19 Mar Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in New York

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in New York

When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are almost always severe. The sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles mean that even a relatively low-speed impact can cause catastrophic injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident in New York, understanding the nature of your injuries and your legal rights is the first step toward recovery.

Why Truck Accidents Cause Such Serious Injuries

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — approximately 20 times the weight of an average passenger car. The laws of physics dictate that this enormous disparity in mass creates devastating force in a collision. Additionally, trucks take significantly longer to stop than passenger vehicles, meaning they often strike other vehicles at or near full speed. The height of truck undercarriages also creates the risk of underride accidents, in which a smaller vehicle slides under the truck, causing catastrophic injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.

Most Common Truck Accident Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of truck accidents. They can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. Symptoms may include headaches, memory problems, cognitive difficulties, personality changes, and loss of consciousness. Severe TBIs can permanently impair a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform basic daily activities. The long-term medical care costs for TBI survivors can be astronomical.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The violent forces generated in a truck accident can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are life-changing injuries that require lifetime medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing personal assistance. The lifetime cost of care for a spinal cord injury victim often reaches into the millions of dollars.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent — a victim may feel relatively well right after the accident while suffering a life-threatening internal bleed. This is why seeking immediate medical attention after any truck accident is critically important, regardless of how you feel.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures are extremely common in truck accidents. High-impact collisions can cause multiple fractures throughout the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones. Some fractures require surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods. Complex fractures may lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain, limited range of motion, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Burns

Truck accidents involving fuel tanks or hazardous materials can result in fires and explosions, causing severe burn injuries. Burns can be extraordinarily painful and require extensive treatment, including skin grafts. Severe burns often leave permanent disfigurement, which carries its own significant physical and psychological toll.

The Long-Term Impact of Truck Accident Injuries

The full impact of serious truck accident injuries often extends far beyond the initial medical care. Many victims face months or years of rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, and ongoing treatment. Some never fully recover and must adapt to permanent disabilities. The psychological impact — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the grief of losing one’s former way of life — is profound and should not be underestimated.

Calculating Your Full Damages

In a truck accident claim, it is essential to account for the full scope of your damages — not just immediate medical bills. An experienced truck accident attorney will work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate the true cost of your injuries, including future medical care, future lost earnings, and the intangible costs of pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers

At Tannenbaum, Bellantone & Silver, P.C., our truck accident attorneys have secured significant verdicts and settlements for seriously injured victims on Long Island and throughout New York. We understand the devastating impact these injuries have on victims and their families, and we fight aggressively to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.