Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be a common side effect of an auto accident. According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injuries can be mild, with temporary affects to the brain cells, or it can be more severe, with the potential for life-long complications or even death.
When brain injuries are sustained as a result of a car accident, the severity of the injury may not be immediately apparent. For this reason, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after a car accident, even if you suspect your injuries may not be severe.
How Does an Auto Accident Cause TBI?
While there are a variety of ways a car accident can cause traumatic brain injury, it’s important to note the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also cite vehicle collisions and automobile-related injuries as the third most-common cause of traumatic brain injury across all age groups.
This can occur when a driver or passenger’s head strikes the windshield in the aftermath of a collision, for instance, or when the driver’s head strikes the steering wheel. The force generated by a collision, especially at high speeds, can cause bleeding or bruising to the brain, concussion or other injuries of varying severity. Likewise, ejection from the vehicle after an accident can expose passengers and drivers alike to a high risk for brain injury. For pedestrians struck by vehicles, there are even more ways to sustain a TBI.
Seeking Treatment for Suspected TBI
It’s best to seek immediate medical treatment after any accident, but it’s especially vital if you’re concerned about trauma to the face and head. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, evaluation by a doctor is imperative:
- Loss of coordination or difficulty balancing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Slowed response time, difficulty thinking or confusion
- Uneven or dilated pupils
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Numbness in the extremities
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Agitation or personality changes
- Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
What to Do After Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury in an Auto Accident
Obtaining prompt treatment after a serious head injury can save your life – but it can also be expensive. No one expects to be involved in a car accident, or to find themselves with a potentially severe injury and the resulting hospital bills to show for the experience.
When you’re dealing with the justifiably frightening experience of a TBI, you need legal support from an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Martin Gasparian at the Maison Law Firm may be able to help you maintain your quality of life while accessing the care you need through a difficult time. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact us today to find the support you need to fight for your rights as an injured party.
