Truck accidents can cause significant harm and severe injuries. The massive size and weight of trucks, including trailers and delivery vehicles, contribute to these devastating incidents. Studies show many truck accidents in High Point happen because drivers fail to pay attention to road conditions.
In other scenarios, truck accidents may occur when a smaller car follows a large truck too closely and fails to react quickly enough to lane changes. Company negligence, such as poor truck maintenance and overloading, also plays a role.
This guide covers critical information about truck accidents in High Point, NC, and the effective medical treatments available at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology (Apex OSN).
Truck Accident Statistics in High Point
Truck drivers must adhere to stringent traffic rules, including load capacity and speed limits, and other safety protocols. However, negligence still leads to numerous accidents each year.
Several North Carolinians suffer injuries or fatalities due to truck-related accidents annually. Here are some pertinent statistics:
- High Point reported 16,300 truck crashes in 2021, resulting in over 3,800 injuries and 150 fatalities.
- Fatalities involving truck accidents have increased by 13% since 2021.
- Approximately 50% of fatalities and serious injuries involve large trucks.
- A person in the United States is killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes, with over 90,000 injuries annually.
- Accidents involving tractor-trailers are three times deadlier than car accidents.
Trucking accidents claim lives and cause injuries in High Point, indicating a pressing need for continued improvement in road safety measures.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in High Point
Many factors contribute to truck accidents in High Point. While driver errors are common causes, company negligence also plays a significant role. Common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Using mobile phones, eating, or route navigation can distract drivers, reducing their reaction time in emergencies.
Bad Weather
Heavy rain, snow, high winds, or fog can impair drivers’ visibility and make roads slippery, leading to accidents. High winds can also cause trucks to topple.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Neglected truck maintenance increases road risks. Unmaintained trucks can suffer from mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing occurs when an attached trailer skids and swings out, forming a 90-degree angle. This obstructs multiple lanes, affecting other vehicles. Causes include speeding, poor road conditions, and improper braking.
Driving Under the Influence
DUI driving is prevalent among truck drivers. Intoxication impairs judgment and reaction times, posing significant risks to other road users.
Driver Fatigue
Strict delivery deadlines may cause drivers to endure long distances without proper rest, leading to fatigue and potential accidents.
Overloading and Improper Loading
Overloading exceeds recommended truck capacities, while improper loading involves insecure cargo. Both scenarios increase instability, causing the vehicle to sway or tilt.
Speeding
Drivers often speed to meet delivery deadlines or cross borders on time. This reduces reaction time, leading to accidents.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re injured. Here are critical steps to follow:
Call the Police
If possible, contact the police immediately. They will document the accident and help establish liability, essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Treatment
Immediate medical evaluation is crucial, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries have delayed symptoms. A medical report will document your injuries and assist your insurance claim.
Gather Evidence
Document the accident scene. Take notes, photographs, and videos of the damage and your injuries. Collect witness information and the other driver’s insurance details. This evidence will support your claim.
Deal Cautiously with Insurance Companies
Insurance representatives may contact you promptly. Do not discuss fault or liability. Consult your lawyer for advice before providing any information or accepting settlements.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer
An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle insurance companies and help you file a claim. They will gather evidence, protect your rights, and represent you in court if needed.
Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Due to their size and mass, truck accidents often result in severe injuries, even at low speeds. Common injuries include:
Whiplash
A sudden force causes back-and-forth neck movements, damaging muscles, ligaments, and the brain. Whiplash can cause long-term discomfort.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries result from head impacts during accidents. Symptoms like headaches, confusion, and dizziness may appear immediately or later.
Broken Bones
Breaks and fractures in the limbs, ribs, and shoulders can be minor or severe, sometimes requiring surgery or extended rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Ligament, tendon, and muscle damage often occurs in the neck, back, and joints, causing severe pain and mobility issues if untreated.
Psychological Injuries
Truck accidents also cause emotional trauma. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common, and victims might need therapy and counseling.
Compassionate Care After a High Point Truck Accident
Post-accident treatment can be long and intensive, requiring multiple care phases. Severe injuries like broken bones may necessitate months of rehabilitation. Emotional trauma also requires compassionate care.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
At Apex OSN, we provide various treatment methods, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, and orthopedic surgeries, to facilitate a smoother recovery journey.
Getting the Right Treatment for Truck Accident Injuries
Don’t let truck accident injuries disrupt your life. Seek prompt and effective medical care. Apex OSN is dedicated to helping you recover.
Contact Apex OSN
Our experienced practitioners handle all types of injuries from High Point truck accidents. Contact us at 704-412-3045 to begin your treatment journey.
Why Prompt Medical Attention is Critical
Even seemingly stable injuries can escalate if untreated. Delayed symptoms and complications often arise, making early diagnosis and treatment vital. Here’s why you need immediate care.
Hidden Injuries Need Immediate Diagnosis
Injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage might not show obvious signs. Prompt medical evaluation helps detect and address these issues.
Proper Documentation is Key
Accurate medical records establish a timeline for injuries and treatments. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Early Treatment Promotes Better Recovery
A personalized treatment plan aids faster and more complete recovery. This may include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
High Point Truck Accident Specialists
The dedicated team at Apex OSN is committed to providing comprehensive care for truck accident victims in High Point. Our specialists include:
Orthopedic Surgeons
They diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries, performing surgeries when necessary.
Pain Management Doctors
Specialists focus on alleviating chronic pain through various treatments and therapies.
Physical Therapists
They design and oversee exercise programs to restore movement and function.
Collaborative Approach
Our team works together to provide the most effective and comprehensive care possible.
Contact Apex OSN Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in High Point, don’t wait. Contact Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology at 704-412-3045 to start your recovery journey.
Schedule an Appointment
Our skilled medical professionals are ready to provide the care you need. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards recovery.
