Common injuries caused by truck accidents

Many South Carolina drivers are afraid of getting into a collision with a commercial truck. That’s because large trucks can cause catastrophic injuries when they smash into cars. In fact, the vast majority of fatalities that result from such accidents are occupants of passenger vehicles.

Victims who survive truck accidents often suffer debilitating conditions, including spinal cord ailments and traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord injuries occur when a victim’s back is struck, crushed, fractured or twisted during impact. As a result, a victim may suffer nerve damage and paralysis. A traumatic brain injury occurs when a victim’s head is struck or jolted during a crash. Even mild brain injuries or concussions can lead to lifelong medical problems.

Other common truck accident injuries include broken bones, cuts and lacerations. In most cases, a victim’s bones and soft tissue will eventually heal. In severe cases, however, the victim could be left with a permanent disability or disfigurement. Once a truck accident victim’s body recovers, he or she may still experience mental anguish due to the crash. For example, it is common for people to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after going through a motor vehicle accident.

Victims of truck accidents frequently require extensive medical care. Furthermore, they may not be able to work for long periods of time. In order to recover costs, such victims may wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties. An attorney could help document the complaint and work to obtain a settlement that covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other related losses.