What Are Common Injuries Suffered in an Illinois Truck Accident?

 Posted on June 16, 2020 in Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents occur regularly on our nation’s back roads and highways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. The majority of these fatalities in truck crashes were passenger car occupants. One of the main reasons for these statistics is the difference in size and therefore, the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks can weigh 20 times heavier than passenger cars and are much taller. However, truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also be injured. Even if someone is not injured fatally in a truck crash, the force of the impact can be devastating even when traveling at slow speeds. The injuries suffered could result in permanent disabilities. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine liability for the accident and hold those responsible for causing it accountable.  

Back and Neck Injuries

A large truck can cause major damage to a smaller vehicle, in addition to the occupants inside. Due to the sheer size and weight of a semi-truck, the force of the impact can send passengers flying into the windshield or dashboard. Even if you are wearing safety restraints, your back and neck can be severely injured. Herniated disks are one of the most serious injuries that can result from being involved in a truck crash. Sometimes referred to as a slipped or ruptured disk, a herniated disk in the spine can also irritate nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness in arms and legs.

Whiplash is another common injury sustained in a rear-end collision. In these instances, the head suddenly moves back and forth, similar to the cracking of a whip. In some cases, whiplash victims suffer from chronic neck pain and migraine headaches. In certain situations, you may not be able to return to work or the same occupation if your injuries render you unable to perform certain duties. 

Head Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when a sudden traumatic event causes damage to the brain. For instance, TBI may result when the head suddenly and forcefully hits an object, or when something penetrates the skull and pierces brain tissue. Depending on the damage to the brain, symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can include headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, mood or behavioral changes, as well as problems with memory or concentration.

Broken or Fractured Bones

A vehicle has many hard surfaces within it. Slamming into the dashboard or seat in front of you can cause a car passenger to break or fracture bones in the arm, leg, or wrist. In other scenarios, an occupant’s body part could become pinned underneath the roof or door of the car. Even if airbags are deployed in a crash, they can cause bruising or facial fractures, especially if the truck that hit the car was speeding.  

Negligent Actions Behind the Wheel

Truck accidents can be caused by a trucker’s reckless actions behind the wheel. For example, truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate such a large vehicle. They also must adhere to regulations, such as getting adequate rest between shifts. If CDL operators are intoxicated, drowsy, or distracted, they can cause a crash. Collisions can also be caused by defective products or faulty parts, such as seat belts, suspension, tires, brakes, or gas tanks. In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer or trucking company may be held liable if proper inspections or routine maintenance did not take place.  

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Attorney

Any type of vehicle accident can have serious consequences, but a collision with a truck may leave victims with devastating injuries. If you or your loved one were hurt in a crash involving a truck, you may not be able to return to work while incurring costly medical bills. The distinguished legal team of McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC has obtained millions of dollars in settlement claims for their clients. Our skilled Will County truck accident lawyers are experienced in both state and federal courts, and we will pursue fair compensation for your pain and suffering. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 815-727-0100.

Sources:

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921