Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Maryland Car Accident

Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) being among the most serious and permanent. This is true even in Maryland. Unlike other body areas that remain strapped to the seat during a car accident, the head and neck can move freely. When the car’s momentum changes suddenly, the force of impact can cause the head to hit a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. A TBI can also occur when an object, such as shattered glass, penetrates the skull during an accident and damages the brain. TBIs can have devastating consequences. Recognizing the signs of a TBI after a car accident is vital for prompt diagnosis and treatment, which in turn can help protect not only your health but also your legal rights. Sometimes the mere slamming of the brakes and a restraint can cause a passenger’s brain to strike the inside of the skull. Although these cases are unusual, they require experienced expertise in recognizing and obtaining treatment and documentation thereof.
Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Maryland Car Accident
The symptoms of a TBI may appear immediately after a car accident, or it may take days or weeks for the symptoms to appear. The delayed onset of symptoms is a major reason why it is crucial to seek medical care promptly after a car accident. Even if you believe you were involved in a minor car accident, see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident.
Traumatic brain injuries in car accidents can vary in severity and symptoms and may depend on the severity of the injury. Below are some common symptoms for mild and moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Mild TBIs can cause physical, sensory, and psychological symptoms such as;
- Headache
- Speech problems
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Mood changes
- Concentration or memory problems
- Depression or anxiousness
- Sleep disturbances
Some people lose consciousness for a few seconds or minutes after suffering a mild TBI.
Moderate To Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Any symptoms associated with a mild traumatic brain injury can also be experienced by someone with a moderate to severe TBI. Other symptoms of a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury that a person may experience after a Maryland car accident include;
- Headaches that don’t go away or worsen over time
- Seizures
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Not being able to wake up from sleep
- Numbness or weakness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Deep confusion
- Slurred speech
- Unusual changes in behavior
A person who suffers from moderate to severe TBI may fall into a coma. Depending on the severity of the injury, the person may be in a coma for hours, days, or even longer.
Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident is vital for protecting your health. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent your condition from worsening and causing further damage. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for protecting your legal rights. In the event your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, seeking prompt medical attention ensures you have the necessary evidence to support your personal injury claim. Seeking prompt medical attention can help you prove the severity of your injury and causation, resulting in you recovering the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Towson Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a TBI or any other injury in a car accident in Towson or Baltimore County, contact our skilled Towson car accident lawyer at Hardball Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557#symptoms:~:text=Traumatic%20brain%20injury%20usually%20results%20from%20a%20violent%20blow%20or%20jolt%20to%20the%20head%20or%20body.%20An%20object%20that%20goes%20through%20brain%20tissue%2C%20such%20as%20a%20bullet%20or%20shattered%20piece%20of%20skull%