When you merge onto I-70, you probably do not think much about being in an automobile accident. After all, you drive safe. Automobile collisions on West Virginia’s roadways are more common than you probably think, though. Eventually, you may find yourself in the middle of one.
Automobile accidents can wreak havoc on the human body. If you break a bone or burn your skin, you understand the importance of seeking emergency medical care. There is, however, one injury that can hide for hours, days or weeks after a car wreck. If you sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a collision, you must act quickly to protect your health and assert your legal right to receive compensation for your injury.
What is a TBI?
According to the Mayo Clinic, TBIs occur when the brain moves inside the skull then the skull stops and the brain continues to move and smashes into the skull. In an automobile accident, you may sustain a TBI in one of two ways. First, you may bump your head on your car’s seat, steering wheel or windshield. Or, your head may move forward or backward rapidly without hitting anything. Either way, following an accident, you must watch for signs of a TBI.
What are the symptoms of a TBI?
As mentioned, the symptoms of a TBI may not appear immediately. In fact, you may not realize you have a TBI until well after the accident. To be sure you receive effective medical care, you must pay attention to your body. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a TBI:
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness-getting knocked out
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light
- Mood swings
- Problems concentrating
- Unusual fatigue
- Nausea
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Perception problems
- Memory loss and problems concentrating
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
You should understand that not all individuals with a TBI exhibit the same symptoms. Therefore, if you do not feel like your normal self, you should ask a doctor to determine if your car accident may have caused an injury to your head, neck or brain.
Your brain is arguably the most important part of you. If your brain does not function normally, you may have a considerable decline in your overall quality of life. By understanding TBIs and watching for their symptoms, you can better advocate for your overall health after a car crash.
