Accidents are bound to happen with so many commercial trucks regularly traveling on Illinois roads daily. When they do, victims can be left to deal with the aftermath, which often involves catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, these are the most common after a truck accident.
Lacerations
With the destruction that comes with a truck accident, it’s common for victims to experience lacerations or cuts. Depending on the impact, these injuries can be minor and heal on their own or more serious and require surgery. Some lacerations can be disfiguring and require plastic surgery to correct.
Back and neck injuries
Spinal injuries affecting the back and neck are common after a truck accident. The effects can be devastating when a huge truck collides with a much smaller passenger car. The impact can cause a person’s head and neck to jerk violently, damaging the delicate tendons, muscles, ligaments and vertebrae. If the truck strikes a vehicle from behind, it can also lead to lower back injuries.
Broken bones
Broken bones are common in any motor vehicle accident, but they can be complex when the accident involves a semi-truck. Compound fractures are more likely, and victims can suffer from internal bleeding. These injuries require immediate medical attention.
Traumatic brain injuries
When a person is jolted violently from a truck accident’s impact or an object penetrating their skull, they can be left with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Such injuries can be mild and temporary or severe and permanent. Even a mild concussion requires prompt medical care.
Burns
Trucks carrying explosive substances in their cargo can cause fires or explosions in an accident. Victims can suffer second-, third- and even fourth-degree burns when this occurs. Burn injuries often require extensive surgery, such as repeated skin grafts and ongoing treatment. In the worst cases, a person can die from severe burns sustained during a truck accident.
Seeking medical attention after a truck accident is necessary even if you don’t think you’ve been injured.