Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents: What Happens When an 18-Wheeler Hits You
We all know the sheer size and power of an 18-wheeler—those massive trucks lumbering down the highway. They’re intimidating just to look at, so it’s no surprise that if you’re involved in an accident with one, the results can be catastrophic. While it’s important to acknowledge that the drivers of these behemoths are trained professionals, the fact remains that accidents happen. And when you, as a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in another vehicle, get hit by a truck, the injuries can be severe and life-changing.
Here at The Hines & Wilson Law Firm in Columbia, MO, we’re all too familiar with the devastating effects of trucking accidents. So, let’s talk about what injuries you might face when the unfortunate happens, what steps to take afterward, and how we can help. But first, let’s take a quick second to give some credit to these trucks. They may be big, but they certainly carry the weight of a lot of our economy. Now, let’s shift focus before we get too sentimental about big rigs and go down a rabbit hole about logistics.
Head and Brain Injuries: Not Just a Bump on the Head
When you’re involved in a trucking accident, especially one that’s high-speed or involves a sudden impact, head injuries are unfortunately common. The force of the collision can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or even skull fractures. These injuries are serious and can cause long-term effects such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and, in some cases, permanent disability.
While you might think of brain injuries as something that happens in extreme scenarios (like a football game or an action movie), the reality is much more sobering. Even a minor jolt from a collision with an 18-wheeler can lead to life-altering consequences. So, while you may feel fine at first, don’t assume you’re out of the woods. Always seek medical attention after an accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The Pain You Don’t Want to Feel
Spinal cord injuries are another common consequence of a trucking accident. Whether it’s a herniated disc, spinal fractures, or more severe injuries like paralysis, the impact of a truck hitting your vehicle or body can wreak havoc on your spine.
What’s especially tricky about spinal injuries is that they often don’t present immediate symptoms. Some people might walk away from a trucking accident feeling like they “dodged a bullet,” only to find out later that they have sustained significant damage to their spine that leads to chronic pain or mobility issues.
Remember: getting hit by an 18-wheeler isn’t like getting bumped by a grocery cart. If you experience any back or neck pain after the accident, don’t shrug it off. Get checked out. Trust us; your spine will thank you later.
Broken Bones: A Classic, but Still Very Real
It may sound a little “basic” compared to brain injuries or spinal damage, but broken bones from a trucking accident are still one of the most common injuries. The sheer force of impact from a truck, especially in a head-on or rear-end collision, can cause fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or even the pelvis.
While broken bones might not be as life-threatening as internal injuries, they can still result in months or even years of pain, surgeries, and rehabilitation. And let’s face it: nobody wants to deal with the hassle of a cast, crutches, or being unable to drive for weeks (or worse, months).
Internal Injuries: The Silent Threat
We’ve all seen it in movies—someone gets hit, and there’s a dramatic, visible injury that makes you gasp. Unfortunately, real life isn’t that neat and tidy. Internal injuries, like damage to your organs, bleeding, or lacerations, can be far more dangerous than a simple broken bone.
When you’re hit by a truck, the violent force can cause serious damage to your internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen. The worst part is that these injuries often don’t present themselves immediately, meaning you might feel okay at first only to find out hours or even days later that you’ve been silently bleeding inside. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, don’t play the “wait and see” game. A trip to the ER is a must.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The “Invisible” Pain
Ah, whiplash—an injury that’s both highly common and notoriously tricky to prove. When your neck is jolted forward and backward in a truck accident1, it can cause serious damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck and upper back. You might feel it immediately or experience delayed soreness, but one thing’s for sure: whiplash can be an absolute pain (literally).
While whiplash itself isn’t life-threatening, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, headaches, and even affect your sleep. And unlike broken bones, which you can clearly see on an X-ray, soft tissue injuries are more challenging to diagnose, making whiplash a bit of a tricky subject when it comes to claiming compensation.
Psychological and Emotional Effects: The Injury No One Talks About
Okay, so this one might not show up in a medical chart, but it’s still just as serious. After a traumatic trucking accident, it’s not uncommon for victims to experience psychological injuries such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, and depression.
Dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident is stressful, and the emotional toll can be just as heavy as the physical injuries. Many trucking accident victims find themselves struggling with sleepless nights, flashbacks to the accident, and feelings of hopelessness. If this sounds familiar, don’t hesitate to seek out a counselor or therapist to help you cope with the emotional fallout.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident: Steps to Protect Your Health and Your Rights
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it’s crucial to get medical attention right away—even if you feel “fine.” Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent, so seeing a doctor will ensure that any potential issues are caught early.
Next, make sure to document everything. Take pictures, get witness statements, and, if possible, get a copy of the accident report. You’ll also want to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we understand how devastating trucking accidents can be. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve after such a traumatic event.
