Car accidents can cause devastating injuries, with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) being among the most serious consequences. Knowing how to recognize the signs of TBI after a car accident is crucial for ensuring proper medical care and protecting legal rights.

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Due to its complexity and fragility, the human brain can be harmed by even seemingly insignificant mishaps. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain moves quickly inside the skull due to an outside force, which may result in brain tissue ripping, bleeding, or bruising. In car accidents, this typically happens when the head is suddenly jolted or strikes an object, causing the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. 

From minor concussions to serious injuries that cause permanent impairment or disability, these injuries can vary widely. Early symptom recognition can mean the difference between long-term effects and a full recovery.

Immediate Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

One of the most difficult ailments to heal from following a vehicle accident is a traumatic brain injury. Some of its symptoms are ones you may notice on your own, while others may be more obvious to your friends and family. Look out for these early signs of a traumatic brain injury:

Physical Symptoms

The most common immediate physical symptoms of TBI include:

• Headache and nausea
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Problems with speech
• Blurred vision.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms that may appear immediately include:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or mood swings.

Delayed Symptoms

Some TBI symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident. These delayed symptoms can include:

• Persistent headaches that worsen over time
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Depression or anxiety
• Difficulty with concentration and memory.

Severity Levels of Traumatic Brain Injury

Common Symptoms of Mild TBI

Mild TBI, often called a concussion, may cause:

• Temporary confusion
• Headache and dizziness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in vision, taste, or smell
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Memory lapses
• Mood changes
• Depression or anxiety
• Sleep issues such as trouble sleeping or sleeping more often
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of balance
• Tinnitus (ringing ears).

In many cases, minor head trauma may heal on its own. However, mild TBI symptoms may indicate a more serious issue if they don’t alleviate after a few days or if more signs appear over time. It’s best to get checked by a doctor the moment you suspect a brain injury.

Moderate to Severe TBI Symptoms

More serious cases can result in:

• Extended loss of consciousness
• Persistent headache
• Repeated or persistent vomiting and nausea
• Seizures
• Clear fluid draining from ears or nose
• Profound confusion
• Slurred speech
• Ongoing or worsening headache
• Pupil dilation
• Clear fluid drainage from the ears or nose
• Difficulty waking from sleep
• Numbness and weakness of the fingers and toes
• Coordination challenges
• Severe or extreme confusion
• Unusual changes in behavior
• Agitated or combative behavior
• Coma or another consciousness disorder.

Special Considerations for Children

Children with head injuries may not be able to communicate their symptoms clearly. Parents and caregivers should watch for:

• Changes in eating or nursing habits
• Unusual irritability
• Persistent crying
• Changes in attention span
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in favorite activities.

Long-Term Effects of TBI

Serious TBIs can lead to long-term complications including:

• Cognitive difficulties
• Communication problems
• Behavioral changes
• Emotional challenges
• Physical disabilities.

What to Do If You Think You May Have Sustained Traumatic Brain Injury

You should always treat a traumatic brain injury as an emergency. After a car accident, first responders are trained to evaluate you for brain damage because severe TBIs can develop if left untreated.

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a 15-point test used by doctors and other medical professionals to assess whether a brain injury has occurred and the potential severity of the damage. The severity of the brain injury decreases as the score increases.

If any TBI symptoms appear after a car accident. Medical professionals may use:

• CT scans
• MRI imaging
• Neurological examinations
• Cognitive testing.

In addition to being essential to your recuperation, getting medical assistance can demonstrate the severity of your post-crash TBI. Your auto accident claim will then be strengthened as a result.

What to Anticipate Following a TBI diagnosis

The extent of your brain damage and how much it impairs your cognitive and physical abilities will determine your quality of life and the course of your medical care.

Mild to moderate TBI might not have extensive effects on your health. However, you should still have a family member keep an eye on you at home in case your symptoms intensify or become persistent. You might miss important workdays and still need time to recover.

Hospital monitoring is necessary for more severe TBIs to ensure adequate blood and oxygen reach the brain and prevent additional damage. Brain hemorrhage, inflammation, or low oxygen levels may require immediate surgery or treatment with anti-seizure medications, induced coma, or diuretics to stop the damage.

If you sustained severe brain injury, you might not be able to walk, talk coherently, or carry out other essential everyday tasks. You will probably begin rehabilitation to retrain your brain to do everyday activities like walking and talking once your traumatic brain injury has stabilized.

Every aspect of your life is impacted by traumatic brain injury. With escalating medical bills and uncertainty about when and whether life will return to “normal,” you and your family may face a challenging future. Establishing a schedule, controlling expectations, and joining a support group can all be beneficial.

Legal Considerations For TBI From An Accident

Prompt identification of a traumatic brain injury is crucial not just for your health but for legal purposes as well. If you can establish your injury after a crash, you may be eligible for reimbursement for medical costs, missed income, and associated pain and suffering.

However, particularly when symptoms are delayed, insurance companies frequently minimize the severity of TBIs or contest the link between the injury and the collision. Building a solid personal injury claim requires quick diagnosis and symptom documentation.

What Compensation Can I Seek for a TBI From a Car Accident?

Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care needs
• Emotional distress.

Get Legal Help From Experienced Accident Lawyers for Your TBI Case

With over two decades of experience handling complex TBI cases, we at Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers have helped numerous clients secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

We understand that dealing with a traumatic brain injury after a car accident can be overwhelming for car accident victims and their families. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive proper medical care while building strong cases that account for both immediate and long-term consequences of brain injuries.

Our track record of success, including over $100 million recovered for our clients, demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers today at (619) 550-1355 for a free consultation. You won’t get charged unless we win your case because we operate on a contingency basis. While you concentrate on getting better, let us advocate for your rights.