Every time you hit the road you likely pass at least one semi truck cruising toward its next destination. Large trucks are so common that you might not even consider the damage one could do to you in a high-speed accident.
While you expect professional drivers to be highly attentive, the fact is that rear-end collisions can easily occur when a fast-moving truck struggles to come to a full stop due to heavy cargo. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries at any site of your body, but you are at particular risk of neck and back injuries in a rear-end collision.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck experiences a rapid back-and-forth movement, which is a typical occurrence when another vehicle strikes yours from behind. Though whiplash only affects soft tissue, you may experience prolonged pain, weakness or worse if you do not seek medical attention promptly.
2. Herniated disc
The force that a rear-end collision exerts on your back can result in the discs of your spine splitting or rupturing. The soft material within the disc can then escape and place painful pressure on the spine or nerves.
3. Compression fracture
When the hard tissue of the spine becomes compressed due to impact trauma, it can result in a fracture or even a break in severe cases. Minor fractures can heal on their own, but major injuries may require realignment surgery.
Be aware that injuries to the back or spinal cord can result in paralysis if left untreated. You can protect yourself by knowing what to expect from a rear-end collision and seeking medical treatment immediately after an accident.