The Long-Term Impact of a Brain Injury After a Semi-Truck Collision
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the devastating impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the challenges survivors face. For those injured in semi-truck accidents, the consequences can be life-altering. These massive vehicles cause high-impact collisions, which leave victims with severe head trauma that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Unlike a minor fender bender, a tractor-trailer wreck can lead to permanent brain damage that changes a person’s ability to work, engage in relationships, and complete daily tasks. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a Texas truck accident, here’s what you should know about the long-term effects and the potential legal options available to you.
Why are semi-truck collisions more dangerous than other crashes?
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making any crash with a smaller vehicle catastrophic. Unlike standard car accidents, semi-truck crashes result in a higher rate of TBIs due to:
- Severe force of impact: The weight and speed of an 18-wheeler create an enormous amount of energy transfer, which can lead to serious head trauma.
- Vehicle rollovers and crushing accidents: Passenger cars often suffer the brunt of the damage, which exposes occupants to direct head injuries.
- Height difference: A truck’s height can result in a direct impact on a car’s windshield or roof.
- Flying debris: When a semi-truck jackknifes or overturns, metal fragments, shattered glass, and cargo can hit a victim’s head, which can cause penetrating injuries.
How truck accidents cause traumatic brain injuries
A TBI from a truck accident can occur in several ways, including:
- Direct impact trauma: The head strikes the dashboard, window, or steering wheel, causing contusions or skull fractures.
- Concussions: Often dismissed as minor, concussions can cause memory problems, confusion, and chronic headaches. Repeated concussions can lead to permanent cognitive issues.
- Contusions: Bruising on the brain can cause swelling and pressure, sometimes requiring surgical removal.
- Hematomas: Blood clots inside the brain can increase pressure and lead to life-threatening complications.
- Skull fractures: A break in the skull increases the risk of infection and long-term neurological damage.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries: The force of the collision causes the brain to bounce against the skull, which often leads to bruising, swelling, and nerve damage.
- Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs): High-speed truck crashes can tear nerve fibers in the brain, which often causes permanent neurological impairment.
- Penetrating injuries: Glass, debris, or shattered metal can pierce the skull, which can result in severe and permanent brain damage.
Symptoms, long-term effects of a TBI
Brain injury symptoms can appear within minutes, hours, or even days after an accident. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, a TBI can worsen over time, making early medical intervention essential. Common immediate signs include:
- Severe headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
- Sudden personality changes, aggression, or depression
For many truck accident victims, a traumatic brain injury is not just a temporary setback; it’s a lifelong struggle. Unlike many injuries that heal over time, TBIs can leave lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive impairments. The long-term effects can include:
Cognitive decline makes daily life harder
Memory loss, trouble focusing, and difficulty processing information are common challenges for TBI survivors. Simple tasks, such as following a conversation or remembering important details, become frustrating. Many victims experience impaired judgment, which makes it harder to manage responsibilities, work, or live independently.
Chronic pain can be debilitating
Head injuries often come with persistent migraines, headaches, and neck pain. These symptoms can linger for years. This can make it difficult for victims to concentrate, sleep, or engage in physical activities. Pain management becomes a part of daily life and often requires ongoing medical treatment.
Emotional and behavioral changes impact relationships
TBIs affect more than just the brain; they change how people feel and react. Many survivors suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood swings, and irritability, which often impact relationships with family and friends. Additionally, mood changes can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
Loss of independence takes a toll
For some, a TBI means losing the ability to drive, work, or handle daily responsibilities. Simple tasks, like cooking, grocery shopping, or managing finances, may require assistance. Many victims rely on caregivers, which can strain relationships and create financial hardship.
Seizures and epilepsy remain a long-term risk
One of the most serious complications of a TBI is the increased risk of seizures or post-traumatic epilepsy. Even years after the injury, some victims develop seizure disorders and require lifelong medication and medical supervision.
How a Houston brain injury attorney can help after a truck accident
If a reckless or negligent truck driver was responsible for the accident that caused your brain injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often dispute brain injury claims, which can make it difficult to get the medical care and financial support you need. The Houston brain injury lawyers at Smith & Hassler won’t let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation.
For over 30 years, we have helped injury victims just like you recover the compensation they deserve. That includes $1.38 million for two clients who suffered brain injuries in a truck accident. We know that TBIs are serious and life-altering, and we build strong cases to prove it by gathering medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to hold negligent drivers accountable.
At Smith & Hassler, we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Plus, we offer free consultations to discuss your options and answer any questions. If you can’t make it to our office, we’ll come to you, whether at home, in the hospital, or wherever is easiest for you.
To get started, contact us today to schedule your free case consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
“I’m so thankful that I chose Smith and Hassler to represent me in my auto collision case. I would recommend them to anyone who found themselves in a similar situation as myself.” – D.O., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐