A passenger vehicle is much smaller and lighter than an 18-wheeler. This means that the driver or passengers in the passenger vehicle may be more likely to suffer traumatic injuries after colliding with the much bigger vehicle.
Vehicular accidents may happen with the people in the vehicle or vehicles either experiencing no injury or suffering from a slight injury, such as a sprained limb or whiplash.
Why an amputation is a catastrophic injury
When you are hit by an 18-wheeler, you may suffer from a major injury, such as the loss of a limb. Medical professionals may consider this to be a “catastrophic” injury.
Your life may change dramatically once you are discharged from the hospital. Returning to work may not be possible. Because of this, you may need financial compensation. If the driver of the 18-wheeler was at fault, they should experience the consequences of their actions.
What is an amputation?
“Amputation” is the loss of a body part, such as your arm, leg, foot or hand. Because you rely so heavily on having two working legs and arms, losing one limb or more may affect how you move around, work or even stay independent. Experiencing an amputation may also cause you to feel aftereffects such as emotional trauma or phantom limb events. Even though your limb is no longer there, you may experience pain from that absent limb.
What are the consequences of amputation?
You may develop an infection at the site of your amputation, especially if the stump is not kept dry, clean and covered with bandages.
Phantom limb pain may develop due to the nerve connections that are left “remembering” the missing body part. This may lead to the feeling that the limb is still attached to your body.