What to Know About Brain Injuries After Car Accidents

November 2, 2023 Brain Injury,Car Accidents

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, particularly when it involves a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries, often resulting in permanent and lifelong impairments, can arise from the significant force exerted during a collision.

Early detection and treatment can significantly influence your chances of recovery. If you are involved in a car accident, here is what you need to know about the nature and extent of brain injuries from a Las Vegas brain injury lawyer.

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident

TBIs are particularly dangerous due to the subtlety of their symptoms. Many people do not notice any signs of brain damage for hours or even days after the initial event, but without treatment, the consequences can be life-threatening.

If you develop a mild TBI, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Speech changes
  • Dizziness
  • Balance loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Sensory changes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Memory lapses
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Concentration difficulties

Moderate to severe brain injuries can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Speech changes
  • Dizziness
  • Balance loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Sensory changes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Memory lapses
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Concentration difficulties

Different Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Collisions

Car accidents can result in a range of brain injuries, each with unique characteristics and risks. Generally, medical professionals classify brain damage into two categories: open head injuries and closed head injuries.

  • Open Head Injuries: These occur when the skull is fractured, leading to direct brain trauma. This type of injury often looks severe due to significant bleeding. Open head injuries are medical emergencies that require immediate attention to prevent complications like swelling and infection.
  • Closed Head Injuries: More deceptive and potentially dangerous, closed head injuries occur inside the skull. They can be caused by blunt force impacts or even by the violent shaking of the head during a collision. Symptoms of closed head injuries can be immediately apparent or delayed for hours or days after the incident.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Can Affect Your Life

Brain injuries can have lasting and profound impacts that can affect every aspect of your life. Physically, you might experience chronic headaches, dizziness, or even permanent cognitive impairment. These symptoms can hinder your day-to-day life, affecting work and routine activities. TBIs often result in difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving, making it challenging to maintain employment or manage daily tasks.

Emotionally, you are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and mood swings, impacting your personal relationships and overall well-being. The cost of ongoing medical care, potential job loss, and the need for rehabilitation can be substantial, placing a significant financial burden on you and your family.

Pursuing Legal Action After a Nevada Car Crash

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a car crash in Nevada, you have legal options available to you. By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver responsible for the crash, you can recover financial compensation to help pay for your medical care, property damage, and other losses.

Seeking the advice of a Las Vegas car accident attorney can be a critical step in securing the compensation that you deserve. After seeking medical care for your brain injury, contact a lawyer as soon as possible and learn more about the legal process.