The day you were involved in an auto accident may have begun like any other typical day. Perhaps you drove your kids to school or commuted to work, or both. When you clocked out at work, you were looking forward to meeting your spouse at your favorite local pub for a fish sandwich and a beer. You never arrived there because you wound up in a hospital instead. If another motorist’s negligence was responsible for your injuries, you may face an emotional, as well as physical, struggle in recovery.
Some Montana accident victims suffered worse injuries than they realized in past situations when initial physical examinations seemed to have gone well. A day or several days later, they began to show signs of traumatic brain injury. Recovering from a TBI can be a long, arduous process. You can’t get help if you don’t know you’re injured, however. Being able to recognize signs of a brain injury and knowing where to seek support are key factors toward a successful recovery.
Symptoms that warrant a second trip to the hospital
Rescue workers are usually very good at their jobs. They function well under stress and often save lives through their quick thinking and fast actions. It’s not always possible to recognize a traumatic brain injury, however, because symptoms may not be immediately apparent. The following list includes issues that signify a brain problem following blunt force trauma in a car accident:
- Blurred vision
- Non-functioning senses, such as taste, hearing or smell
- Head pain or some other upper-body discomfort
- Trouble sleeping
- Unprompted or uncontrolled weeping or laughter
- Mood swings
- An off-balance gait
- Dizziness
- Forgetfulness that is not typical to age or circumstances
Just because you appear to have checked out okay in your initial medical examination following your accident doesn’t necessarily mean you really are okay. It’s never a good idea to ignore signs of ill health, especially in the near aftermath of a car crash. Any one of the symptoms listed in the previous section can be a sign of a TBI.
What comes after diagnosis?
Let’s say you go back to the hospital and an ER doctor determines you have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Now what? You may need repeated medical visits for treatment, followed by physical therapy sessions. You may even need someone to check in on you at home to assist you with daily tasks. You may or may not be able to return to work depending on the severity of your condition.
Such situations have led other Montana accident victims to seek recovery for their losses in court, especially in situations that were preventable had it not been for another driver’s negligence.
