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Truck Accidents and Head Injuries

On Behalf of | May 12, 2017 | Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler commercial truck is somewhere between 70 and 80 feet long, and often weighs around 40 tons. This immense amount of mass traveling at highway speeds means that any collision or accident will involve a substantial amount of force being transferred, particularly to the passengers of a regular vehicle.

This means it’s not uncommon for those involved in a truck accident to sustain serious injuries. Head injuries are an unfortunately common part of truck accidents, and the forceful nature of a truck accident means they could be serious or potentially devastating. Let’s take a look at some common head injuries that are associated with truck accidents.

Whiplash

While whiplash isn’t necessarily a “head” injury, it often has a serious impact on the head itself, including a number of symptoms that can grow progressively worse if it is not treated immediately. Whiplash is the common name for the trauma to the muscles in the neck that occur when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward, causing neck muscle stretching or compression. In mild cases, this leads to a relatively sore neck for a few days. In more serious cases it can lead to blurred vision, serious headaches, a loss of balance, and dizziness.

Concussion

Also known as a minor traumatic brain injury, a concussion is when an impact to the head causes damage to the brain. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and more, but serious concussions can lead to even more serious issues, like memory loss, forgetfulness, trouble processing information, and even have life-long consequences including an increased chance of contracting serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Skull Fractures

This is when an impact is so forceful it actually causes the skull itself to break. Linear skull fractures are the most common, and are generally not as severe because they do not expose the soft brain tissue. However, other types of skull fractures can seriously impact the soft tissue in the brain, meaning immediate attention and extensive treatment are required to fix them, including possible surgical procedures.

Hemorrhage

A hemorrhage is when an impact causes the brain or skull to start bleeding. This increased bleeding can result in extra pressure inside the skull, damaging the brain and potentially causing problems. It’s imperative that the pressure be relieved as soon as possible because the extra pressure can result in serious brain damage, coma, or even death.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious head injury in a car accident, it’s imperative that you speak with an Indiana truck accident attorney as soon as possible. At Langer & Langer, our team is dedicated to helping you through this difficult time by obtaining financial relief for your medical bills, lost income, and more. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has the skill and the tools you need on your side to find an optimal resolution to your case. We are dedicated to standing up for those who have been the victims of trucking accidents, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Call Langer & Langer today at 219-246-4759 to schedule your consultation!