Unfortunately, car accidents often result in injury. But sometimes, your injuries might not be apparent to you from the outside.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common types of injuries that can occur after a car accident. A TBI happens after a sudden jolt or blow to your head, an all-too frequent occurrence in car crashes. The most recent statistics show that over 380,000 car accident injuries are TBI-related.
How can I identify a TBI?
A TBI can have both short-term and long-term consequences. Injuries such as concussions may only last a few weeks. But TBIs can also lead to mental or physical disability and sometimes even death. So, it’s important to know what to look for so that you can get help as soon as possible.
Immediately after your accident, keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness immediately after accident
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Feelings of disorientation and confusion
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping too much
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Ringing in the ears
- Mood changes
- Memory problems
- Trouble focusing
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
TBIs may have delayed symptoms
Knowing what to look for immediately after your accident can help you catch a TBI in its tracks and get treatment as soon as possible. However, sometimes the symptoms of a TBI don’t show up until days, weeks or even months after your accident.
Because of these potential delayed symptoms, you might not attribute your pain or discomfort to your recent car crash. But it’s important not to write off a seemingly simple headache as unrelated to your accident. If you do, you may not be eligible to receive compensation to cover the cost of your injuries.
Seeking compensation
Sustaining a TBI can be costly. You might face expensive medical bills from treatments, medications or surgeries. Permanent brain damage might even require continuous treatment. It’s important to seek compensation for a TBI so that you have the support you need to recover during this difficult time.
If you notice any symptoms of a TBI in yourself or a loved one, the time to seek help is now.