The signs of a brain injury after an auto accident include loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and fatigue, among other side effects. Not all victims of car crashes experience the same type of brain injuries.
There’s a lot of variance, and sometimes, people walk away from collisions unscathed. But if you sustain a brain injury, your symptoms can range from mild to serious depending on the location and the severity of the damage that caused your injuries in the first place.
For more information about what to do after sustaining a brain injury in an auto accident, contact a Charlotte traumatic brain injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Auto Accidents
Brain injuries can arise from a number of circumstances during an auto accident. It’s important to understand the different scenarios that can lead to injuries like these, both so you can prevent them from happening in the future and you can identify what could have caused it this time.
The reason behind the crash can influence the settlement in your case. That’s why your lawyer will focus on figuring out what and who caused the collision in the first place. For now, here are some of the more common causes of auto-related brain injuries:
- Direct impact: This is when someone’s head strikes hard surfaces inside the car, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows.
- Whiplash: This involves the rapid forward-and-back motion of the head and neck. This can cause brain damage as the brain collides with the inside of the skull.
- Penetrating injuries: These are caused when debris from the collision penetrates the skull and causes severe damage to the brain.
- Shaking injuries: These can occur in cases of extreme vehicle motion. They may lead to brain damage even without any visible external trauma to the head.
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What are the Immediate Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
Some signs of a traumatic brain injury can become apparent almost immediately after an accident. These symptoms can include a loss of consciousness, even if it’s just for a few seconds. Losing consciousness is a key warning sign of a possible brain injury.
Severe headaches are another common symptom. They are often persistent, and it’s not uncommon for them to worsen over time. Nausea or vomiting may also arise as a result of disruptions in brain function. Confusion or memory loss is typical as well.
If someone seems dazed or unable to recall what happened, this is cause for concern. Also, look out for difficulty speaking or understanding language, which might indicate a brain injury.
Delayed Symptoms You Should Monitor After Getting in an Accident
There are many different categories and types of brain injury symptoms. However, it’s also true that brain injuries do not always present symptoms immediately. Some signs can be delayed, appearing hours or even days after the accident:
- Cognitive changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hard time remembering information
- Mood swings
- Sudden irritability
- Emotional instability
- Fatigue despite adequate rest
- Sensory sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
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Severe Brain Injury Symptoms that Require Immediate Attention
Sometimes, victims of brain injuries end up facing life-threatening symptoms. If any of these side effects arise, immediate medical evaluation is likely required:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Dilated pupils caused by brain swelling
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty walking or maintaining a steady position
- Slurred speech
- Trouble articulating your thoughts
- Prolonged unconsciousness
If any of these symptoms are present, we encourage you to seek out immediate medical attention. The sooner professionals see, diagnose, and treat you, the less likely you are to experience long-term damage.
Additionally, if someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer in your area. This is an advisable approach for those who wish to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
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Contact Our Charlotte Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm for Legal Representation as an Auto Accident Victim
Recognizing the signs of a brain injury after an auto accident is an important part of maximizing your chances of recovery—both physically and financially. At DeMayo Law Offices, we can tackle the legal side of things while you focus on healing from your injuries.
We believe in People Over Profits™, and if insurance providers push you to agree to a low settlement offer, you can lean on us. We’re here to protect your rights and advocate for a fair compensation package in the face of insurance providers who might try to pressure you.
With over 250 years of combined experience, we have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for 125,000 people and counting. As Your North Carolina Law Firm™, we’re here for you. Contact our law firm today to learn more about us and what we can do for your case.
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