Ever wondered what really happens to someone after a serious truck wreck?
You might think the worst is over when the ambulance drives away. But for many victims of truck wrecks…the worst is only beginning. Injuries suffered in an accident with a big rig may not resolve in a couple of weeks. Many will linger for years…and some will be lifelong.
And here’s the part that catches people off guard…
Did you know so many of these accidents were completely avoidable? Take overloaded cargo accidents for instance. When a trucking company loads too much weight onto a trailer it becomes more difficult to stop, more difficult to maneuver and far more likely to tip. Which means deadly destruction for the much smaller vehicles involved.
So let’s take a look at the injuries these crashes leave behind.
Table of Contents
Why Overloaded Cargo Accidents Are So Dangerous
Here’s the thing most drivers don’t realise…
A big rig fully loaded will weigh 80,000 pounds. That’s hefty by itself. However when a truck is hauling too much weight, all safety concerns are amplified. Brakes take longer to engage. Tires are under excessive stress. And the centre of gravity rises, increasing the chance of a rollover.
That’s why truck accidents caused by overloaded cargo can be so devastating. If you or a family member were injured in one of these accidents, you should contact a Dallas truck accident lawyer right away – the trucking company’s insurance company will be working against you from day one.
There’s another hazard that most folks overlook as well. Untethered cargo can shift, spill, or suddenly fly off the trailer while traveling at highway speed. Loose load = deadly weapon for everyone on the road.
It’s also important to grasp the magnitude of the issue. Big rig accidents cause injuries to over 150,000 people annually throughout the United States. The majority of those individuals were not driving or riding along in the truck. They were in the smaller vehicle that was struck.
Now let’s break down the injuries that follow.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Damage You Can’t See
Here’s the injury that worries doctors the most…
A traumatic brain injury — also known as TBI — can occur without bleeding, without bruising and with no visible injury. Impact causes the brain to rattle around in the skull. And that can create permanent damage. Some victims spend their lives suffering from the consequences. A brain injury can alter how a person thinks, functions and relates to their loved ones.
TBIs are actually much more prevalent in crashes than you may realize. Vehicle crashes account for nearly half of all TBIs nationwide. And truck accidents are among the absolute worst due to their sheer force.
Common signs of a brain injury after a crash include:
- Headaches and dizziness that won’t go away
- Memory loss or trouble focusing
- Mood swings, anxiety, or sudden anger
- Trouble sleeping at night
The frightening thing is that symptoms can take days, if not weeks to appear. Which is why it’s so important to get checked right away.
Spinal Cord And Back Damage: A Lifetime Of Limits
This one is tough to read…
Human spines weren’t designed to withstand the impact of a loaded trailer colliding with a car. Traumatic injuries to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis. And even when the injury is less severe, pain can plague a survivor for years.
Herniated discs, pinched nerves and fractured vertebrae are all problems you can suffer after a truck wreck. But what exactly is it about spinal injuries that’s so difficult to live with?
- They often need surgery — sometimes more than once
- Recovery can drag on for months or even years
- Many people never get back to full strength
Plus, many survivors require wheelchairs, ramps, and twenty-four hour home care. Sounds fun, right? Knowing what to expect will allow you to prepare.
Broken Bones And Crush Injuries
You’d think a broken bone is simple. Set it, cast it, done. Right?
Not so fast…
In a truck wreck bones do not simply break – they fracture. Physicians refer to severe injuries as “crush injuries.” This type of injury is much different. Compression can occur when an overweight trailer crushes a person or flattens part of a vehicle.
Survivors may require metal plates, screws or rods simply to walk. Some survivors lose limbs. And here’s one thing most folks don’t realize: these injuries cause arthritis and chronic pain years later, once the casts are gone. Either way, it’s a long and expensive road to recovery. And painful.
The Emotional Toll Nobody Talks About
Here’s something that gets overlooked far too often…
Injuries aren’t always physical in nature. Surviving a violent truck accident can cause emotional trauma as well. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD stands for…
They could have flashbacks. They might never want to drive again. Some people have panic attacks whenever they hear brakes squeal or a horn honk. Depression and anxiety are frequent side effects as well. They can slowly destroy your relationships and career.
Psychological trauma is just as legitimate as physical trauma — and it requires just as much treatment. Unfortunately, it’s also the element insurers try to deny.
Moving Forward After A Truck Crash
So there you have it…
Truck wreck injuries are seldom an inconvenience that you just “deal with.” They linger. They deplete your bank account. They alter your life in ways you never imagined. This is the unfortunate truth for countless victims.
A quick recap of the long-term injuries covered above:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord and back damage
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
The good news? You don’t have to do this alone. Truck accidents caused by overloaded cargo are 100% preventable. And when they do happen because of a negligent trucking company, they should be held accountable — not you.
Medical bills, lost wages, your pain and suffering—all of these things can add up quickly. You shouldn’t have to bear that burden because someone else crashed into you. Take care of yourself first. Then seek out experienced help. You deserve to fight for your recovery.