Recognizing Signs of TBI After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a life-changing event for many reasons. One of the most tragic outcomes from such an accident is that you sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This serious condition can happen even in a collision that doesn’t seem severe enough to cause any health concerns.

A TBI isn’t always immediately apparent. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury can develop over hours, days, or even weeks, which makes a TBI particularly dangerous. The longer a TBI goes without being diagnosed and treated, the harder it is to recover. A TBI can worsen over time, which can lead to long-term complications that can affect the injured person’s ability to process information and even their physical and mental capabilities.

It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a TBI and seek medical attention to improve your outcome and prevent any further damage from occurring. If you suspect you have a TBI after a car accident, consult your healthcare professional immediately, even if you think the symptoms are mild. And right after that, call Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney. If someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused your traumatic injury in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI is usually caused by an external force, such as a violent jolt or blow to the head or body or from an object entering the brain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are two kinds of TBI. The first is a penetrating TBI, which happens when an object pierces the skull and brain. The second is a non-penetrating TBI, which occurs when an applied force is strong enough to move the brain inside the skull. Both of these can lead to varying degrees of injury, from a mild traumatic brain injury (such as a concussion) to a severe traumatic brain injury and life-threatening conditions.

Although brain injuries can happen anywhere, motor vehicle crashes are a common cause of these injuries. Tragically, a severe car accident resulting in TBI is a common reality that many people face. Even if you think the car accident you were in was minor, you may still face significant injury to your brain due to the impact. It is possible that the force of the collision caused your brain to move around in your skull. According to the Centers for Disease Control, TBI is a major cause of disability death. For this reason, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you might have sustained a TBI.

Common Symptoms of TBI After a Car Accident

If it’s possible you might have developed a TBI from a car accident, you should seek immediate care. There are common symptoms you should look for and be aware of:

• Physical Symptoms: For a mild TBI, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness. For a moderate or severe TBI, you could be suffering from a persistent headache. You could also experience sensitivity to light and noise and blurred or missing vision.
• Cognitive Symptoms: After a blunt TBI, you could experience bouts of confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating and thinking.
• Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety or depression can also be psychological symptoms of an injury to the brain.
• Behavioral Symptoms: If you experience personality changes after a car accident, such as a lack of impulse control and difficulty with coordination, you may be experiencing a TBI.

Children may suffer similar symptoms as adult victims of TBI, but they could have difficulty communicating this information to their parents and other care providers. Look for changes in eating or nursing habits, changes in sleep patterns, persistent crying, loss of interest in favorite activities, and other unusual behavior after a head injury that may indicate a TBI.

A TBI can manifest in many different ways with many other types of symptoms. Even if you are experiencing something not listed here, you should tell your primary care physician immediately.

How Long After a Car Accident Do TBI Symptoms Manifest?

TBI injuries from a car accident do not always appear immediately, which makes them dangerous. Some signs, such as vomiting, nausea, lost consciousness, and blurred vision, appear immediately. These signs are typically associated with a concussion and often become apparent immediately after the car accident. They are usually treated promptly.

However, there are also delayed signs. These can occur a few weeks or months after a car accident, long after your other physical symptoms have been resolved. Signs to look out for in the months after an accident include loss of memory or trouble thinking and concentrating the way you used to. You should also monitor any behavioral and emotional changes, as these can also be delayed symptoms.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment After a Car Crash

A brain injury can develop slowly, but a medical professional can detect signs of a TBI and treat them before the symptoms appear, reducing the effects the injury might have on your life. When you seek medical care, a healthcare professional can complete a medical evaluation, ask about your brain injury symptoms, review the presence of any risk factors, and order tests like a CT scan to help diagnose your condition and build a treatment plan.

You should see your doctor or visit an urgent care facility immediately after a car crash to minimize the possibility of serious injury. Long-term effects of a TBI can include:

• Chronic headaches
• Memory problems
• Permanent brain damage
• Cognitive impairment
• Decline of brain function
• Physical impairment

If you have a TBI as a result of a car crash, these long-term effects can cause loss of income and additional medical expenses. Because of this, it is vital to have your injury medically documented as early as possible to provide supporting evidence if you decide to file a personal injury case.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

If you are suffering from a car accident TBI, we can help you. Scott C. Gotlieb, Injury Law Attorney has extensive experience with personal injury cases that include injuries like a TBI. Scott C. Gottlieb understands that every case is unique, and he will take the time to understand your circumstances and provide you with the legal support you need. When you hire him, he will:

• Investigate your accident to determine the identities of all potentially liable parties
• Coordinate with your doctors for treatment updates and medical records
• File claims with the insurer of the at-fault party and assist with no-fault insurance claims for medical expenses and lost wage benefits
• Negotiate for the compensation you deserve, including present and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Take your case to court if the insurance company won’t offer an appropriate settlement

Scott C. Gottlieb can determine the party liable for your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve for the TBI you suffered and its effects on your life. He is prepared to fight for your compensation through negotiations, mediation, or litigation. Don’t fight this battle alone. Contact Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney today. Let us guide you through the legal process.