Five Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents are among the most devastating personal injury accidents. This is due to the size and weight of large trucks in comparison to passenger vehicles.

A large truck is any truck weighing more than 26,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh over 80,000 pounds. This is in comparison to a mid-size car which only weighs in at about 3,300 pounds. 

In 2020, approximately 146,930 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recent data shows that there are 13.5 million trucks registered in the US weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Why are Truck Accident Statistics Important?

Truck accident statistics are important because they represent a very real danger that exists on Texas roads and highways. All drivers must be aware of the injury-causing capability of large trucks and the need to safely share the road with these vehicles.

Five Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accident injuries are often catastrophic meaning they are lifelong, debilitating injuries. 

Catastrophic truck accident injuries include:

1. Head and Neck Injuries. Truck accident victims may suffer spinal fractures, dislocations, and torn or ruptured spinal discs. Head injuries may be open or closed wounds and cause mild to severe concussions and other brain damage;
2. Severe burns. Serious third and fourth-degree burns can lead to infection and tissue loss. Severe burns can also result in limb loss, scarring, and nerve damage. Many burn victims require plastic surgery;
3. Internal organ damage. Blunt force trauma from seat belts or airbags can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding. An accident victim’s spleen could rupture, or they could suffer cardiac arrest;
4. Broken bones. Broken or crushed bones are common in truck accidents. Sometimes limbs cannot be saved as the muscles and nerves are devastated; and
5. Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can cause partial or total paralysis depending on the location of the injury.

All catastrophic injuries require costly medical care and lengthy recovery which can take a financial, physical, and emotional toll on a truck accident victim.

Compensation for Catastrophic Truck Accident Injuries

Victims of catastrophic truck accident injuries can seek compensation for their losses through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Potential monetary damages may include any of the following:

• Hospital bills;
• Prescription drugs;
• Physical and occupational therapy;
• Mental health counseling;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of earning potential;
• Pain and suffering; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

An experienced truck accident attorney can offer advice about whether your situation qualifies for damages and if so, how much.

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a San Antonio truck accident through no fault of your own, call the experienced attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We have decades of experience helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for their losses.

Do not wait to speak with one of our San Antonio truck accident attorneys. Texas has statutory deadlines to file personal injury claims. Reach out to The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, today!