Truck accidents are a leading cause of severe and catastrophic injuries in Kansas. When a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the occupants of the passenger vehicle are likely to suffer significant trauma that can have lasting health consequences. This article will examine some of the common long-term health problems stemming from truck accident injuries in Kansas.
Chronic Pain
One of the most prevalent long-term effects of any type of traumatic injury is chronic pain. This is pain that persists for months or years after the initial accident and does not subside over time like acute pain. Truck accidents often cause severe bone fractures, spine injuries, and soft tissue damage that can lead to chronic pain.
People suffering from chronic pain may have constant aching, stiffness, soreness, tingling or numbness at the site of their original injury. The pain can range from mild to debilitating. It can interfere with sleep, work, recreation and normal daily activities. Chronic pain also frequently leads to depression, anxiety and reduced quality of life. Medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling and pain management programs may help manage chronic pain, but it may never fully go away.
Physical Disabilities
In addition to chronic pain, catastrophic truck accident injuries commonly cause permanent physical disabilities. A disabling injury means the victim cannot use part of their body properly and may require assistive devices to complete normal tasks. For example:
- Spinal cord injuries that lead to partial or total paralysis of the legs and/or arms
- Amputation of a limb
- Severe traumatic brain injuries that impair speech, memory, cognition, movement and senses
- Nerve damage causing loss of sensation or function in the hands, arms, feet or legs
- Vision or hearing loss
The physical limitations caused by these disabilities can impede a person’s ability to care for themselves, work, drive and participate in the activities they enjoyed before. Their lifestyle and independence may be drastically affected. Disability accommodations, assistive technology, home healthcare, physical/occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services can help improve quality of life. But disabilities caused by truck crashes are often permanent and will impact the victim for the rest of their life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Surviving a traumatic injury event like a truck collision can also lead to lasting psychological effects. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after severe crashes. Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Emotional distress when reminded of the accident
- Avoidance of crash-related stimuli
- Hyperarousal and hypervigilance
- Irritability, anxiety, panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of isolation and detachment
PTSD can disrupt social, occupational and interpersonal functioning for years after the initial trauma. Psychotherapy, medication and support groups are ways to manage the disorder. But PTSD can persist for decades after a traumatic truck accident if it is left untreated and will impact nearly all aspects of a survivor’s life.
Financial Hardships
In addition to physical and mental health consequences, truck accident injuries often create tremendous financial hardships for victims and their families. Even with health insurance, there are usually major out-of-pocket costs for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries and procedures
- Rehabilitation services
- Home healthcare assistance
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Medications
If the injured person is the household’s primary earner, their recovery time and inability to work can mean a significant loss of income. Ongoing disabilities may prevent a return to their previous career, resulting in reduced earning potential for the rest of their life. The costs of care, treatment and changed lifestyle needs quickly add up and may impact them financially for decades. These financial burdens compound the physical and emotional trauma of dealing with a serious injury.
Don’t Suffer Alone – Contact an Experienced Attorney
The aftereffects of a truck accident injury follow victims long after the actual crash. Living with chronic pain, disabilities, PTSD and other health impacts presents huge challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in a Kansas truck collision, you do not have to endure the recovery alone. An experienced truck accident attorney can help.
At Monge & Associates, we offer free consultations to injury victims and their families. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, our attorneys have helped thousands seek compensation and justice after truck crashes caused serious injuries and long-term health effects.
To learn more and schedule your free consultation, call Monge & Associates today at (888) 477-0597. Our legal team is here to help you move forward after a life-altering truck accident injury.