A car accident can be a serious, life-altering event. Accidents occurring at high speeds end with great force that can cause some internal injuries. Often they can have devastating consequences and impact multiple areas of your life depending on severity.
One such devastating injury is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Car accidents account for most TBIs in people younger than 24 years old. While you didn’t plan for an accident, you might be wondering how to move forward from one.
What is a TBI?
A TBI is an injury to the brain caused by a forceful blow. A penetrating TBI occurs when an object breaks through the skull and makes contact with the brain, typically resulting in brain damage. TBIs can range from mild to severe and can be life-altering.
The environment of a car accident creates an increased risk for causing TBIs of all severity ranges. Glass and other projectile objects can pierce through a human skull. Even without a penetration injury, though, a TBI can cause prolonged symptoms, including:
- Sensory Issues
- Memory problems
- Mental Health Consequences
- Nerve Damage
- Changes in Emotional or Behavioral Patterns
- Long-term and debilitating headaches
After a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor even if you don’t have observable injuries. The forceful stop of a car in motion can cause violent shifts in your head and neck. You may not even know you’ve suffered a brain injury without a medical exam.
Suppose you’ve been in an accident that caused a traumatic brain injury and you’re suffering mentally, physically, or emotionally. In that case, you may be wondering what you can do. Learning more about the laws regarding qualifying for disability benefits in Indiana may lead to help in the future.