Salt Lake City Truck Accident Common Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2014 alone, 111,000 people were hurt in large-truck crashes—up from 95,000 in 2013. A total of 3,903 people were killed.

A truck accident may have compounding consequences. In addition to the initial trauma, new ailments can emerge in the ensuing days and weeks. Anyone who has been in a Utah crash should always be medically examined immediately.

Below, we cover the most frequently seen Salt Lake City truck accident common injuries:

Back Injuries

Back injuries can be some of the most serious injuries suffered in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Many are difficult to recover from, and some never heal at all:

• Paralysis (both paraplegia and quadriplegia)
• Spinal cord damage
• Herniated disc
• Ruptured disc
• Compression fracture
• Strains and sprains

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents is whiplash. This trauma to the neck from rapid backward head movement is caused by impact momentum. The symptoms are easily identified:

• Neck pain
• Loss of neck motion
• Pins and needles
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain and stiffness

Pelvic Fractures

A pelvic fracture can substantially interfere with your quality of life:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain, tingling, or numbness
• Difficulty or pain while walking or standing
• Problems urinating
• Bleeding

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Brain injuries can be caused by sudden impact, shaking, or jarring. The head being struck by a foreign object is the most common cause during an accident, but the impact of an accident can actually cause the brain to collide with the skull as well.

Brain injuries are unpredictable, so any symptoms should always be evaluated by your doctor:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Desire to fall asleep
• Confusion
• Dilation of pupil(s)
• Unpleasant taste in mouth
• Persistent headache
• Poor balance
• Mood changes
• Seizures
• Amnesia

Cuts, Lacerations, Scarring

Damage to your skin, such as cuts and lacerations, could be caused by shattered glass or other debris during an accident with a truck. Antibiotics, stitches, or surgery may be required and result in permanent scarring.

Broken Bones

Hairline fractures are often hard to detect yet still require medical attention. Broken ribs can cause pain upon coughing or inhaling. Virtually any bone in your body could break or fracture during an 18-wheeler accident.

Soft Tissue Damage

These injuries include strains and sprains and impact muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Pain
• Compromised limb function
• Swelling
• Bruising

Organ Damage or Failure

The heart, spleen, liver, or kidneys can all be damaged during a truck accident. Internal bleeding is often not visibly obvious, but it can sometimes by indicated by several symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Abdominal pain

Injuries to the Eyes and Face

Impact with airbags, the dashboard or windshield, or debris can all cause injuries to the eyes and face. Some of these may cause permanent damage and scarring.

Anxiety and PTSD

Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be chaotic, violent affairs. Afterward, a victim may lose his or her feeling of safety and suffer emotional or mental trauma such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Happens Next

The trauma, recovery time, and medical bills of a crash can take a tremendous toll. If you have been hurt, make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.

Craig Swapp & Associates is skilled in navigating the ins and outs of injury-related cases, and we can be reached at 1-800-404-9000. We have dealt with many cases involving Salt Lake City truck accident common injuries and are here to help. Call today and discover what we can do for you.