The days and weeks that follow a Florida car accident are critical to a recovering victim. It is important to closely monitor a person’s health, including their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Feeling “okay” in the immediate aftermath of a collision does not necessarily mean all is well. Brain injury symptoms may appear hours (or days) after the initial impact of a motor vehicle accident.
Many people fail to make a connection between delayed symptoms and possible brain injury. The best rule of thumb is to seek medical attention for any new or worsening symptoms within the first several weeks of a collision. It is equally important to inform an attending physician that a recent accident occurred so that proper testing can be done to rule out or diagnose brain trauma.
Medical attention needed for brain injury symptoms after a collision
It is common to experience soreness, discomfort and emotional distress following a motor vehicle collision. Many people try to “stick it out” and avoid going to the hospital. For sore muscles, this might be okay, but if any of these symptoms arise, immediate medical attention is best because they suggest a possible brain injury:
- Insomnia
- Wild mood swings or difficulty controlling emotions
- Dizziness, headache, nausea of vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound, vision or hearing problems
- Memory loss
- Inability to focus or concentrate
If proper treatment is not provided, a brain injury can quickly become a life-threatening situation. Depending on whether a person has suffered a concussion, a skull fracture, brain swelling or other issues, it can take weeks, months or years to recover from brain trauma. In fact, some injuries have permanent implications.
Reaching out for support
If a brain injury has occurred because of a Florida motor vehicle collision, and another driver was at fault, a recovering patient may seek compensation for damages. The process involves filing a personal injury claim in civil court. It is best to seek experienced legal guidance before doing so.
