A car accident can change your life in many ways, especially if your injuries are severe. Some injuries, like some types of brain trauma, can cause difficulties for victims that may last for months or even permanently. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious car accident injuries, and if you are suffering from a TBI, you may require ongoing medical support and specialized care.
A TBI is not always immediately noticeable, or the severity of an impact on the brain may not be immediately evident. These injuries can quickly worsen, and what may seem like a minor concussion may quickly become a serious medical emergency. TBIs are complex and unpredictable, and it is essential for you to have adequate care so that you can hopefully mitigate some of these effects of this type of injury.
Signs of a TBI
TBIs can be different for each person. The way it affects you depends on the force of the impact, the location of the injury, and your health at the time of the accident, as well as other factors. According to the CDC, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations and over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States annually, with motor vehicle crashes accounting for approximately 25% of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Recognizing the symptoms early can be critical to your recovery. Some of the most common signs of a TBI include the following:
- Continued fatigue or drowsiness
- Inability to concentrate
- Trouble with speech and processing conversation
- Ongoing dizziness and trouble balancing
- Persistent headaches or migraines
These are the physical signs that you suffered a TBI. You may find this injury also affects your senses, and you may experience the following issues:
- Oversensitivity to light
- Difficulty handling noise
- Lingering bad taste in your mouth
- Changes in your sense of smell
- Blurred or double vision
Changes in Cognition and Behavior
You may find you are experiencing changes in your cognitive function as well. These things can worsen in the days following an impact to the head in a car accident, and it’s important to be aware of these signs as they can indicate a more serious type of brain injury than you originally thought you had. Cognitive symptoms may include memory problems, confusion, difficulty making decisions, and trouble organizing thoughts. Symptoms and side effects from any type of TBI can last for months, and some victims may find they struggle for years after an accident.
In addition to cognitive changes, brain injuries can affect mood and behavior. You may notice increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or emotional outbursts that seem out of character. These psychological effects are just as real as physical symptoms and should be taken seriously when seeking medical evaluation and treatment.
Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident and experienced any impact to your head, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Brain injuries do not always present symptoms right away, and delayed diagnosis can lead to complications. A healthcare professional can perform the necessary tests and imaging to determine whether you have sustained a traumatic brain injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
How a Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
If your TBI was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing care needs. A car accident brain injury lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, work with medical experts, and advocate for your rights. Brain injury cases often involve substantial damages due to the long-term nature of these injuries, and having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
