What Injuries Are Common After a Truck Tire Blowout Crash?

Truck tire blowouts can be a deadly occurrence on the road. These accidents occur when a large truck loses control and collides with other vehicles. Due to the size and weight of trucks, the impact can be huge. According to NHTSA, tire blowouts contribute to over 200 deaths each year. 

Tractor-trailer tire blowouts are the most dangerous hazards on American highways. This can turn an ordinary drive into a life-threatening situation within seconds. The injuries resulting from these blowouts are severe.

One may suffer from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, internal organ damage, and road rash from a truck tire blowout accident. This article explains some common injuries that may occur after a tire blowout crash.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are the most serious consequences of accidents that involve tire blowouts. When a passenger vehicle is hit by an out-of-control semi-truck, the impact can cause the head to strike hard surfaces like the steering wheel or headrest. 

This sudden and violent jolt can cause the brain to move inside the skull, which leads to significant injury. 

TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe conditions involving

• Memory loss
• Cognitive impairment
• Coma

What makes these injuries more dangerous is that the symptoms don’t always appear right away. This is why seeking immediate medical evaluation after a truck accident is very crucial.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur when the spine absorbs immense force during sudden impact. This is also one of the common injuries that one could suffer in a tire blowout crash.

Victims may suffer fractured vertebrae or herniated discs in the spinal cord itself, which can have lasting consequences. 

The location of the injury plays an important role in its severity. 

Injuries to the cervical spine (neck region) carry the highest risk of quadriplegia. This affects the movement and sensation in all four limbs.

Injuries lower along the spine may lead to paraplegia or chronic pain that can persist for a lifetime.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones are a painful result of high-impact crashes caused by trailer truck blowouts. The sheer force of these collisions leads to fractures throughout the body. 

Some fractures can be especially dangerous. For example, rib injuries may puncture the lungs. This creates life-threatening complications. More severe fractures require multiple surgeries. But even with treatment, some victims may never fully regain their previous strength. 

Internal Organ Damage

As we know, accidents involving tractor-trailer tire blowouts can generate immense force, which can lead to serious internal injuries that may not show up immediately. Organs that may get injured are

• Liver 
• Kidneys 
• Lungs.

These organs are vulnerable to blunt trauma. 

The danger in internal organ damage is that symptoms may not appear right away. A victim might feel totally fine after the crash. This is why it is highly recommended to seek medical evaluation after any truck accident.

Lacerations and Road Rash

Lacerations and road rash are very common in truck tire blowout crashes. These are caused when pieces of shredded tire or shattered glass break through vehicle windows and cause deep cuts to the face, arms, and chest.

In some cases, when the occupants are thrown from the vehicle, road rash can strip away layers of skin. This increases the risk of infection and leaves permanent scars. These injuries may appear less severe than other ones. But in some cases, victims require 

• Stitches 
• Reconstructive procedures 
• Plastic surgery.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

By now you may have an idea that the impact of tractor-trailer tire blowouts goes far beyond physical injuries. It may also leave lasting psychological scars. 

Survivors of these violent crashes frequently experience conditions such as 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Deep fear of driving.

Common symptoms may include recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety behind the wheel. Recovery may require professional support such as therapy and medication. 

These psychological effects are real and can be just as serious as physical injuries, which is why they are considered compensable under personal injury law.

Key Takeaways

• Truck tire blowout accidents can be fatal at times.
• One may suffer from several injuries that can leave permanent damage to the victim.
• Traumatic brain injury is one of the most common and serious consequences of a tire blowout crash.
• Spinal cord injuries and broken bones are also some of the common injuries that can alter a victim’s daily life.
• Apart from all these physical injuries, one can also suffer from psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.