Spinal Cord Injuries and Resulting PTSD from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a common cause of serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on those involved. Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. In some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a truck accident, further compounding the challenges faced by the victims.

Which spinal cord Injuries are most common in a truck accident?

Spinal injuries are a common occurrence in truck accidents, especially in collisions where the impact is forceful and sudden. Whiplash can occur when the head is rapidly and forcefully thrown back and forth. The violent back-to-front motion of the neck can cause damage to not just the muscles and ligaments in the neck, but also to the vertebrae in the spine, disks between the vertebrae and nerves.

Aside from whiplash, there are several other types of spinal injuries that can occur in truck accidents:

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra in the spine moves forward and slips out of place in relation to the vertebra below it. This can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
• Slipped or herniated disc: This type of injury affects the cushion between the cervical or spinal vertebra and can put pressure on the nerves in the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling down the arms, and reduce the spine’s range of motion.
• Pinched nerve: This injury occurs when one of the nerves that run through the spine gets compressed or irritated by the surrounding muscles or bones, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness down the arms.
• Spinal fractures: Spinal fractures can cause spinal instability, weakness, or even paralysis. These types of injuries are often severe and can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life.

It is essential for anyone who has been involved in a truck accident to seek medical attention immediately, even if they do not feel injured, as some spinal injuries can take time to manifest symptoms.

How do I know if I have PTSD after being involved in a truck accident?

PTSD can manifest itself in different ways in each individual, but some common indicators are anxiety, depression, flashbacks to the traumatic event, emotional detachment, irritability, fear of anything associated with the traumatic event and nightmares. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, causing ulcers, heart problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches and nausea.

Treating PTSD symptoms can be a long process that requires therapy and counseling, and it’s essential to seek help from professionals. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident in Chattanooga and is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek legal and medical help.

Are serious truck accidents common in Tennessee?

Fatal truck accidents have been increasing in the US since 2010, with a nearly 25% rise over the past decade. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 12,221 crashes involving large trucks in 2020 – about one in every 14 vehicle accidents that year. There were 195 fatalities stemming from collisions with large trucks.

These accidents are caused by a range of factors, including low driver safety standards, the pay-per-mile system, and driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented new regulations to reduce driver fatigue and improve safety. It is crucial for trucking companies to prioritize safety and provide adequate training and support to prevent accidents.

What are my legal options after being involved in a truck accident in Chattanooga?

Truck accidents in Chattanooga may result in a tort claim if a civil wrong or injury is committed against an individual or their property. When a person or entity (such as a trucking company) is found to be negligent, they may be held legally responsible for compensating the injured party for their losses.

Workers’ compensation benefits may be available for employees who sustain a spinal cord injury in a truck accident. However, these benefits are typically limited, and it may be necessary to consult with a personal injury lawyer to explore further legal options to hold responsible parties accountable.

For non-employees who sustain a spinal cord injury, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed against the truck driver, trucking company or both. Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages may be awarded if the lawsuit is successful. If your loved one died in a truck accident, you may be entitled to damages through a wrongful death claim. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine the best course of action.

Truck accidents can result in serious spinal cord injuries and PTSD, which can have significant physical and emotional consequences for victims. It is essential for trucking companies to prioritize safety by providing proper training and support for their drivers to ensure safer roads for everyone. If you have been involved in a truck accident and sustained serious injuries, we want to help. Call or contact Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law for a free consultation today. We’re based in Chattanooga, and serve clients throughout the region, including Cleveland, TN and North Georgia.