As you drive on the roads in and around the city of Pittsburgh, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself in close proximity to large commercial trucks. They are the backbone of the American economy and use the nation’s interstates to deliver countless goods and services.
From the Fort Pitt tunnel to I-79 and everywhere in between, these trucks are taking up a lot of space on the roads. And for that reason, it’s critical that you do your best to share the road with them and take steps to protect yourself.
Due to a variety of factors, including the size difference in vehicles, a truck accident has the potential to cause serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury: This can take on many forms, ranging from bleeding on the brain to a skull fracture. Every type of brain injury has the potential to permanently alter your life.
- Broken bones: Some breaks are more serious than others, but any broken bone is likely to cause pain and discomfort, along with the potential for ongoing issues. In some cases, such as a fractured skull or vertebrae, the impact of the injury is much greater on your life.
- Burns and abrasions: Take, for example, an accident in which a vehicle, yours or someone else’s, catches on fire. If you’re unable to escape your vehicle before the flames reach you, it can result in severe burns that require immediate treatment and surgery. Not to mention the fact that it can lead to permanent disfigurement.
- Amputation: In the most serious of circumstances, such as an underride accident, your vehicle can be crushed. And when that happens, the chance of serious injury to your limbs is much greater. An amputation will change your life in many ways, from how you spend time with loved ones to the type of career you can hold down.
If you’re injured in a truck accident, your first thing should be to receive immediate medical treatment. It’s your hope that doing so will stabilize your injuries and position you to make a full recovery.
This should lead you to eventually revisit the cause of the accident, file an insurance claim and take other steps to hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries and other damages.