A brain injury can result from a sudden impact, but it can also stem from a strong jerking motion, such as that experienced during an auto accident. There are many brain injury causes, and even a collision at low speeds can result in a brain injury. When a vehicle is hit from behind, passengers experience a rapid acceleration of their head in the forward direction, followed by an immediate backward jolt. This can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in a brain injury.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, it’s important to know the symptoms of a brain injury. Of course, other types of accidents, such as a fall down a flight of stairs or something hitting your head, can also result in a brain injury. Whether it’s someone running into the back of your vehicle or it’s a slip and fall accident from a loose step or wet floor, it’s important to understand some of the common signs of a brain injury. For example, if you are experiencing one or more of the following problems, you could have a brain injury:
• Blurred vision
• Loss of vision
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Amnesia
• Poor concentration
• Disorientation
• Short term memory loss
In addition to the cognitive and physical symptoms above, emotional symptoms might also be present; including:
• Irritability
• Depression
• Changes in appetite
• Agitation
• General personality changes
If you suspect you might have a brain injury, it’s imperative that you seek medical help. Of course, after you have received the necessary medical attention, you should also find a reputable personal injury attorney to represent your case.
While nobody wants to think that they are going to suffer long term consequences from a brain injury, it is certainly important to make sure that you are protected. Long term repercussions could result in loss of wages, a need to train for a new type of employment, recurring medical bills, the need for in-home care or help with daily tasks, and a general decline in quality of life.
A lawyer who specializes in representing individuals with personal injury cases will be able to evaluate your case and determine the best way for you to proceed. Your personal injury lawyer will gather information regarding the time leading up to the accident as well as the accident itself and the steps taken immediately following your injury. Other information such as witness statements, medical records, and police reports will also be important to include in your personal injury file.
Whether you were rear ended at a traffic light or you fell down a flight of stairs because of a loose handrail or a wobbly stair, it’s important that you seek legal help as soon as possible. If you wait too long, important things, such as photos of the accident scene and witness statements might no longer be available.