Truck accidents are not like a minor fender bender that you could shrug off. When a commercial truck is involved, the results can be catastrophic.
The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can turn what might have been a minor collision into life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a commercial big rig crash, it can be stressful when faced with the types of injuries and the long-term costs of treatment. Here is what you need to know about planning for recovery.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Even at moderate speeds, the force of a truck accident can whip your body violently. This can leave your neck, back, and muscles battered. Whiplash is a classic example of the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, which strains muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People often shrug off the stiffness or headaches that follow. However, when left untreated, these soft tissue injuries can become chronic.
Physical therapy, continuous medical visits, and medications may be needed to manage pain and restore mobility. Over time, these costs can add up anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures are common in truck accidents. Many times, this includes broken arms and legs, ribs, and pelvis injuries. Sometimes, the fractures heal quickly, while others are complicated. They may require surgery, including the use of pins, plates, or rods. Then there is the slow process of rehabilitation: physical therapy sessions, home exercises, and sometimes assistive devices like braces or canes may be needed.
The long-term costs associated with these injuries can range from $50,000 to over $100,000.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even if you walk away from an accident without a single broken bone, your brain might tell a different story. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when your head hits a hard surface or from the sudden jolt of the accident. Memory problems, headaches, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating can emerge days or weeks later.
TBIs can require months of cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, and lifelong care. Mild cases might cost $10,000 to $20,000 in treatment, but severe injuries can easily top $200,000 over a lifetime, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or permanent loss of sensation. The road to recovery often involves multiple surgeries, intensive rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment like wheelchairs.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, lifetime costs for spinal cord injuries can range from $500,000 to well over $2 million. However, that does not even include home modifications or personal care assistance.
Internal Organ Damage
The impact from a truck accident can damage the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding or organ trauma requires emergency surgery and extended hospital stays. Even after leaving the hospital, victims may need ongoing monitoring, medications, and follow-up care. Costs for internal organ injuries easily surpass $100,000.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Truck accidents do more than injure bodies; they shake minds. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common for accident survivors. These injuries are invisible but no less real, and they can interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. Therapy, counseling, and medications might be necessary, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.
How Do You Plan for Recovery from a Truck Accident?
Recovering from a truck accident is a long road that goes beyond the ER. Insurance may cover some costs, but not always the full spectrum of ongoing care, therapy, or home modifications. For this reason, you want to document every doctor visit, therapy session, and medication. This is not just for medical management, but also for pursuing legal compensation.
Legal guidance can help make sure that all your needs are considered. Truck accidents can change lives in an instant. From whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ trauma, and emotional injuries, the consequences are often long-term.
If you have been injured in a truck crash, Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can assist with your claim. We will calculate the entire amount of your losses and damages so that you get the proper compensation to rebuild your life. Call to schedule a consultation to discuss your accident.