Truck accidents are terrifying events. The sheer size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle means that the occupants of the smaller vehicle often suffer severe consequences. While broken bones, cuts, and head injuries are immediately apparent, internal injuries can be a silent and potentially deadly threat. These “hidden” injuries might not be obvious right after the crash, but they can lead to serious complications, and even death, if left untreated. This article will explore the risks of internal injuries in Illinois truck accidents, why they’re so dangerous, and what steps you should take if you’ve been involved in such an accident.
Why are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Truck accidents in Illinois are, sadly, quite common. In 2022, there were 298,347 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, with a significant number of severe and fatal accidents involving large trucks. Semi-trucks were involved in 167 fatal crashes in 2022, accounting for approximately 14% of all fatal crashes in the state.
The danger lies primarily in the physics of the collision. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A typical passenger car weighs around 3,000-4,000 pounds. When these two vehicles collide, the force of impact is immense, and it’s the occupants of the smaller vehicle who bear the brunt of that force. This massive difference in size and weight creates a disproportionate risk of severe injury.
What are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries refer to damage to organs, blood vessels, and other tissues inside the body. Unlike external injuries, they aren’t visible from the outside. This makes them particularly dangerous because the symptoms might be delayed or mistaken for something less serious.
Common Types of Internal Injuries in Truck Accidents
Several types of internal injuries are frequently seen in truck accident victims:
- Organ Damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause serious damage to internal organs. The liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are particularly vulnerable. These organs can be bruised (contusion), torn (laceration), or even ruptured.
- Internal Bleeding: Damage to blood vessels can cause internal bleeding, also known as a hemorrhage. This can be life-threatening because the blood loss isn’t visible. The bleeding can occur in the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, or around internal organs.
- Abdominal Aortic Rupture: A severe impact to the abdomen can cause the aorta (the body’s largest artery) to rupture. This is a catastrophic injury that requires immediate surgery.
- Rib Fractures and Punctured Organs: Broken ribs are common in truck accidents. While painful on their own, the sharp edges of broken ribs can also puncture nearby organs, like the lungs (causing a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung) or the spleen.
- Bowel Perforation: The force of the impact, or penetration by a foreign object, can cause a tear in the intestines. This can lead to serious infection (peritonitis) if the contents of the bowel leak into the abdominal cavity.
Why are Internal Injuries So Dangerous? The “Hidden” Threat
The primary danger of internal injuries is that they can be easily overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Several factors contribute to this:
- Adrenaline: After a traumatic event like a truck accident, your body releases adrenaline. This hormone can mask pain and other symptoms, making you feel like you’re less injured than you actually are.
- Delayed Symptoms: Some internal injuries don’t cause immediate, obvious symptoms. It can take hours, or even days, for the full extent of the damage to become apparent. For example, a slow internal bleed might initially cause only mild fatigue or dizziness.
- Non-Specific Symptoms: The symptoms of internal injuries can be vague and easily attributed to other causes. Things like abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and weakness can be caused by many different conditions.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries
While symptoms can be delayed, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential warning signs of internal injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following after a truck accident, even if you initially feel “okay”:
- Abdominal Pain or Tenderness: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen, especially if it’s severe or worsening.
- Chest Pain: Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or sharp chest pain.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially if there’s blood in the vomit.
- Blood in Urine or Stool: Any sign of blood in your urine or stool is a serious concern.
- Rapid Heart Rate: A fast or weak pulse.
- Pale, Clammy Skin: Cool, pale, or clammy skin can be a sign of shock, which can occur with significant internal bleeding.
- Bruising: Deep bruising, especially around the abdomen or chest.
- Rigid or Distended Abdomen: A hard or swollen abdomen can indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Changes in mental status: Confusion, disorientation.
Legal Considerations in Illinois
Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that you can recover compensation for your injuries even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Illinois also has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is very important to file within this timeframe.
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex. Multiple parties could be held responsible, including:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, or driving under the influence.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, or supervision of the driver, or for failing to properly maintain the truck.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a defective part on the truck contributed to the accident.
- The Cargo Loader: If improperly loaded cargo shifted and caused the accident.
- Maintenance Company: If the truck was not properly maintained.
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Pain and suffering includes physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish from the accident.
Internal injuries are a serious and often overlooked consequence of truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Illinois, don’t delay seeking medical attention and legal advice. Monge & Associates has 32 offices in 19 states, including Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. We are here to help you. Call us now for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.