Preventing Truck Accident Injuries
Because some trucks can weigh up to 30,000 pounds, while a typical passenger vehicle weighs only around 4,000 pounds, a truck accident can be deadly. The following article will discuss some of the most common types of injuries that result from truck accidents and some ways to prevent these accidents.
What are the most common types of truck accident injuries?
The most common types of injuries that typically result from truck accidents include the following:
- Back and neck injuries: If you are involved in a truck accident, you could get whiplash from the impact. Whiplash occurs when your head and neck snap forward suddenly while your torso remains in place. This kind of injury could cause you to experience pain and other symptoms hours or days after the accident.
- Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury could result in the partial, temporary, or complete paralysis of your lower body and torso. This kind of injury could require months or even years of treatments, surgeries, or physical therapy, and can even leave you permanently disabled.
- Head and brain injuries: Head injuries are very serious and should be looked at immediately. What appears to be a minor head injury could actually be a concussion or severe brain injury, which can have devastating effects.
- Burns: Some trucks, especially commercial trucks, can carry flammable materials. If there is a crash, there is a chance that these materials can combust and cause a fire, which in turn, could result in burns to the drivers.
- Internal injuries: Ironically, the strong force from an airbag can cause blunt abdominal trauma. This kind of trauma can result in injury to your bladder, spleen, liver, pancreas, or kidneys.
- Cuts and bruises: Cuts and bruises may not seem like a big deal, but if they are left untreated, they could become infected, creating more health issues.
How can truck accidents be prevented?
Of course, not all truck accidents are preventable. However, there are some practical ways that truck drivers can prevent some accidents:
- Make sure you are well-rested before getting on the road. Many accidents are caused by truck drivers driving while drowsy or fatigued. As such, you should make sure that you are well-rested before you begin to drive. If you begin to feel drowsy or fatigued while driving, make sure that you safely pull off the road to take some time to rest up before resuming your drive.
- Always watch your speed. You should always make sure that you adhere to all posted speed limits. This is very crucial because trucks take a lot longer time to slow down than cars. This means that if you are driving over the speed limit and you notice a potential hazard, you will not be able to stop in time.
- Pay attention to changing weather conditions. Before getting on the road, check weather conditions. Additionally, make sure that you pay attention to changing weather conditions while on the road and that you adjust your speed accordingly.
- Frequently inspect your vehicle. Before getting on the road, you should make sure that your truck is properly maintained and well inspected. You should also check your brakes and tires so that you do not experience any malfunctions while driving.
- Avoid distractions. While driving, you should always try to keep your distractions at a minimum. This means you should not use your cell phone, wear ear buds, or eat while you are driving.
- Use proper turn signals. It is important to use proper turn signals when changing lanes in order to give other vehicles behind you the opportunity and time to move out of the way.
- Drive defensively. You must always drive defensively. Driving defensively does not mean driving aggressively; rather, it means that you must watch out for other drivers who are not following the rules of the road and use extra caution.
Were You Recently Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Our Firm
If you were recently injured in a truck accident, The Musleh Law Firm wants to help. Our experienced Ocala personal injury attorneys will ensure that the liable party is held responsible so that you can obtain full compensation for your injuries, as well as for any property damage.
