Did Your Car Accident Cause A TBI?

A car accident can be scary and overwhelming. In the aftermath of the accident, you may feel fine and be ready to go home without seeking medical attention. 

You should avoid doing this. Hidden injuries can occur and take hours, days or longer to appear. One of the more serious is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Along with getting a medical evaluation after an accident, learning some signs of an accident-caused TBI is beneficial. 

How do TBIs in a car accident occur?

TBIs can occur when your body is suddenly and violently bumped, struck or jolted. They can also occur if your skull is penetrated. With a penetrating injury, it is evident that medical care is needed. If there are no physical signs of an injury, it can be more challenging to tell if you have experienced a TBI. 

You can experience physical, mental and emotional symptoms when you experience a TBI. For example:

• Physical symptoms: Dizziness, balance issues, headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, ringing in the ears change to your sense of smell
• Mental symptoms: Issues with attention and concentration, feeling “foggy” and memory issues
• Emotional symptoms: Nervousness, anxiety, sadness, mood swings and depression

Some of these symptoms can come on slowly, even days after a wreck.

Don’t wait to seek medical treatment

You should seek medical attention immediately if you hit your head on something in a car accident. Concussions, which are considered a mild TBI can occur with minimal impact and force. If you wait for a medical evaluation, the injury may worsen and cause more issues. 

Also, if you wait to seek medical treatment, the insurance company for the at-fault party may claim you were not injured in the accident, making it challenging to recover compensation.