Have you been hurt in a collision with a big rig on a California highway? The sheer size of these vehicles can turn even minor wrecks into life-changing events for the people in smaller passenger cars.
As a truck accident attorney in San Jose, Hann Law Firm handles related injuries from short-term aches to lifelong disabilities. The firm lists six common truck accident injuries below and explores what they may mean for a lawsuit.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries happen when a sudden jolt or blow disrupts normal function. Even with a seat belt and airbag, your head can strike the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. Watch closely for the following warning signs:
- Memory loss or confusion: Trouble recalling the crash or daily tasks
- Persistent headaches: Dull or sharp pain that lingers for days
- Mood changes: Unusual irritability, sadness, or anxiety
Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to light are also possible.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of an 80,000-pound rig striking a car can compress, twist, or sever the spine’s delicate column of nerves. Victims may experience partial or complete paralysis below the injury site, facing surgery, months of rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
3. Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries are commonly reported truck accident injuries, especially after rear-end collisions. Your neck snaps back and forth, which may stretch and tear the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding your spine. Pain and stiffness may take days to set in, and whiplash can lead to lasting headaches, reduced range of motion, and chronic discomfort.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries cover a broader category that includes sprains, strains, contusions, and deep bruising. These can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility, even weeks after the fact, so always see a doctor immediately after the crash. Some soft tissue damage only shows up on imaging tests.
5. Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force of a truck collision can cause internal organ damage. The liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs may bruise or rupture from the impact of a seat belt, steering column, or flying debris. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency, so always watch for dizziness, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.
6. Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are common in high-speed truck crashes, with arms, legs, ribs, and pelvises taking the brunt of the force. Some breaks heal cleanly with a cast, while others require surgery, plates, or pins to set properly. Recovery can take months after these truck accident injuries and may leave you unable to work or care for your family, so sorting out driver and company liability becomes critical.
Let Hann Law Firm Share the Load as You Navigate Your Personal Injury Claim
Truck accident injuries can range from temporary soreness to permanent disability, and our team can investigate every angle, including the fact that truckers are more likely to crash under certain conditions. Whatever the case, we are dedicated to helping injured people across the Bay Area build personal injury cases that account for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call Hann Law Firm at (408) 755-9793 today to discuss your case in San Jose.
