Hit by Semi Truck

What types of injuries can happen?

Underride Accidents

During an underside accident, as the name suggests, a smaller vehicle rides under the body of a semi-truck. The impact often sheers off the top of the vehicle. This can result in decapitation or severe crushing that causes traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord connects the nerves in the body to the brain. A severed or damaged spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of movement, and numbness or weakness in other areas of the body. When damage is incomplete, the injured person would experience a partial loss of function. When complete damage occurs, the entire area below the injured spinal cord loses function.

Amputation

When a collision severely damages a limb, such as a hand, finger, arm, leg, foot or toe, sometimes amputation is necessary. After removing the limb, the procedure typically involves treating the remaining body area to fit a prosthesis. Physical therapy and emotional support can help the person learn to readjust and cope with the amputation and artificial limb.

Seatbelt & Airbag Injuries

Underride Accidents

During an underside accident, as the name suggests, a smaller vehicle rides under the body of a semi-truck. The impact often sheers off the top of the vehicle. This can result in decapitation or severe crushing that causes traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

A powerful blow, bump or jolt can cause a traumatic brain injury, whether an object penetrates the skull or not. Such injuries can result in chronic or temporary brain damage. This type of injury typically interferes with the person’s ability to think, understand, speak and move. If severe enough, it can also lead to death.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord connects the nerves in the body to the brain. A severed or damaged spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of movement, and numbness or weakness in other areas of the body. When damage is incomplete, the injured person would experience a partial loss of function. When complete damage occurs, the entire area below the injured spinal cord loses function.

Crushed Bones and Fractures

The spinal cord connects the nerves in the body to the brain. A severed or damaged spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of movement, and numbness or weakness in other areas of the body. When damage is incomplete, the injured person would experience a partial loss of function. When complete damage occurs, the entire area below the injured spinal cord loses function.

Amputation

When a collision severely damages a limb, such as a hand, finger, arm, leg, foot or toe, sometimes amputation is necessary. After removing the limb, the procedure typically involves treating the remaining body area to fit a prosthesis. Physical therapy and emotional support can help the person learn to readjust and cope with the amputation and artificial limb.

Severe Burns

Sometimes vehicles catch on fire. This can occur during an accident that ruptures a fuel tank or causes a leaking fuel line. If damaged electrical wiring also occurs, it can spark a fire. As a result, a passenger may suffer from severe burns. Symptoms of severe burns include blisters, charred skin, open wounds and pain, along with redness and swelling. Depending on the depth of the burn and the extent of body surface area affected, burns can be severe. Immediate medical attention is vital.

Seatbelt & Airbag Injuries

There is no doubt that seatbelts and airbags protect people and save lives. However, they can also cause injuries. During an impact, airbags inflate with a lot of force. The impact can cause cuts, burns and bruising. In some cases, it may even result in fractures. In addition, seatbelts can create trauma to the abdomen, chest and neck along with fracturing ribs. The chances of this occurring are even greater when the person isn’t wearing their seatbelt properly.