Maybe the last thing you heard before the impact was the screeching of brakes, that is, if you had any warning at all. By the time your brain registered what was happening, your vehicle was tossed around, and you were tossed around inside it. It may have taken you a moment or two to realize that an 18-wheeler had just crashed into your vehicle.
If you were lucky, you remained conscious and could get out of your vehicle. The adrenaline, shock, and disorientation that often follows accidents may prevent you from realizing you suffered any injuries. For this reason, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.
You could suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
It’s not uncommon for people in accidents – especially when a big rig is involved – to suffer from a TBI. However, a problem with a brain injury is that the symptoms may not manifest immediately to alert you that something is wrong – it may evolve over days or weeks after the accident. Oftentimes, during the initial doctor, or ER visit, this diagnosis is missed. Here are hallmarks of a concussion to be aware of:
•Headache
•Difficulty concentrating
•Blurry or fuzzy vision
•Inability to recognize people or places
•Sleeping less than usual
•Restlessness
•Balance problems
•Dizziness
•Difficulty thinking clearly
•Sleeping more than usual
•Feeling tired
•Having no energy
•Feeling irritable or sad
•Sensitivity to light or noise
•Feeling slowed down
•Feeling more emotional
•Anxiety
•Nervousness
•Difficulty falling asleep
•Difficulty remembering new information
•Decreased coordination
•Weakness or numbness
•Slurred speech
Caution: If you experience nausea, vomiting, seizures or unconsciousness, you need medical attention immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage your brain could suffer. Delayed treatment also hampers recovery.
Here is another tip: Document all of your symptoms as soon as possible. And, keep a daily diary to help your physician. Recording your injuries in your medical records, is a critical component of proving damages in a personal injury claim you may file – whether it is because of the negligence of the truck driver or the condition of the roadway, and anyone else who may bear legal liability for your traumatic brain injury.
Our law firm handles car and truck accidents every day, all day. Give us a call for a free consultation to discuss your physical, emotional, and “compensatory” damages – current and future lost income, and current and future medical expenses.