Crashes involving large trucks in Texas led to 806 deaths in 2021, according to the National Safety Council. This was the highest number of any state. Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than typical passenger cars. In a collision between a truck and a smaller vehicle, the force of impact is often disproportionately higher.
This greater force can result in more severe injuries, including broken bones. The impact can crush passengers in the smaller vehicle or throw them with tremendous force, leading to fractures.
Multiple types of bone fractures
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of bone fractures, from simple fractures to complex compound fractures. The sheer force involved can lead to multiple fractures in different parts of the body.
Common fractures in truck accidents include broken arms, legs, ribs and spinal fractures. Some of these injuries can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Risk of crushing injuries
In truck accidents, there is a higher risk of crushing injuries, where the weight of the truck or cargo can directly impact the victim’s body. These injuries can cause severe bone fractures, crush soft tissues, damage internal organs and prove fatal.
Long-term consequences
The severity of broken bones in truck accidents can lead to long-term consequences. Extensive surgeries, physical therapy and rehabilitation are often necessary. Victims may also experience chronic pain, mobility limitations and psychological trauma, impacting their quality of life and ability to work.
To reduce the severity of broken bones in truck accidents, prevention and awareness are important. All road users, including truck drivers, should adhere to safety regulations. This includes maintaining safe following distances, avoiding distractions and obeying traffic laws.