Driving on the busy roads of Florida leaves you at higher risk for an accident as more people move to the Sunshine State. However, accidents involving semi-trucks and eighteen-wheelers can result in worse injuries than a standard car accident. Part of the reason is the larger size and heavier weight of the larger trucks. Here is a list of common injuries experienced in these accidents.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are not always noticeable at first. A TBI can cause problems well beyond the accident itself. Some of these types of injuries are life altering. Victims may experience loss of motor and cognitive functions. Common symptoms include memory loss, difficulty staying focused, nausea and confusion. If you think you experienced one as a result of a truck accident, contact a Sumter County personal injury attorney after receiving medical attention.
Spinal Cord
Related to head injuries, damage to the spinal cord can have life-altering results. The damage can cause paralysis and nerve damage that is not always immediately apparent. Consult a physician following an accident if you feel your spinal cord was damaged. They can have an MRI ordered to find any damage.
Lacerations
While you may think a few cuts are no big deal, lacerations can leave scars behind and take weeks to months to heal. The resulting blood loss may require a transfusion depending on how deep the lacerations go.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can be missed following an accident. The force of the accident can cause the organs to bleed due to trauma. Organs such as the pancreas, bladder and kidney may suffer damage and be difficult to treat.
Wrongful Death
In the worst cases, the truck causes a death in your vehicle whether the driver or a passenger or all the above. There is no replacing the loss of death. Though the numbers of accidents and resulting death due to trucks has fallen in the last decade, it does still happen.
Seatbelt Injuries
A painful yet often overlooked injury is that caused by the seatbelt. While the seatbelt is designed to keep you in place, it can also leave behind bruising and cause whiplash.
Financial Compensation
If the truck driver was at fault in the accident, you may be able to receive financial compensation from the driver’s insurance, the driver or the company they work for to help you recover from your injuries. A personal injury case does have a statute of limitation, so speak to an attorney to see if you qualify before too much time has passed.