As we finish the first week of 2025, many of us are focused on resolutions, fresh starts, and planning for the future. However, accidents involving commercial vehicles can shatter those plans in an instant, leaving impacted individuals with life-altering injuries and long-lasting consequences. These collisions are often more severe than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks and vans and therefore cause more devastation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, understanding the most common serious injuries and their long-term effects is crucial. This awareness can help you make informed decisions about your health, legal rights, and financial future.
What are the most common long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents?
Long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents can vary widely. However, there are several key injuries doctors see most often that can cause serious, long-term complications.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are one of the most severe outcomes of commercial vehicle accidents. The impact of a collision can cause concussions, brain contusions, or more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and difficulties with motor functions. Those suffering from a traumatic brain injury often require ongoing therapy and medical care, significantly impacting their quality of life and ability to work.
Spinal cord injuries
The force of a collision with a work truck or van can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Individuals affected may experience paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other mobility challenges. These types of injuries typically mean lifelong medical support, adaptive equipment, and home modifications, placing a substantial financial burden not only on the person impacted but also on their family or caregiver(s).
Fractures and broken bones
Fractures and broken bones are one of the most common injuries in any accident, but specifically in accidents with larger vehicles. These can become long-term injuries after commercial truck accidents because of the sheer amount of damage to the bone(s) affected and the pain it causes. Fractures or breaks can be complex, requiring multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and extensive recovery periods. In some cases, those injured experience chronic pain or limited mobility long after the bones have healed.
Internal injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, are common in commercial vehicle accidents due to the blunt force trauma of the collision. These internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation essential. Long-term effects can include organ failure or the need for ongoing medical treatment.
Psychological trauma is one of the long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents.
Psychological trauma is common in commercial vehicle accidents.
Beyond physical injuries and pain, the emotional and mental toll of a commercial vehicle accident shouldn’t be minimized. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, “injuries have lasting consequences for physical and mental health up to 10 years after the injury event, in particular, for people sustaining head, neck, and back injuries.” Many individuals injured in these accidents develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, which often interferes with their ability to return to normal life. Mental health treatment is an often overlooked, but necessary, component of recovery after a serious vehicle accident.
It’s very apparent that these injuries have a serious impact immediately after the accident, but what do the weeks, months, and years after these injuries look like?
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Commercial vehicle accidents and injuries have far-reaching consequences.
While the immediate consequences like medical care, recovery, pain, and trauma are evident after a commercial vehicle accident, other impacts aren’t as easy to see. For those directly affected by accidents though, the secondary consequences are obvious and far-reaching. Some of the most common long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents frequently lead to:
- Financial strain: the combination of medical bills, lost pay, and ongoing medical care causes a huge financial burden for injured individuals and their families
- Reduced (or eliminated) ability to work: after an accident, many injured individuals are unable to return to work at the capacity they did before. This impacts pay and further strains finances.
- Stressed relationships: the physical and emotional toll of serious accidents and injuries affects marriages, family dynamics, friendships, and more. Relationships are frequently strained under the stress of pain, trauma, and ongoing care. This is especially true if the injuries require the loved ones or friends to be a primary caregiver.
- Lifestyle changes: The need for mobility devices, communication assistance, or a regular caregiver is a big adjustment for someone who previously lived independently. This can exacerbate psychological impacts related to long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents.
Why is an experienced lawyer important after a commercial vehicle accident?
For those who have experienced long-term injuries after commercial vehicle accidents, finding an experienced lawyer is crucial. Navigating the aftermath of these collisions is overwhelming and confusing, Without a proper advocate, those affected lose out on much-needed financial support. What’s more, they lose out on the justice they deserve.
Brooks Law Group has years of experience in representing individuals injured in commercial vehicle collisions. A few key ways we help our clients and their families include:
- a thorough investigation of the accident to determine fault and liability and gather important evidence
- negotiations with insurance companies
- pursuit of financial compensation from at-fault parties
- advocating for the long-term needs of our clients so they receive all possible resources
Don’t carry old injuries and trauma into the New Year. Call Brooks Law Group in 2025 and experience the difference of lawyers who care about you. Our team of truck accident attorneys are dedicated to your well-being. We fight for the results you need and deserve, and you don’t pay unless we win. Call to schedule your free consultation and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re getting a whole team of professionals on your side.
If you’re suffering after a commercial vehicle accident, Look to Brooks.
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