Getting into a truck accident is a traumatic experience for anyone involved. Unfortunately, it can be even more devastating if the injuries sustained don’t show up until after the crash. Delayed injuries are common in truck accidents and can be difficult to diagnose because they take so long to manifest. This guide will provide an overview of delayed injuries, how they differ from immediate injuries, how they may affect you, and why it’s important to hire a truck accident attorney to get compensation for your medical costs.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
The most common injury from a truck accident is head trauma, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. Whiplash is also a very common injury resulting from a truck accident due to the force with which the impact occurs. Other common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
These can all have long-term consequences if they are not treated properly and quickly.
Delayed Injuries After Truck Accidents
Delayed injuries are often caused by trauma during the crash but don’t show up until days or weeks later. These types of injuries can include:
- TBIs
- Cervical Sprain/Strain Injuries
- Cardiac Events
While some of these symptoms may appear shortly after an accident, they could also take days or weeks. It’s essential to be vigilant about any changes in your physical or mental health following a truck accident so that you can seek treatment immediately if necessary.
TBIs
TBIs can range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. Those afflicted with delayed TBI feel sluggishness, lapses in memory, and mood swings as late as days and weeks after the accident.
If you feel any of these symptoms or experience other abnormal indicators that could be associated with delayed TBI after a truck accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life in the future.
Cervical Sprain/Strain Injuries
Delayed cervical strain/sprain injuries are caused when the force and impact of an accident disrupt the cervical discs and vertebrae, resulting in damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the neck. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent pain
- Stiffness
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Difficulty sleeping
It is important for those who experience any of these symptoms after a truck accident to get checked out by a medical professional right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control pain levels while avoiding further damage.
Cardiac Events
Following a truck accident, it is not uncommon to experience delayed cardiac injuries such as a stroke or cardiac arrest. In particular, individuals may need ongoing medical attention due to the delayed effects of a truck accident on their cardiovascular system. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Numbness in the extremities
Early detection of potential complications will help with pre-emptive treatment and reduce future long-term consequences for an individual’s health and well-being.
Common Delayed Symptoms
According to Reid Physicians Group, delayed symptoms after an accident that typically indicate an underlying delayed injury include the following:
- Headaches
- Blurry vision or dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty remembering things or problems concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Swelling
- Back or shoulder pain
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness in your hands or feet
- Reduced range of motion
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a truck accident to identify and treat any potential delayed injuries. Additionally, having medical records available will help if you decide to pursue a claim against the responsible party later down the road.
Hiring A Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can cause devastating physical and emotional harm to those involved. It is important to understand common and delayed injuries that can occur in a truck accident to ensure you get the necessary medical care right away.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big truck crash in Louisiana, one of our experienced truck accident attorneys at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.
Contact us online or call us at (225) 999-1111 to schedule an appointment with our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Baton Rouge today.