Many injuries can occur in 18-wheel accidents in West Virginia. These injuries frequently occur when the semi hits a smaller passenger vehicle.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur in truck accidents when the brain is suddenly shaken back and forth in the head, causing the brain to strike the skull repeatedly. Since the brain is the body’s control center, physical changes often occur throughout the body. Other times, a person’s behavior is dramatically changed.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord accidents occur when the discs, vertebrae or ligaments receive damage in an accident. These injuries often result in further damage to the body’s nervous system. People often end up with part of their body paralyzed following these accidents.
Disfigurement
If you have ever seen an 18-wheeler accident injury scene after a wreck, you have some idea of the amount of debris that can come flying at someone at a high rate of speed. This can cause body parts to separate from the body. If the debris hits the eyes, it can leave someone blind. People often have to endure reconstructive surgery.
Burns
An 18-wheeler accident can cause fuel tanks to burst into flames. The semi can carry up to 300 gallons of diesel fuel. Furthermore, the truck’s load can also burst into flames, releasing toxic fumes into the environment. This can damage the skin, but it can also cause internal damage. Depending on the source of the fire, it can reach temperatures up to 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that can cause permanent neck damage. It occurs when the neck is jarred forward and backward violently while the seatbelts hold the torso still.
Many types of injuries can occur when an 18-wheeler has an accident, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, burns and whiplash.
