When a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck, the results can be catastrophic. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which means even low-speed collisions often lead to devastating injuries. Victims of these accidents are often left facing a long road to recovery, physically, emotionally, and financially. Understanding the most common tractor-trailer crash injuries can help victims recognize symptoms early, seek proper medical care, and protect their rights under New Jersey law.
At Blume Forte, our truck accident attorneys have decades of experience helping crash victims recover full and fair compensation after serious trucking accidents.
Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Are So Dangerous
The sheer size and force of a tractor-trailer make any impact with a smaller vehicle potentially life-altering. In many cases, it’s not just the initial collision that causes harm but rather the chain reaction that follows. Passenger cars may be pushed under a trailer (known as an underride accident), crushed between vehicles, or forced off the road entirely.
These massive impacts often cause multiple injuries at once, making recovery especially difficult. Many victims require emergency surgery, long hospital stays, and months of rehabilitation.
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Head and Brain Injuries
One of the most serious consequences of a tractor-trailer crash is a head injury. The violent motion of the impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches that worsen over time
- Memory loss or confusion
- Dizziness, nausea, or vision changes
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
Even “mild” TBIs can have long-term effects on personality, mood, and cognitive function. Because symptoms aren’t always immediate, it’s vital to see a doctor after any truck accident, even if you feel fine at first.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The force of a truck collision can easily damage the spinal column or surrounding nerves. Victims may suffer from herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord trauma, which can cause chronic pain or permanent paralysis.
In severe cases, spinal injuries can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring lifelong medical care and significant lifestyle adjustments. These injuries often carry emotional and financial burdens as victims adapt to limited mobility and dependence on assistive devices.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Trauma
Fractures are among the most common tractor-trailer crash injuries. The impact can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, and even facial bones. Multiple fractures are common when a car is crushed or spun by a truck.
While some fractures heal with proper treatment, compound or crushed-bone injuries often require surgery, metal implants, or physical therapy. These injuries can make returning to work or daily routines extremely difficult.
Internal Organ Damage
Not all injuries are visible right away. Internal bleeding or organ trauma can develop slowly after a crash, making it crucial to undergo a thorough medical evaluation.
Common internal injuries from truck accidents include:
- Liver or kidney damage
- Ruptured spleen
- Collapsed lungs or internal bleeding
Left untreated, these injuries can become life-threatening. Immediate medical attention can save lives and strengthen your legal case by connecting the injury to the accident.
Neck and Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries in rear-end or side-impact collisions involving large trucks. When the neck snaps violently back and forth, soft tissues and tendons stretch beyond their normal range, causing severe pain and stiffness.
Although whiplash is often dismissed as minor, it can lead to chronic headaches, nerve pain, and limited range of motion that interfere with work and quality of life. Early diagnosis and physical therapy can make a major difference in recovery.
Burns and Lacerations
Because tractor-trailers carry large amounts of fuel or hazardous cargo, collisions can lead to explosions or fires. Victims may suffer burn injuries, which often require skin grafts and long-term care.
Broken glass and twisted metal also cause deep lacerations and puncture wounds, which can result in significant scarring or infection if not treated promptly.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
Not all harm from a truck crash is physical. Survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances long after their physical injuries heal.
Emotional trauma is common among victims who witnessed fatalities or suffered permanent disabilities. In New Jersey, emotional distress is a recognized form of damages that can be included in a personal injury claim.
Why You Should Seek Medical Care Immediately
After a serious truck accident, it’s common for adrenaline to mask pain. Victims sometimes delay medical treatment, which is a mistake that can both worsen injuries and weaken their case.
Seeing a doctor immediately does two crucial things:
- Protects your health by ensuring hidden injuries are identified and treated.
- Documents your condition for your personal injury claim, establishing a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
How Blume Forte Can Help Victims of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Commercial trucking cases are far more complex than typical car accidents. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of defective parts, or the company responsible for loading the trailer.
At Blume Forte, our attorneys conduct in-depth investigations to uncover every cause of the crash. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and industry professionals to:
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate both immediate and long-term damages
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Take the case to court if fair compensation isn’t offered
Our goal is to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal and financial burdens of your claim.
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Compensation for Tractor-Trailer Crash Injuries
Victims of tractor-trailer crash injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment and rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Long-term care costs for permanent disabilities
Every case is different, but early legal representation greatly improves your chances of securing full compensation.
Contact Blume Forte After Sustaining an Injury in a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a tractor-trailer crash, don’t wait to get help. Trucking companies act quickly to protect themselves, so you should have a law firm ready to do the same for you.
Contact Blume Forte today for a free consultation. Our experienced New Jersey truck accident attorneys will investigate your case, protect your rights, and fight to recover the compensation you need.
Your recovery matters. Let us help you rebuild after a devastating truck crash. We represent clients in Sea Girt, North Bergen, Hackensack, Chatham, and throughout New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
