even in lower-speed truck accidents, the sudden impact can cause serious soft tissue injuries, particularly in the neck and upper body. Whiplash is a common truck accident injury, particularly in rear-end collisions.
The sudden force causes the neck to jerk forward and backward, leading to:
- Neck stiffness and limited mobility,
- Persistent headaches or migraines, and
- Shoulder and upper back pain.
Soft tissue injuries can also affect ligaments, tendons, and muscles in other areas of the body. While these injuries may seem minor, they can cause long-term pain and complications if untreated. Some victims experience chronic pain that interferes with daily life, requiring physical therapy and medical intervention.
7. Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Crushing injuries and severe trauma from a truck accident can sometimes result in the complete loss of a limb, drastically altering a victim’s life.
In high-impact truck crashes, victims may suffer amputations due to:
- Crushing injuries in a collision,
- Severe fractures requiring surgical removal, and
- Infections from untreated wounds.
The loss of a limb is life-changing, often requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Victims may also experience psychological distress, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coping with amputation often involves physical and emotional rehabilitation to adjust to a new way of life.
8. Psychological Trauma and PTSD
Many truck accident victims suffer from mental and emotional trauma that can persist long after their physical injuries have healed. Not all truck accident injuries are physical.
Many victims experience emotional and psychological trauma, such as:
- PTSD, which may include flashbacks and nightmares;
- Anxiety or panic attacks related to driving; and
- Depression due to changes in lifestyle or physical ability.
Motor vehicle accidents and the resulting injuries can cause PTSD in accident victims. Psychological trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and may require therapy or counseling. Addressing mental health concerns is a critical part of recovery following a truck crash.
9. Crush Injuries and Nerve Damage
When a victim’s body becomes trapped between metal, debris, or the road surface in a truck accident, the resulting damage can cause permanent nerve impairment or loss of function.
Truck crashes can trap victims inside vehicles or pin limbs under the wreckage, leading to crushing injuries that cause:
- Nerve damage or loss of sensation,
- Tissue death requiring amputation, and
- Compartment syndrome from restricted blood flow.
These injuries often result in permanent disabilities, requiring ongoing treatment and pain management. Victims with nerve damage may struggle with long-term loss of function in affected limbs, impacting their ability to work or perform daily tasks.
10. Lacerations and Deep Cuts
Sharp metal, shattered glass, and debris from a truck crash can cause deep cuts that result in serious scarring or nerve damage. Broken glass, metal debris, and impact with hard surfaces frequently cause lacerations in truck crashes.
While minor cuts may heal quickly, deep lacerations can lead to:
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement,
- Nerve damage affecting movement or sensation, and
- Infections requiring surgical intervention.
Severe wounds may necessitate reconstructive surgery or skin grafts, particularly if facial or visible areas are affected. Proper wound care is essential to prevent infections and minimize long-term complications.
Seeking Legal Help After a Truck Accident Injury
A truck accident injury can lead to overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and long-term suffering. In Texas and New Mexico, accident victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, but trucking companies and insurers often attempt to minimize payouts.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our experienced attorneys fight for victims of serious truck accident injuries. Whether your case involves catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or psychological trauma, we are prepared to hold negligent parties accountable. Do not face this battle alone. Contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Daisy Chaparro
Daisy Chaparro was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. A graduate from El Dorado High School in 2008 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University in 2012. Daisy then obtained her Juris Doctorate (magna cum laude) from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2015.
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