Truck accident injuries can range from bruising and soft-tissue injuries to fractures, head and brain injuries, and spinal injuries. Large trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles, and NHTSA reports that most people killed in large-truck crashes in 2024 were occupants of other vehicles. The type of injury shapes the evidence and the damages in a Nevada claim.
This guide gives a general overview of injuries seen in truck crashes and what each may mean for a claim. It is not medical guidance, and only a qualified medical professional can diagnose an injury.
Key Takeaways
- NHTSA estimates 161,201 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2024.
- 70% of the people killed in those crashes were occupants of other vehicles.
- Some injuries, including concussions, may not be obvious right away.
- Medical records connect an injury to the crash and show how it was treated.
- Nevada generally allows 2 years to sue for personal injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e).
How Often Are People Hurt in Truck Crashes?
According to NHTSA’s Large Trucks: 2024 Data, an estimated 161,201 people were injured and 5,340 were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2024. Of those killed, 70% were occupants of other vehicles, 17% were large-truck occupants, and 12% were nonoccupants such as pedestrians. See truck accident statistics.
What Injuries Can Happen in a Truck Crash?
| Injury type | What it can involve | What it can mean for a claim |
|---|---|---|
| Head and brain injuries | Concussion and other traumatic brain injury | Symptoms may be disputed, and testing may help |
| Neck and back injuries | Soft-tissue, disc, or nerve injury | Treatment records and imaging can matter |
| Spinal cord injuries | Damage that can affect movement or sensation | Future care can be a central issue |
| Fractures | Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis | Surgery, therapy, and time off work may be documented |
| Chest and abdominal injuries | Internal injuries | Emergency care records can be important |
| Cuts, burns, and scarring | Wounds from glass, metal, or fire | Scarring and treatment may be part of a claim |
These are general categories, not a ranking. Each claim depends on its own medical evidence.
Why Can Some Injuries Be Missed at First?
The CDC says some concussion symptoms appear right away, while others can take hours or days to show up. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says current imaging tools cannot always detect damage from mild, concussive injuries. See car accident head injuries and concussions after a crash.
What Damages Can Be Claimed for Truck Accident Injuries?
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Rehabilitation and personal care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including scarring or disfigurement, where supported
- Vehicle and property damage
See economic damages for how financial losses are shown.
What Evidence Helps Connect an Injury to the Crash?
- Emergency and follow-up medical records
- Imaging and specialist reports
- Photos of injuries over time
- Records of missed work and changed duties
- Statements from people who noticed changes
How Do Fault and Deadlines Apply?
Under NRS 41.141, a plaintiff’s comparative negligence does not bar recovery unless it is greater than the negligence of the defendant or defendants combined. Otherwise, damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of negligence. Nevada generally allows 2 years to sue for personal injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e), and exceptions can apply. See how a truck accident claim works.
Talk With a Nevada Truck Accident Lawyer
Vaksman Khalfin, PC handles Nevada truck accident claims and has an office in Las Vegas. A lawyer can review your situation and explain the options that may be available. Contact us or visit our Nevada truck accident page to learn more.
General information, not legal advice. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this page or contacting the firm. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reviewed by Robert B. Vaksman, Partner, Vaksman Khalfin, PC (admitted in Nevada). Last reviewed: 11/11/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Truck crashes can cause head and brain injuries, neck and back injuries, fractures, and internal injuries, among others. Federal crash reports do not rank injury types, and each case depends on its facts.
Some injuries are not obvious right away. A medical professional can evaluate symptoms that develop after a crash, and those records can matter to a claim.
You may be able to if the evidence supports it. Future care is often shown through treating providers and other experts.
There is no standard amount. A claim depends on the injury, treatment, lost income, fault, and available insurance.
