Collisions between small passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks are a leading cause of brain injury. Since these trucks are taller and heavier than small vehicles, they typically pose more injury risks if an accident occurs.
Most conversations about brain injuries center on severe trauma and lifelong disability. However, if you suffered only a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a truck accident, don’t assume it won’t impact your day-to-day life.
Problems with cognition
Cognition is merely the process of obtaining knowledge and understanding through experience, thought and the human senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.). In severe brain injuries, loss of cognitive ability is always a concern, but mild brain injuries can also interfere with cognition. Symptoms include:
- Problems paying attention and processing new information
- Trouble planning and making decisions
- Problems with short-term memory
- Trouble learning new things
These symptoms are not generally debilitating but can threaten your job performance and quality of life.
Problems with mood
When an mTBI damages the part of the brain that controls feelings, it affects moods and emotions. Victims may find it hard to manage frustration and anger, or they might go from one mood to another very quickly. Mild brain injuries also cause depression and anxiety in most patients.
Physical problems
Most truck accident victims with mild brain damage suffer from severe headaches on a long-term basis. Other ways an mTBI can impact you physically include trouble with sleep patterns, light sensitivity and dizziness.
Like most, you want your accident settlement right away. We recommend a thorough medical exam to rule out or confirm a brain injury before you complete your claim. That way, you ensure your truck accident settlement addresses all the harm you suffered under the injury compensation laws in New Jersey.
