If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, it’s natural to be focused on the injuries that are easiest to feel or see. Maybe you’re nursing sore muscles, dealing with bruises, or simply working through the shock of it all.
But some of the most serious injuries don’t always show up on the surface. In fact, one of the most serious injuries after a crash can be invisible: a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Brain injuries can be subtle at first. You might feel “off” without being able to put your finger on it. You may start forgetting things, feel emotionally different, or develop headaches that don’t go away. And because these symptoms can develop slowly over days or even weeks, many people don’t realize that what they’re experiencing could be the result of a brain injury from their car accident.
At Maurer Law, we want you to know that your concerns are valid and deserve to be addressed. In this blog we will discuss the potential effects of a TBI and signs that you might have suffered a brain injury after a car accident.
We’re here to listen, help you get the answers you need, and to make sure you’re not navigating this overwhelming situation on your own. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form if you would like to schedule a free consultation.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden jolt or blow to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. Car accidents are among the leading cause of TBIs.
People often imagine a TBI to be the result of a direct impact to the head. However, a TBI does not require you to hit your head on anything or lose consciousness.
The rapid acceleration and deceleration that is often involved in a vehicle crash can be enough to cause the brain to move violently inside the skull. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. Sometimes these injuries are obvious right away. Other times it might take hours, days, or even weeks for symptoms to appear.
Remember that you don’t need to have a visible head wound or pass out at the scene to have suffered a brain injury. Any of the signs below are worth paying attention to whether they show up immediately or days later:
These symptoms may be signs of a mild TBI or something more serious like a brain hemorrhage or contusion. Regardless of how “mild” it might seem, any brain injury should be taken seriously.
One of the most confusing parts about brain injuries is the delayed onset of symptoms. After a crash, your adrenaline is pumping and your focus is often on external injuries or getting home safely. It’s not unusual to feel relatively fine at first, only to start experiencing headaches, memory problems, or emotional changes days later.
This delay can make it harder to connect your symptoms to the accident and even harder to get a proper diagnosis – especially if you don’t speak up or seek medical attention right away.
That’s why we always recommend that anyone involved in a car crash gets checked out by a doctor, even if you feel fine at first. And if symptoms show up later, don’t dismiss them. Get evaluated again.
A delay in treatment can lead to complications and may also make it harder to link your injuries to the crash if you end up needing legal help. Insurance companies will often leap on any potential doubt, so give them as little to work with as you can.
Here are the steps we recommend:
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or something just feels “off,” get medical attention as soon as possible. Be honest with your doctor about everything you’re feeling, even if it seems minor.
Write down any physical, mental, or emotional changes you notice each day. This can help doctors track the progression of your symptoms and is also important if you pursue a legal claim.
Brain injuries can change your behavior and emotions in ways you might not even notice. People close to you such as your spouse, family, and friends can help spot changes and provide essential support. Sometimes they may even note symptoms that you haven’t yet noticed.
If your injury was caused by a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer can help protect your rights, gather and preserve evidence of your condition, and take on the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
At Maurer Law, we understand how frightening and isolating it can be to deal with a potential brain injury. You may be asking yourself:
You deserve answers. And you deserve someone in your corner who will take the time to really listen to your concerns.
We’re not a high-volume, billboard law firm that pushes cases through like a factory. We’re a Northern California firm built on compassion, honesty, and results. We treat every client like a human being, not a case file.
We’ve helped people recover after devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. And we know how to stand up to the insurance companies when they try to downplay the impact of an injury they can’t “see.”
It can be easy to second guess whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a brain injury. But if you’re reading this and wondering whether your symptoms could be connected to your car accident, you have every right to find out. You know your body. You know your mind. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.
Call (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you figure out what to do next. No pressure. No judgment. No obligations.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
