Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the substantial contrast in size and weight between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. With trucks tipping the scales at up to 80,000 pounds or even more and cars typically weighing 2,500 to 4,000 pounds, the potential for devastating consequences is high. Due to this drastic difference in size and weight, the force of impact in a crash involving a truck is much greater, leading to more severe injuries. 
If you are injured in an accident involving a truck, the skilled truck accident lawyers at Spetsas Buist can help protect your legal rights and fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Florida
According to data from the National Safety Council, in 2021, 117,300 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in an injury. This was a 12% increase from the previous year.
Injuries suffered in truck wrecks are usually more severe than those in car accidents. Some common truck accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries. Whiplash is caused by the forceful, rapid jerking movement of the neck and/or the violent shaking of the head from side to side. This sudden motion strains the neck muscles and ligaments. When a victim suffers whiplash, they may also experience severe neck injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Passengers in a car that’s struck by a semi-trailer often hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows of their vehicle. This can result in concussions, contusions, or even more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can have long-lasting effects on your memory, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
- Spinal cord injuries. When a car and truck collide, the force of the truck can cause passengers to suffer spinal cord compression, fractures, or other serious injuries. Depending on the location of the injury and its severity, spinal cord injuries can result in impaired motor function, paralysis, or a loss of sensation.
- Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma from the impact of a truck collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured organs. Internal injuries may not appear immediately and can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Broken bones and fractures. Fractures or bones breaks in the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, are common in truck collisions. Multiple fractures or complex fractures may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Burn injuries. If a truck collision leads to a fire or explosion, occupants of the vehicles involved may suffer serious burn injuries. Burns can cause severe pain, disfigurement, and long-term physical and psychological damage.
- Amputation. A crash involving a truck can leave victims with severe injuries that sometimes require amputation. Having a limb amputated often means ongoing medical care and the use of prosthetics or other adaptive devices for daily activities.
- Emotional trauma. Being injured in a truck accident can be a deeply traumatic experience, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological impact of a truck wreck can significantly affect a person's quality of life and ability to function normally.
What to Do After a Florida Truck Accident
In the aftermath of a truck accident, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial, even if injuries appear minor. Some injuries may not present immediately, and delaying medical treatment can worsen outcomes. Seeking medical treatment also serves as proof of the severity of your injury and can help support your personal injury claim if you choose to take legal action.
Additionally, a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident cases can explain your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
A truck accident lawyer at Spetsas Buist can also help your case by gathering evidence, including police and medical reports, negotiating with insurance companies, and navigating the complex legal process to ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
