While a truck accident victim may sustain obvious injuries, some may not be noticeable for hours, days, or even weeks after the crash. After a trucking accident, injuries like knee damage, internal bleeding, brain injury, shoulder injury, herniated discs, or PTSD may take some time for their symptoms to manifest.
The following hidden injuries are common after a trucking accident:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A person may develop a brain injury if his or her head has an impact during the crash. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a permanent effect on brain function, leading to severe emotional and cognitive problems. Most symptoms don’t manifest until well after the accident transpired. Common symptoms associated with TBI include dizziness, headaches, sleeping issues, memory loss, forgetfulness, and personality changes.
Herniated Discs
When the force of impact during a crash is strong, the tissue between vertebrae can balloon out or rupture, creating a herniated disc. This disc can exert pressure on and inflame the spinal nerves. Inflammation can cause loss of feeling, extreme pain, and muscle control loss in the limbs.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is common in victims of trucking accidents. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, restlessness, anger, increased fear of driving, and inability to cope with daily life.
Internal Bleeding
A truck accident may cause trauma to blood vessels, preventing them from repairing or clotting, causing internal bleeding. This injury may produce minor symptoms before it becomes life-threatening. Internal bleeding symptoms include abdominal swelling or pain, dizziness, bruising, fainting, severe weakness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and severe headache.
Shoulder Injuries
Since the seat belt goes over one shoulder, the impact of a truck accident may cause it to exert a large amount of pressure on the area. The crash may also twist a victim’s body around, damaging the muscles and tendons in the shoulder. Shoulder injuries might result in strains, bruising, or tears in the muscles.
Knee Damage
During a truck collision, the driver or passenger may be pushed forward, knocking his or her knee on the dashboard. The sudden impact can result in bruising or a shattered knee cap. The knee cartilage can be damaged, leading to patellar chondromalacia or a torn meniscus. These are painful conditions, but the severity of the injury may not be apparent until after the knee is inflamed.