Signs Of A Traumatic Brain Injury After A Car Accident

A car accident can wreak havoc on your life. Not only might you face significant amounts of physical pain, but it can destroy your car and your finances. You may be left unable to work, and if the crash is severe enough, you may find yourself facing a lifetime of medical care. As a car accident lawyer in San Francisco might explain to you, one of the most catastrophic injuries people suffer in car crashes is a traumatic brain injury. Damage to the brain can be temporary, or it can be deadly. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of a TBI, so you are better able to help yourself or a loved one after a crash. 

If you suffered from a TBI or other brain injury after a collision, please call a San Francisco car accident lawyer now. 

How a Crash Causes a TBI

During a collision, the body can be violently jerked back and forth. If the force of impact is higher, the body is put under more significant strain while inside the vehicle. You may hit various parts of your body on the window, steering wheel, dash , and headliner. You may even impact other people in the car, depending on where you’re sitting.

Your skull is built to withstand a significant impact, but it can still be compromised with enough force. A concussion is a fairly common injury in a car accident. However, the head does not have to contact a hard surface for the brain to get injured. The sheer force of the crash may be enough to rattle the brain in the skull, forcing it to hit the skull. It can bruise or bleed, and if this happens, you may not have any physical indicators of a head injury. These are the brain injuries you should be concerned about, for if left unchecked, they can lead to more serious health issues. As a car accident lawyer in San Francisco may tell you, seeking medical attention is very important after a car accident. 

Physical Symptoms

In the hours and days following an accident, play close attention to your body. If you have a headache that gets worse instead of better, or suddenly feel exhausted after a full night’s sleep, you may have a traumatic brain injury. Other physical indicators of a problem with the brain are nausea or vomiting, ringing ears, dizziness, and slurred speech. In general, if you are exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, or something else that doesn’t seem right, please get medical attention. After you have sought treatment, you may consider speaking with a car accident lawyer in San Francisco. 

Behavior May Start To Change

Physical changes aren’t the only thing to be watching. Behavioral changes can often come on quickly after a brain injury. Depending on what part of the brain is impacted, someone who is ordinarily outgoing and happy may suddenly become moody, sullen, or  angry. Significant swings between sadness and happiness, along with inappropriate laughter, may point to a problem with the brain. 

A traumatic brain injury is serious, and can be included in a personal injury claim. To ensure that you are taken care of, it is best to seek medical help immediately following an accident of any kind. Consult with our San Francisco car accident lawyer for further advice.