6 Hidden Injuries to Look Out for After a Semi Truck Crash

Posted October 13, 2020

An auto accident can be a frightening, overwhelming experience. But a semi-truck crash can be truly life-altering due to the sheer size and force of these massive vehicles.

Still, despite the violence of most of these collisions, sometimes people walk away seemingly unharmed. But in many cases, these victims have significant injuries that are masked by shock and adrenaline. Some injuries take days, weeks, or even months to manifest the full range of their symptoms and disabling effects.

The following hidden injuries are common after a semi-truck crash. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, you should seek immediate medical attention and contact a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer.

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to severe cognitive and emotional problems, so if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms after a truck wreck, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Headaches
Dizziness
Blurry vision
Nausea
Confusion
Memory issues

Many of these symptoms could also be related to a blood clot or other potentially fatal injury, so schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.

2. Herniated Discs

Back injuries are common following a semi-truck crash, but symptoms sometimes don’t present immediately. If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms, legs, or feet, you could have a herniated disc in your lower back. Similarly, pain and discomfort in your neck and shoulder could indicate that you have a herniated disc in your upper back.

Also, if you’re suddenly feeling weakness in your muscles, you might be experiencing atrophy due to a herniated disc. Meet with your primary care physician to discuss a referral to an orthopedic specialist or neurosurgeon to treat the herniated disc.

3. Depression and Anxiety

Not all semi-truck injuries are physical. These crashes often lead to mental health consequences like depression and anxiety, which can have severe and even life-threatening consequences. If you’re struggling at work, having a hard time relating to your family and friends, or simply not enjoying life the way you did prior to your accident, you should seek mental health treatment from a trained professional.

4. Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck muscle injury that victims often suffer after a severe impact. Symptoms often include:

Neck, should, back, and arm pain and stiffness
Limited range of movement in the neck
Headaches at the base of the skull
Fatigue and irritability
Difficulty concentrating and sleeping

Many crash victims often downplay whiplash, but this injury can have lasting effects, so you should seek treatment soon after your semi-truck accident.

5. Internal Bleeding

While most of the injuries on this list will not prove directly fatal, internal bleeding is a different matter. Internal bleeding may produce relatively minor symptoms until it suddenly becomes life-threatening.

Abdominal pain or swelling could be symptomatic of internal bleeding, so if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should visit the emergency room immediately. Other internal bleeding symptoms include bruising, dizziness, and fainting. Again, if you are experiencing abdominal discomfort or any other post-crash symptoms, please don’t hesitate to seek medical attention right away.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A crash with a semi-truck is one of the most traumatic events most of us could ever experience. Many victims of these violent collisions suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, anger, an inability to cope with daily life, and an increased fear of driving.

PTSD is nothing to be ashamed of — confronting it takes bravery. So, if you feel you might be dealing with PTSD (or any mental or emotional difficulties) after a wreck, please contact a trusted psychiatrist or other mental health professional. A qualified expert can diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan to help manage the issues you’re experiencing.

Visit a Medical Profession Immediately Following a Semi-Truck Crash

All of the symptoms and injuries listed above can have severe and lasting effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you’re experiencing pain, mood swings, cognitive issues, or discomfort following a semi-truck crash, you should make an appointment to visit your primary care physician for a thorough exam. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for further treatment and prescribe appropriate medication.

After you’ve received medical treatment, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can investigate the causes of the crash, protect your rights, and fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Seattle Truck Law Today If You’ve Been Hurt in a Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a large truck or bus, please contact Morgan Adams and the Seattle Truck Law team today. We’ll listen to your story and advise you about your legal options during a free consultation. When you choose us to represent you, we’ll investigate all the causes of the crash that injured you and pursue every available option to get you the compensation you deserve.

To schedule your free initial consultation today, please call (866) 580-HURT or complete our quick and easy online contact form. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can move to preserve evidence and make sure your rights are protected, so call us right away if you need help.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.