Your morning commute becomes a nightmare when an 18-wheeler loses control and slams into your vehicle. You're left with excruciating back pain that makes every movement a struggle. As the medical bills pile up and you're unable to work, you wonder how you'll rebuild your life.
At Finney Injury Law, we've helped countless truck accident victims in this exact situation. Our experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges you face after a catastrophic crash—and we're here to guide you through the legal process while you focus on healing. Learn more about common truck accident back injuries and how we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Truck Accident Back Injuries
The immense size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even a relatively low-speed collision can result in devastating injuries for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Some of the most common back injuries we see after truck accidents include:
- Whiplash. During a crash, the forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck can damage the cervical spine's soft tissues, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
- Herniated discs. The impact of a truck accident can cause the gel-like cushions between the vertebrae to rupture or bulge, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
- Spinal fractures. High-impact collisions may cause the bones in the spine to break, sometimes resulting in partial or total paralysis.
- Soft tissue damage. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back can overstretch or tear, causing severe pain and limiting mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries. In the most severe cases, truck accident victims may suffer complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries, leading to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions.
It's crucial to seek prompt medical attention, even if your back injury seems minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to the adrenaline rush after an accident. Delaying treatment can jeopardize your health and make it more difficult to link your injuries to the crash.
Long-Term Effects of Truck Accident Back Injuries
Back injuries from truck accidents often have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the initial recovery period. The long-term effects can impact every aspect of your life, from your physical and emotional well-being to your financial stability.
Chronic Pain
Chronic back pain is one of the most common long-term consequences of truck accident back injuries. Even after reaching maximum medical improvement, many survivors continue to experience pain that interferes with their daily activities. This pain can be constant or intermittent, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, shooting sensations. Managing chronic pain often requires a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Reduced Mobility
Damage to the spine, nerves, or soft tissues can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to perform tasks that were once simple, such as bending, lifting, or even sitting for extended periods. This loss of mobility can impact your ability to work, engage in hobbies, or participate in family activities.
Permanent Disabilitiy
In some cases, truck accident back injuries can lead to permanent disabilities. Spinal cord injuries, for example, may result in partial or total paralysis, requiring significant adaptations to your home, vehicle, and daily routine. Severe nerve damage can cause lasting numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas. These disabilities can have a profound impact on your independence, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Financial Struggles
The financial consequences of long-term back injuries can be devastating. Medical expenses can quickly accumulate, particularly if you require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or assistive devices. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may face a loss of income and benefits. Even if you can work, you may need to take a lower-paying position or reduce your hours to accommodate your limitations.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident cases are notoriously complicated, often involving multiple liable parties and aggressive insurance companies determined to minimize payouts. An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer can fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Finney Injury Law, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, gathering evidence to support your claim and build a compelling case for liability. We work with trusted medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and calculate your current and future damages.
Throughout the process, we handle all communication with the insurance companies and their legal teams, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery and emotional well-being. We're fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Our team understands that no two truck accident cases are alike. We take the time to listen to your unique story, answer your questions, and develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals. With our deep knowledge of Missouri personal injury law and track record of success in complex truck accident cases, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.