The day that another driver ran a red light and slammed into the side of your vehicle in the intersection is likely a day in your life you’d rather forget. However, the injuries you suffered as a result of the other Delaware driver’s negligence are no doubt a constant reminder that an otherwise uneventful day turned into an urgent situation. It is likely that once both vehicles came to a halt, you felt a bit shaken and scared but didn’t think you suffered any serious injuries.
You hopefully went to the hospital so a physician could examine you anyway, which is always best to do after a collision. Even after the doctor says it’s okay for you to go home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of the woods regarding possible injuries, especially if symptoms develop in the hours or days that follow the incident.
Issues that warrant further medical attention
The adrenaline that kicks in during a crisis can actually mask symptoms of illness or injury. If you notice any of the issues included in the list that follows, it’s a sign that you may have an injury that wasn’t immediately apparent after your collision:
- Dizziness, nausea or headache
- Neck pain, facial or jaw pain, or other upper body discomfort
- Mental confusion or trouble forming coherent thoughts
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Sudden, drastic mood swings
- Trouble walking straight
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Passing out
- Vomiting
There are other symptoms that can signify a serious injury after a collision as well. All of the issues listed here are definite signs that you may have a traumatic brain injury. It’s critical to make doctors aware that you were recently involved in a collision if you experience any of these post-accident symptoms.
Recovery time varies
TBI can be minor, moderate or severe. Even a minor brain injury can greatly impede your ability to function on a daily basis. More severe injuries might have lasting, even permanent, consequences. Your scope of recovery likely hinges upon several factors, including the type of support network you have in place.
Who pays the bills while you recover from TBI?
It’s logical to assume that you would be unable to return to the workplace, either temporarily or permanently, after suffering a brain injury in a car accident. In the meantime, you still have to put food on your table and pay medical bills and other expenses associated with the incident that resulted in your injury.
Many Delaware accident victims are able to offset expenses such as medical bills or replace lost wages by seeking financial recovery in court against those deemed responsible for their injuries.