Car Accidents Contribute to Most Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car Accidents Contribute to Most Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
When patients receive a direct brain injury during an automobile crash, they generally experience symptoms – such as loss of consciousness or coma – that can easily be observed or discovered through neurological tests. Indirect injuries are not as easy to evaluate because obvious TBI symptoms may not occur for several days – or even years – after the injury occurs.
Symptoms include memory problems, depression, moodiness, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, balance problems and sleep disorders.
Although it isn’t always possible to tell if a TBI is serious, certain symptoms tend to be present. If a person experiences a headache that won’t go away, convulsions and seizures, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, numbness in the extremities, a loss of coordination, dilated pupils, restlessness or an inability to wake up.
The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs can be devastating because of their effects. Almost half of all individuals suffering a severe TBI will need surgery to repair the damage. TBIs can lead to long-term disabilities including problems with cognition, sensory processing, communication and even mental health.
The behavior changes associated with a change in a person’s mental health can be especially difficult for both the person injured and their families. A person with a TBI can suffer from long-term anxiety, depression or a change in personality. In addition, a TBI can cause a person to become more aggressive, either acting out or behaving in socially inappropriate ways.
Know Your Rights
In addition to the physical and emotional challenges associated with TBI, the medical and indirect costs can be staggering. The CDC estimated these costs exceeded $76 billion in 2000. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury because of a truck or car accident, you may be entitled to damages from the other driver. Before agreeing to anything with your insurer, you should speak with an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney who can advise you of your options.