What you need to know about car accidents and TBI

A common injury that results from car accidents is a traumatic brain injury. Per data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2006-2010, car accidents ranked third in the causes of TBI and second for deaths related to TBI. The same data indicates car accidents were the leading cause of TBI-related deaths in children and adults from age five to 24 years. Adolescents and adults from age 15 to 44 years were hospitalized the most from car accidents causing TBI. Learn more about TBI following a car accident.

Overlooked symptoms

Many victims in a car accident do not realize the extent of their injuries. Signs of TBI can take days, weeks or months to surface more prominently. Symptoms of mild TBI that should not be ignored include:

• Coordination difficulties

• Sudden mood changes

• Excessive sleep

• Increased depression

• Nausea

• Memory loss

• Trouble forming sentences

• Violent outbursts

• Seizures

• Sensory problems

Mild TBI generally occurs if consciousness is lost for 30 minutes or less after a car accident. Symptoms can last for over a year.

Worse symptoms

Moderate to severe TBI may involve some symptoms listed above along with the following:

• Persistent or worsening headache

• Repeated vomiting

• Trouble waking up

• Slurred speech

• Loss of consciousness for over an hour

• Enlarged pupil

• Severe convulsions

• Clear fluid draining from ears

Even those with moderate or severe TBI may not immediately notice symptoms. If you suffered a significant impact to your head during an accident, it is smart to speak with your doctor and get an evaluation even if you assume you do not have a significant injury.

Proceeding with a claim

Although TBI is not physically noticeable, the effects are serious. If you are suffering from a TBI from a car accident, make sure you are maintaining medical records and taking notes of how the injury is affecting your daily life. Consulting a personal injury attorney will help you seek monetary compensation for medical visits, lost income and pain from your injury.

Whether you recently got in a car accident that involved an impact to your head or you are just noticing symptoms months after, it is important to get a medical evaluation and legal consultation. These discussions will help you know if there was any negligence associated with your injury or if a settlement can be accomplished. Whether you are dealing with mild or severe symptoms, make sure you are acting to get the best treatment and compensation for your traumatic brain injury.