Truck Accident Injuries You Might Not Notice Immediately

Getting into a truck accident can be a scary experience with lasting effects. Even seemingly minor accidents often have a long-term impact that might not be readily apparent in the days following the event.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s integral to seek medical assistance immediately, even if you feel fine. After that, it’s important to stay vigilant when monitoring your health in the weeks afterward. 

Here are some truck accident injuries you might not notice immediately.

Brain Injuries

When people hear the phrase “brain injury,” they tend to think of the worst-case scenario. However, a brain injury can mean many things and might not be apparent right away. Even a minor brain injury could have lasting impacts on your mental health, relationships and finances, making it a common focal point in truck accident lawsuits.

Some common signs of a brain injury to watch for are:

• new headaches
• light sensitivity
• vertigo
• memory problems
• changes in focus
• behavioral changes
• communication changes
• changes to smell, taste, or hearing

Even minor concussions and treatable brain trauma are still severe and can have devastating implications. Seeing a medical professional immediately following the accident will help identify any initial concerns, but it’s always wise to monitor symptoms in the weeks following the accident.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is another serious issue to watch for after an accident. This deadly injury is often a silent killer. It may present as a few dark bruises with moderate pain — reasonable injuries to expect after getting hit by a truck! However, if left unchecked, internal bleeding can kill you.

Again, seeing a doctor immediately after your accident is important. Highlight any sore areas and have them thoroughly checked. If you notice any purple skin and start to feel ill or dizzy, seek emergency assistance immediately.

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when your body is in motion and comes to a sudden stop. This jolt tears the muscles and tendons in your back and neck. While many people feel sore and tender following the accident, the real issues may not arise until they’ve started to heal. 

When your tendons and muscles are torn and go untreated, they may heal the wrong way. As a result, you may experience migraines, tension headaches, and chronic back or neck pain. Whiplash is treatable with physiotherapy and deep tissue massage.

If you’re in any sort of motor vehicle accident, there’s a high probability of getting whiplash. Visit a doctor and record any ongoing symptoms or changes.

Anxiety, Depression and PTSD

Truck accidents don’t just impact your physical health; they can also take an extreme toll on your mental health. It’s not uncommon to develop anxiety, depression, and even severe PTSD after a truck accident. These issues often go unchecked as the victim is focused on insurance claims, muscle pain, and the more pressing issues.

People who experience these mental health issues after an accident often struggle with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, sleep disruption, mood changes, and behavioral changes. It’s worth noting that these are also the signs of a brain injury. Thus, it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Nerve Damage

Catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and severed spinal cords are often detected right away. A doctor might also know to look for signs of whiplash and internal bleeding. Nerve damage, on the other hand, often goes undetected.

Nerve damage can present in many ways, depending on the location and severity. Some key symptoms to look out for include:

• tremors
• muscle weakness
• loss of motor control
• numbness
• changes in blood pressure
• changes in temperature regulation
• targeted pain

A general rule when dealing with hidden injuries after an accident is to address any change within the body. Remember to keep clear documentation of your experience and medical appointments in case you need to seek damages to cover your health expenses.