Truck accidents generally result in more serious injuries than collisions between passenger cars due to the sheer size and weight of trucks.
And many injuries from truck accidents result in long-term health effects, such as the following five.
1. Long-term Effects Caused by Burns
There is a higher chance of people being burned in truck accidents as there is more of a risk of fuel tanks rupturing.
Fires can spread quickly and potentially cause severe burns.
If you are burned in a truck accident, you could be in pain for a long time after the accident and you could be left with permanent disfigurement.
2. Long-term Effects Caused by Chronic Whiplash-associated Disorders
Whiplash happens when your head and neck jolt forward while your torso remains in place.
While whiplash can vary in severity, when it is caused by a truck accident, whiplash can potentially cause long-term effects.
In fact, between 30% and 50% of people who get whiplash develop associated disorders that can cause long-term problems like neck pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, jaw pain, hypersensitivity to heat and cold, and memory problems or poor concentration.
Psychological issues like depression are also common when symptoms persist for more than three months.
3. Long-term Effects Caused by Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also commonly caused by truck accidents and the injuries are not easy to fix, so it is likely that if you experience a spinal injury, you will have ongoing health issues.
It could take months or even years to improve with the help of treatments, therapies, and surgeries. You could even become permanently disabled.
4. Long-term Effects Caused by Internal injuries
Rib and torso injuries are very common in truck accidents. If you are injured in such areas of your body, you could end up with internal injuries to your spleen, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, or bladder.
And when vital organs are injured, it can lead to long-term damage.
For instance, a broken rib could result in a punctured lung and other internal injuries.
5. Long-term Effects Caused by Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries can be things like minor bruises and mild concussions that go away after a short time.
But head and brain injuries can also have long-lasting effects.
For example, a severe traumatic brain injury could result in your inability to walk, talk, and feed yourself.
Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Win Compensation
If you are injured in a truck accident that is not your fault, regardless of whether you experience short-term injuries or long-term injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover the costs of things like medical bills and lost earnings.
You could also be awarded non-economic damages for the pain and suffering you experience as a result of your injuries.
The first step is to consult an experienced law firm, such as Munley truck accident lawyers.
A skilful lawyer can help you explore your legal options and represent you to help you claim the maximum compensation that you are entitled to.
How Are Victims Supported with Their Well-being?
Gaining compensation will help victims who are injured in truck accidents to support their well-being financially, but there are various other ways in which victims can be supported.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you should consult your doctor to find out what support is available.
You could gain treatments and physical therapies to help you manage your pain.
You might also be interested in gaining emotional and psychological support by attending counseling sessions, receiving certain types of therapy, such as CBT to assist with anxiety, and going to support group meetings.