You are the victim in a rear-end collision, the most common form of car crash in our country. Aside from being a bit shaken, you believe that you didn’t suffer any major injuries and you generally feel fine. You exchange insurance information with the other motorist and drive away.
As you’re driving, you noticed that your vision seems a little blurry, and you start to feel drowsy. Rather than going on home, your immediate destination should be the doctor’s office.
TBI is a common injury
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes and slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for the vast majority of the traumatic brain injuries suffered by people in the United States. In fact, each year, an estimated 286,000 drivers and passengers suffer TBIs in car accidents.
Two forms of TBI
There are two forms of traumatic brain injury: open, which refers to a foreign object penetrating the skull and subsequently the brain; and closed, which refers to a bump or blow to the head, with no penetration involved. The latter is the most common form. For example, if someone rear-ends your car, the impact could cause your head to snap back and forth. You could strike your forehead on the steering wheel or windshield, causing a closed head injury.
Symptoms
You may think that a little blurred vision and drowsiness are normal after a minor collision, but these could be symptoms of a head injury. Other symptoms may include headaches, unusual fatigue, dizziness and nausea. In some cases, symptoms may take days or even weeks to develop. You may be suffering from a concussion or a more serious head injury, which is why it is important for you to seek prompt medical assistance.
Evaluating your injuries
Brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on your life, and the earlier your condition is diagnosed, the better. Prompt medical treatment is also essential in terms of compensation. A timely medical report will link any harm you suffer directly to the accident. If you suffer injuries in a car crash, you may also choose to take legal action to recover compensation for your physical injuries, lost wages and medical expenses.
