There are many different things that you might experience if you are in a car accident. With all of the adrenaline that is pumping through your body at the time of the crash, you might not realize that you are actually hurt.
One of the injuries that you might suffer and not realize right away is a brain injury. These can take days or weeks to notice, so you have to be sure that you are being watchful for symptoms.
Severity varies
The severity of a brain injury varies greatly from one case to another. The type of injury, the location and the size of the injury can all have an impact on the severity. The location of the injury determines what parts of the body or abilities are impacted.
Long-term outlook
Traumatic brain injuries, which range from concussions to life-threatening injuries can impact your life for a while after the accident. A person who suffers from a traumatic brain injury can suffer lifelong effects, which is possible if there is a cognitive or behavioral problem that comes with the injury.
More than just physical effects
A brain injury, as well as a car accident, can lead to emotional and mental issues. You might suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder because of the accident. These mental and emotional issues are often life altering. Some people will need to have mental health counseling to help them cope with the effects of the crash. This can be difficult to deal with, but so can living with these life changes.
Family and friends can also suffer
When the brain injury is serious, family members and friends might also suffer. This is because they may be subjected to outbursts from the person who was injured. Close family members, such as spouses, could have to take on the role of caregiver and advocate. This can put considerable stress on them. It might also be difficult for these people to see the changes that have occurred with their loved one.
When the accident was someone else’s fault, the victim is entitled to seek compensation for the effects of the crash. For a person who has a brain injury, this could mean seeking compensation for medical bills, personal care assistance and other similar expenses that were due to the injury. This can provide the vital monetary backing to seek out treatments and other help to cope with the injury.