Most people never see a car accident coming until it’s too late. When that accident involves a truck, the results are even worse. Trucking accidents are common across Missouri, causing severe and life-altering injuries. These are some of the most common injuries suffered after truck accidents and how you can seek compensation for your injuries.
Most Common Truck Accident Injuries in Missouri
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most devastating, and they are all too common in trucking accidents. Because semis and other commercial vehicles are so much larger than others on the road, the result is more serious. Brain damage can last for a lifetime and impact the victim’s ability to work and function in daily life. Common head injuries can include traumatic brain injury, concussions, and hemorrhaging – all of which require lengthy and complex medical treatment.
Spine Injuries
Along with head injuries, spinal cord injuries can cause catastrophic damage. All spinal cord injuries should be taken seriously and treated immediately with continued care. Spine injuries can also lead to other types of injuries or disabilities including paralyzation and damage to the discs. Whiplash is extremely common as well, caused by a sudden and forceful change in direction for the spine.
Bone Fractures
Modern vehicles are built to take the bulk of the impact, but they can’t stop the full force of a large semi truck. Broken bones often occur due to collisions with trucks. While some require minor treatment, others can take months of treatment and physical therapy to heal fully. Injuries involving punctures caused by broken bones are even more severe.
Punctures, Cuts, and Tissue Damage
Although a cut may seem minor compared to other injuries, the ones that are caused by collisions can be much more serious. That also includes other tissue damage such as bruising, which often involve more in-depth treatment than an ice pack or bandage. Other types of tissue damage, such as burns, happen because of highly flammable materials and fluids used in vehicles. Burns are painful and take a significant amount of time to heal, sometimes resulting in permanent nerve damage or necessary surgeries.
Lung and Respiratory Damage
The respiratory system, including the lungs, can sustain injuries after a truck accident that may include bruised or collapsed lungs, which are often life-threatening. Lungs can also suffer from inhaled fumes due to smoke or other chemicals.
Emotional and Psychological Damage
Not all truck accident injuries are physical. The mental impact of being involved in a serious accident can require therapy, medication, or other treatments to help the victim handle the aftermath. Even then, the trauma can last for the rest of a person’s life and affect his or her ability to drive. Some common emotional and psychological diagnoses following accidents include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, and others.
Do You Need a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Missouri Truck Accident?
The logistics of dealing with a trucking accident can be complex due to the number of parties involved, especially if you’re focused on healing from a serious injury. A skilled Missouri truck accident attorney can go a long way in helping you heal from your injuries and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can serve as a legal resource and source of support in addition to:
- Assisting with the investigation of your accident. Your lawyer can help gather evidence that will support your case, including evidence such as eyewitness testimony and traffic camera footage if available.
- Filing a claim. Once fault is determined in your case, your lawyer can work with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney will calculate your damage and handle negotiations to ensure you’re properly compensated.
- Taking your case to court. If insurance fails to offer you a fair settlement, you can look to your attorney to guide you through the process as you pursue justice.
At Dreyer & Tinney, we bring a personal touch to every client we represent. Our skilled team of Missouri trucking accident lawyers can answer all of your questions and help you understand what to expect. We understand the complexities of trucking accidents and provide an in-depth knowledge of local and state laws that may impact your case. If you were injured in a Missouri trucking accident, contact the Dreyer & Tinney law team today to learn more about how we can help.