What Are the Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident?

 Posted on April 16,2020 in Personal Injury

Each year, millions of traffic crashes occur in the United States. While most of these collisions end up only causing property damage, there are millions of car accidents that end up causing extensive injuries, or they may even result in death. According to the latest information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 35,000 traffic fatalities in 2018, with more than 2.7 million people injured from crashes in the same year. Some of the most common injuries stemming from traffic accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can be severe. If you have suffered a brain injury in a traffic accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your options for seeking compensation.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person suffers a violent blow or jolt to the brain. TBIs can also be caused by an object penetrating the brain tissue, such as a bullet. The Mayo Clinic states that traumatic brain injuries are often a result of car accidents, although the severity of the injury varies depending on the circumstances of the crash. For example, the use of a seat belt, objects that struck a person's head in a collision, and the speed of the vehicle can all affect the degree of injury.

Symptoms of TBIs

The signs of a TBI can manifest in a wide range of physical and psychological ways. The conditions experienced are related to the severity of the TBI, with more severe injuries resulting in more severe symptoms. For many mild TBIs, symptoms may include:

• Headaches

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Fatigue and/or dizziness

• Difficulty sleeping or a change in sleeping patterns

• Sensitivity to light and/or sound

• Memory or concentration problems

• Mood swings

More severe TBIs can show symptoms such as:

• Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours

• Persistent headache or a headache that worsens

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Dilation of one or both pupils

• Seizures

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

For most people, these symptoms will go away after their brain has had time to heal. For others, complications could arise. Sometimes, a TBI can cause altered consciousness or a coma. A TBI could also cause chronic seizures, chronic headaches, vertigo, and even altered senses (taste, smell, hearing) in certain cases.

Contact a Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury after being involved in a vehicle collision, it is critical that you seek medical attention. Your next step should be to speak with a skilled DuPage County car accident attorney as soon as possible. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we are here to help you fight for your rightful compensation. We will determine liability for your crash and hold the negligent party accountable. Do not hesitate; call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.