There are few things in life more devastating than being involved in a serious car accident. Traumatic brain injuries are sadly not that uncommon in car wrecks either, and recovery is often a long, tiresome road. Recovery can be even longer when victims fail to recognize the signs of a TBI.
Symptoms of a brain injury
While no two accidents in California are alike, brain injury victims generally exhibit many similar symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is confusion. Someone with a TBI might struggle to recall recent events, sometimes even the accident itself. Other symptoms include:
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Tiredness, sluggishness or fatigue that is out of the ordinary
Types of brain injuries
Head injuries can be either open or closed. An open head injury is one in which the skull is fractured, which is often the result of direct contact with a hard surface. During an accident this could be the steering wheel, dashboard or window. A closed brain injury means that the skull has not been fractured, and typically involves things like swelling and blood clots in the brain. Both closed and open brain injuries may cause:
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Death
California drivers who do their best to drive safely and always follow the rules of the road can still be injured through no fault of their own. When another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior leads to serious damage such as traumatic brain injuries, victims may need to prioritize finding the right help and support for their recovery. While there are multiple options for doings so, many find that pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit is most appropriate for their situation.
