In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, physical injuries such as broken bones, bruises and lacerations, and burns are the most obvious and probably receive the most attention from medical professionals and care givers. There is another injury that should receive attention when the accident has resulted in impact of the head with steering wheel, dashboard, windshields, side windows, headrests, air bags, and other interior surfaces. Even a jarring of the head without contact to another object, such as in a rear end collision, may leave a less obvious injury to the brain.
This is why it is so important to seek medical treatment after a car accident even if there don’t seem to be obvious injuries which may require immediate transport to a medical facility. Brain Injuries can cause side effects which can lead to permanent health conditions and even death.
Symptoms of Brain Injury
It is important in the aftermath of a car accident to watch for signs of brain injury. These symptoms may appear immediately or may take days to weeks to develop. It is important that medical providers watch for signs of brain injury which include:
- State of being dazed, confused or disoriented
- Loss of consciousness (ranges from fainting to coma)
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Problems with Speech
- Changes in sleep patterns: either inability to sleep or sleeping longer than normal
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Concentration Problems
- Mood Changes
- Depression
- Seizures
- Dilation of one or both eyes
- Weakness or numbness is fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Profound Confusion
- Agitation or other unusual behavior
- Slurred Speech
Many of the symptoms of a minor brain injury are more difficult to identify than a more severe brain injury. This is why its important to have a medical exam shortly after an accident to rule out the possibility of brain injury.
The importance of identifying brain injury as soon as possible after an accident
Negligent drivers are responsible for the injuries sustained by their victims even if the injuries or their effects, are not immediately apparent. Recognition and medical treatment of a condition with long term consequences, such as Traumatic Brain Injury, after an accident will create a link between the accident and the injury.
Attempting to obtain medical care for an injury which was not identified in an accident claim may result in serious financial consequences for the victim later, when the effects of the injury become more apparent. Having a medical professional recognize the symptoms and treat such conditions in the aftermath of an accident will strengthen the personal injury claim against the responsible party.
The Richard Harris Law Firm represents drivers who sustained brain injuries
The brain injury lawyers of the Richard Harris Law Firm will assist our clients to recover all compensation they are due after a car accident. If you were injured due to a car accident which was caused by a negligent driver our lawyers are dedicated to obtaining the medical care and compensation you deserve. Call our office today to discuss your potential case at (702) 444-4444.
Learn More:
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/08/tracking-symptoms-after-brain-injury
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
