Common Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents on U.S. Route 17, NC

U.S. Route 17 in North Carolina is a major highway for commercial trucking that stretches through key cities and connects vital trade routes. With heavy traffic from both passenger vehicles and large trucks, accidents are unfortunately common. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, common injuries in commercial truck accidents on U.S. Route 17, NC are often severe and life-altering.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

In 2023, 284,157 traffic crashes were reported on North Carolina’s roads and highways. The speed at which a passenger or driver travels can significantly influence the severity of any injuries. One of the most serious consequences of a truck accident is a serious type of injury called a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The impact of a truck collision can lead to a head injury, often as the result of the head hitting the inside of the car.

Even if the airbag deploys, the force of the collision can lead to concussions or more serious forms of brain trauma. Symptoms of TBI range from headaches to dizziness. Injured passengers and drivers could also experience memory loss and cognitive impairments. The full scope of symptoms that result from a head injury may not be apparent at first.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Truck accidents along U.S. Route 17 can cause catastrophic injuries that require life-saving medical treatments at nearby New Hanover Regional Medical Center. In 2022, crashes involving heavy trucks decreased to 14,702 across the state, but crashes involving commercial trucks remain an omnipresent threat on highways in and around Brunswick County.

Recovery from spinal injuries is often lengthy and requires specialized treatment such as physical therapy, surgery, or even long-term assistive devices. Victims traveling through Brunswick County or Wilmington on U.S. Route 17 may need immediate transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center or other trauma facilities for emergency spinal care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

North Carolina has 5,042,146 private and commercial trucks. Of those, 45,510 were semi-trucks used for commercial purposes, meaning the chances of being involved in a truck collision along U.S. Route 17 are not insignificant. Following a collision, passengers and drivers in the vehicle that is struck by a commercial truck can suffer broken bones.

The arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable. Fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to compound breaks that require surgery and lengthy periods of rehabilitation. Broken bones can lead to additional complications like infections and nerve damage.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

The impact of a truck accident can lead to internal injuries as well. These can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. Although seatbelts are important safety devices, they can also compress the chest during a high-speed collision. Anyone who is struck by a truck along U.S. Route 17 should be mindful of symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Internal organ damage may not be immediately noticeable, so seek medical attention immediately after a car crash to check for signs of internal organ damage and other serious types of injuries you may have sustained.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Beyond physical injuries, truck accidents can leave injured drivers and passengers with lingering emotional and psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common mental health affliction that can linger long after the injured person’s physical injuries have healed.

Crash victims can struggle with nightmares, anxiety, depression, and persistent fear of driving. It is not uncommon for accident victims to contend with uncontrollable flashbacks to the traumatic day of the collision. Coastal Horizons Center in Wilmington offers mental health support for accident survivors dealing with PTSD.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Injury for Truck Drivers?

A: Truck drivers frequently suffer musculoskeletal injuries due to long hours of sitting, heavy lifting, and repetitive motion. Back, neck, and shoulder pain are among the most reported issues, often leading to chronic discomfort. In crashes, truck drivers may also experience whiplash, fractures, or head injuries, depending on the severity of the impact.

Q: What Is the Most Frequent Type of Vehicle Accident in the Trucking Industry?

A: Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of truck accidents. Due to their size and weight, trucks require significantly more stopping distance, making sudden braking difficult. Other frequent crashes include jackknife accidents, underride collisions, and rollovers, often resulting in severe injuries for those involved. Determining liability in a truck accident may be made more difficult by the difference in the sizes of the vehicles involved.

Q: What Injuries Can You Get from Being Hit by a Truck?

A: Truck accident victims often suffer serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, damage to the spinal cord, broken bones, internal bleeding, and severe lacerations. The sheer force of impact from a commercial truck can lead to life-altering conditions that require extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. Depending on the nature of your damages, you may be able to collect compensation for damages like physical pain and suffering in addition to medical costs.

Q: Can I Pursue Non-Economic Damages After a Truck Accident?

A: Yes, you can pursue non-economic damages after a truck accident by working with a personal injury lawyer who has dealt with trucking companies before. Truck drivers and trucking companies can be difficult to deal with. They may try to offer you an unfair settlement or attempt to cast blame on you if you do not have strong legal representation.

An attorney can assess the situation to see what non-economic damages you are eligible to receive, such as pain and suffering.

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?

A: Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, as long hours behind the wheel can impair reaction times and judgment. Other common causes include distracted driving, improper truck maintenance, overloaded cargo, and failure to follow traffic laws. These factors contribute to devastating crashes, especially on highways like U.S. Route 17.

Schedule Your Commercial Truck Accident Consultation Today

Collisions with commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries and financial hardship. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we understand the challenges accident victims face and are dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.

From negotiating with trucking companies to holding negligent drivers accountable, our legal team provides the guidance you need. Don’t try to navigate this process alone. Contact our team of trial-ready lawyers today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can assist with your claim.