A car accident can change your life forever. While visible injuries such as broken bones or lacerations are apparent, hidden injuries are just as devastating. These injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Suffering a TBI from a car accident can have long-lasting consequences, affecting not only your physical well-being but also the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of your life.
According to the CDC, car accidents are the second leading cause of TBIs in the United States, accounting for almost 25 percent of TBI hospitalizations every year. TBI occurs when external forces cause damage to the brain, such as the forces felt in a car accident. The violent nature of an accident causes the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
TBI severity can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms are not always immediately apparent. Symptoms of a mild TBI include:
- Headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
- Memory loss
- Concentration problems
- Mood changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Fatigue
Moderate to severe TBI symptoms include the above, as well as loss of consciousness, seizures, repeated vomiting, and more. You must seek medical attention following a car accident, even if you do not feel injured. However, it is very urgent if you have experienced some sort of head trauma. TBIs can take days to manifest, and the severity of the injury may largely depend on how quickly it is diagnosed and treated.
A person suffering from TBI may not look any different than someone who is not. The challenges a TBI victim largely go unnoticed, but they can alter their lives dramatically:
- Cognitive challenges: TBIs can affect various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This can significantly impact their ability to work, study, or engage in everyday activities, leading to frustration and loss.
- Emotional issues: The emotional toll of a TBI is another aspect that often goes overlooked. Victims may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression.
- Physical impairments: Beyond the cognitive and emotional challenges, TBIs can also result in physical impairments. Motor skills, coordination, and balance may be compromised, making routine movements difficult. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common symptoms, limiting a person’s ability to participate in normal activities.
- Recovery and rehabilitation: The journey to recovery is often long and challenging. Rehabilitation programs, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, play a crucial role in helping individuals regain lost skills and adapt to their new reality. The support of healthcare professionals, family, and friends is invaluable in rehabilitation.
An Experienced Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyer at D’Amato Law Firm Can Help You if You Have a TBI
If you have been injured in an accident and have a TBI, you may be able to recover compensation. Speak to an Atlantic City car accident lawyer at D’Amato Law Firm. Call 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.