Whether you’ve been in a truck accident or not, you’ve probably heard about some of the more common injuries that can occur. These include compound fractures, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. Knowing what these common truck accident injuries are and how they can affect you can help you understand whether you’re at risk for these injuries.
Amputations
Amputation is a devastating injury when a person loses a body part. It is a permanent disability that can be life-altering. In addition to physical pain and suffering, amputation can cause financial hardship.
The amputation cost can be substantial, including surgery, medical bills, and prosthetics. Some amputees require expensive devices that must be replaced every 2-5 years.
Truck accident victims who suffer an amputation should seek legal representation. Their attorneys can help them prove the negligence of another party. While you and your family recover and heal, a truck accident attorney rockland ma can investigate your case, build a compelling claim, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
Victims of amputations often report depression and PTSD. They also need therapy to manage the emotional toll of their loss.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering, caused by motor vehicle collisions, falls, and other types of accidents. Some people experience only temporary problems, but others require long-term care. The severity of a traumatic brain injury depends on several factors, including how severe the damage is and how the brain was impacted.
Brain injury symptoms can affect cognition, memory, and attention. They can also impact vision and hearing. These symptoms can take time to develop, but if left untreated, they can cause serious mental health complications.
Traumatic brain injury victims require immediate medical attention. After an accident, the medical professional will use special equipment to examine the brain, which will help them determine the severity of the damage.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is a devastating injury that can change a person’s life. While many factors affect the severity of a spinal cord injury, one of the most important is the location of the damage.
The location of the injury can determine the level of mobility the victim will have. This is not only important in the case of a car accident, but it is even more critical in the case of a truck crash.
Accidents involving motor vehicles are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, a spinal cord injury occurs in about 12,500 people annually.
Compound Fractures
Compound fractures are injuries that occur when a bone breaks and pierces through the skin. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention. It can be excruciating and cause infections.
The repair stage of a compound fracture can last from weeks to months, depending on the severity of the break. Some fractures do not require surgery, but you may be required to wear a cast or splint.
During the repair phase, the body replaces the damaged bone with new tissue. The immune system also rushes to the area, causing swelling and blood flow.
There are several types of compound fractures. These include oblique, spiral, and comminuted. Oblique fractures are caused by a bone pinched by an object, whereas spiral fractures occur when the bone is twisted very intensely.
Bleeding
A typical truck accident injury that can be life-threatening is internal bleeding. It can cause organ failure, damage to the brain, and other complications. Internal injuries can be easily overlooked, so it’s essential to have a medical evaluation following an auto crash.
There are several internal injuries, but splenic rupture and broken bones are the most common. These can be fatal if left untreated and should be treated immediately.
Another type of injury is a traumatic brain injury. This occurs when the body stops moving, such as when a car crashes or someone is hit from behind. Bleeding can result from these injuries because it causes excess pressure on the brain. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include dilation of the pupils, numbness, seizures, and weakness.
Stroke
A stroke is a brain injury when blood flow to a specific part of the brain is interrupted. It may be by a blood clot, a ruptured artery, or another event. The most common types are hemorrhagic and ischemic.
The risk of a stroke increases as you get older. Women are less likely to suffer a stroke than men, but it does happen. Many causes of a stroke include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and traumatic brain injury. Luckily, most people can recover from a stroke if they receive treatment promptly.
One of the most common causes of a stroke is an ischemic stroke, which happens when a clot forms in an artery leading to the brain. This clot blocks blood from reaching the brain and prevents oxygen from reaching the brain cells.
