Common Catastrophic Injuries After a Truck Accident

The aftermath of a truck accident is extremely serious. The sheer force of these crashes can result in injuries that permanently alter the lives of accident victims. When injuries are this severe, they are known as catastrophic injuries. Truck accidents are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries than other motor vehicle accidents due to the fact that 18-wheelers are so much larger and heavier than other vehicles. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains the most common types of catastrophic injuries caused by these crashes.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
As the name suggests, there is no such thing as a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a mild concussion can cause nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, tinnitus, and sensitivity to light and noise. Severe brain damage is another common type of TBI seen after truck accidents. Any type of TBI can cause memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. It is not uncommon for TBIs to require lifelong care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also very serious and can impact a person for the rest of their life. This is particularly true when a person is partially or completely paralyzed after a truck accident. These individuals may lose their independence and become completely reliant on other people. Even when a person is not paralyzed, a spinal cord injury can result in loss of motor function and sensation, chronic pain, and secondary health complications.
Amputations
Many people think of the loss of a limb when they think about amputations. However, losing a finger or toe during a truck accident is also considered an amputation. Any type of amputation can require extensive physical therapy and prosthetics. An accident victim will likely suffer a loss of quality of life and they may have to accept a lower-paying job. They may also not be able to work at all in the future.
Severe Burn Injuries
During a truck accident fuel tanks can rupture or catch fire, causing severe burns. These injuries are some of the most painful sustained in truck accidents. Severe burn injuries can cause nerve damage, disfigurement, and loss of function. Treating severe burns is also extremely painful and can require skin grafts and multiple surgeries.
Broken Bones
Many people may think that a broken bone is a minor injury, but it is not. Truck accident victims may also suffer multiple broken bones, making the situation far more serious. Multiple fractures can cause reduced mobility and chronic pain. Often, multiple surgeries are required and afterwards, injured individuals require extended rehabilitation.
Psychological Injuries
Not all injuries suffered in truck accidents are physical. These crashes are very traumatic and anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are not uncommon afterward. These problems can significantly alter a person’s quality of life as well as their personal relationships.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Help After a Serious Injury
If you have been seriously injured during a crash, our San Antonio truck accident attorney can help. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our experienced attorney can advise you of your legal options and guide you through the process to make it as easy as possible for you. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims/compensation-program-overview/cvc-covered-costs/catastrophic-injury-payments