You make your way to town, looking forward to an afternoon of shopping. All of a sudden, a fellow motorist on the road hits your car, and the next thing you know, you’re on the way to the hospital.
Unfortunately, sometimes, motor vehicle collisions can cause grave injuries, including injury to the brain. Here is a glimpse at what brain injuries involve and what your rights are following a brain injury-causing accident that was not your fault.
Symptoms of an injury to the brain
Brain injuries can occur if you experience a blow to the head. The following are a few major indicators of this type of injury:
- Feeling exceptionally drowsy
- Losing consciousness
- Vision loss
- Slurred speech
- Numbness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Major headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Weakness in the legs/arms
If you experience any of the above symptoms following your car crash, you may want to undergo a doctor’s examination for an accurate diagnosis of your injury.
How do brain injury diagnosis and treatment work?
A physician can use several tools for diagnosing brain injuries. One is an imaging test, like an MRI or CT scan, which examines your brain. Also, a doctor can assess how effectively you follow directions by using a test known as the Glasgow Coma Scale Test. This test may be helpful for determining how serious your brain injury is.
If the doctor determines that you indeed have suffered an injury to your brain, you may need to complete speech or physical therapy sessions. Furthermore, you might need surgery or seizure medication based on your situation.
Your rights after a crash leading to brain injury
If you have suffered injury to your brain as a result of a negligent driver, you have the right to seek damages in a personal injury claim. You will have to establish liability before a judge will decide your claims for monetary damages. If your suit is successful, you may receive damages that might help with addressing your medical bills and other expenses stemming from your car accident.
Your damage award might also help with addressing any emotional distress as well as pain and suffering that your crash caused. No amount of money can eliminate the negative impacts of a car accident that leads to brain injuries. However, a monetary award might make it easier for you to move on from the ordeal.