Even if you have never been in a car crash, it is best to prepare for the unexpected.
Even a minor rear-end collision could cause a serious injury, such as a TBI, sometimes called the “silent” epidemic, and it is wise to know what symptoms to look for.
Concussion alert
You may think of concussions in connection with the injuries football or soccer players suffer. However, a concussion is a common manifestation of a traumatic brain injury, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls and motor vehicle crashes are the primary causes of TBI.
Two forms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury takes two forms. An open TBI refers to the penetration of a foreign object, which goes through the skull and enters the brain. The closed type of TBI results from a simple bump or a blow to the head. This form is much more common; it can occur, for example, if the head strikes the steering wheel or windshield in a car crash.
Delayed symptoms
You may leave the site of a rear-end collision feeling perfectly fine except for a little shakiness. After a few days, however, you may experience headaches, dizziness or blurred vision. You might have trouble sleeping, feel off balance or confused. You might feel unusually depressed or anxious. These may be symptoms of the silent epidemic. You could be suffering from a concussion or an even more serious TBI.
What to do
A personal injury attorney would emphasize that if you are ever in a car crash, you should seek immediate medical attention. Get ahead of the symptoms of TBI. A prompt medical evaluation will likely be important not only in terms of your current and future health but also as proof that the car crash caused your injuries. This could be important when it is time for you to file an insurance claim for full and fair compensation.
