Most Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries from Truck Accidents
TIn 2023, commercial trucking accidents were responsible for over 86,800 injuries and 4,800 fatalities. With an increasing demand for imported goods, our nation’s roads are home to more commercial trucks now than ever. Given the sheer size of a commercial truck, back and neck injuries happen frequently, often necessitating ongoing physical therapy, periodic pain management appointments, and, in some cases, surgical treatment. Of course, the severity of your injury will depend upon the speed of impact and type of crash.
At Mette Attorneys at Law, we understand the extent to which a collision with a large truck can put your life on hold. If you or a loved one recently fell victim to a truck accident, our personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back trauma can cause damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and fibers that transmit signals to the brain. If your spinal cord is damaged, messages cannot be sent to the brain, which can compromise your ability to move, potentially resulting in tingling, numbness, and breathing problems (depending on the injury site).
Whiplash
A rear-end collision can cause the neck to move rapidly back and forth, damaging the nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. This type of injury, known as whiplash, is most common in motor vehicle collisions but can also occur in sports accidents or a slip-and-fall. Symptoms may include pain in the neck and shoulders, tingling or numbness in the arms, and dizziness. Therapeutic treatments typically relieve symptoms, but in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal nerves. Although it can be caused by age, repetitive motion, or congenital factors, physical trauma, such as a severe truck crash, can also be the culprit. Spinal stenosis commonly affects the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine.
Symptoms may include pain, tingling, or weakness. If your symptoms are mild, at-home therapies may help alleviate them. If your symptoms are still worsening, physical therapy, medications, and injections may be explored before attempting surgical options.
Herniated Disc
Between each vertebra in our spine are discs that cushion the spine. As we age, these discs tend to get worn down. Being hit at high speed can cause the soft, jelly-like substance in the central portion of a vertebral disc to tear or leak, irritating nearby nerves. This condition, known as a herniated or bulging disc, may present unilateral pain, weakness, and numbness. Although symptoms may be relieved through home remedies in combination with physical therapy, surgery may be recommended in more severe cases.
Fractures
A fracture or broken bone can occur anywhere within the human body. An open fracture is a bone break that punctures the skin. In some situations, a fracture can puncture an organ (such as a rib fracture, which can cause damage to the heart or lungs). Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary.
Compensation for Your Hardship
Truck accidents may have long-term health effects, requiring that you make your home accessible to handle your post-accident state. These home modifications may include installing a wheelchair ramp, a grab bar in the shower, and even widening doorways to accommodate the width of a wheelchair. The cost can be catastrophic, leaving you with thousands of dollars in expenses on top of your ever-growing pile of medical bills.
At Mette Attorneys at Law, we will pursue every avenue to get compensation that is rightfully yours following a truck collision. Our PA personal injury lawyers know how to access information specific to commercial trucks, including “black box data,” which can help strengthen your truck accident case. These expenses should not be yours to bear, and with experienced representation, you can rest assured that the negligent party will pay.
Discuss Your Case with Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Being hit by a large truck often comes with devastating consequences, forcing you to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills, all while being unable to work and perform daily chores. Our legal team is ready to assist you if you or a loved one has recently been injured in a truck accident. At Mette Attorneys at Law, we understand the emotional stress that comes with trauma, which is why you pay nothing unless you win. To schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help, contact us online or call (717) 231-5219 today.