It’s no surprise that car accidents are a leading cause of head injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an average of 155 people in the United States die each day from injuries that include a traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Iowa Car Accidents
Each year, Iowans are involved in car crashes where they suffer a concussion. A concussion is actually a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and should always be considered a serious injury. You don’t need to lose consciousness or hit your head against anything to have suffered a traumatic brain injury. A jolt or bump suffered during the crash can jostle your brain and cause a concussion.
Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Crash Can Be Delayed
You may not show any symptoms of a concussion right after the crash. This is not unusual. Sometimes symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days after the crash. However, if you begin to experience any of the symptoms below, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Forgetfulness, memory loss, or confusion
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Mood swings
- Ringing in the ears
If your symptoms continue beyond the first doctor’s visit, continue to see them as often as you need to until you’re feeling better. Not only will this benefit your health, but it will provide evidence of the seriousness of your injuries through your medical records. This in turn will help you negotiate a fair settlement of your claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Although most concussions heal, they can still cause serious long-term effects or lasting complications for Iowa car accident victims. This condition is known as “post-concussion syndrome.” 10-15% of people who have experienced a TBI may suffer for years or even permanently.
If you find that you have trouble working or have lost interest in hobbies you used to enjoy, you may have post-concussion syndrome. Speak with your doctor about what steps you can take to lessen the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Do You Need a Lawyer For Your TBI Claim?
Not every Iowa car accident requires an attorney – even if you suffer a head injury. If your injuries heal quickly, you may not have enough in losses where it makes financial sense to hire an attorney. However, it’s always a good idea to contact an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer after a crash. The initial consultation is usually free, and you can learn about your legal options.
If your injuries are serious and you have not healed quickly, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. An attorney can help you get compensation for a variety of harms and losses that come from a traumatic brain injury. These can include:
- Lost wages, if you must take time off work to recover from your injuries
- Medical bills – both past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity, if you are no longer able to work at the job you did before the accident, and as a result you take a pay cut.
If you would like to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation with one of our brain injury attorneys, contact RSH Legal today at 1-319-774-1783.