If you become involved in a motor vehicle collision when another vehicle hits you on a Georgia roadway, it is important to monitor your health beyond the initial medical attention you may receive at the scene or upon transport to a nearby hospital. In fact, it is best to continue this monitoring for several weeks and to seek additional medical support if new symptoms arise. Certain symptoms, which may experience a delay, can be signs of traumatic brain injury, which may be life-threatening in some cases.
The force of impact in a car accident places immediate strain upon your body. Your head might hit against a hard surface or be violently shaken back and forth. Just because you remain conscious does not necessarily mean you have not suffered a brain injury. This is why it is important to know what to look for in the days and weeks that follow a collision and to seek medical attention as needed.
Brain injury symptoms beyond headache
If your head hurts during recovery from a motor vehicle collision, you might have a concussion, which is a type of brain injury. However, if you experience any of the symptoms shown in the following list, it suggests severe brain trauma, such as a skull fracture, cerebrospinal fluid leak (clear fluid leaking from nose or ear) or bleeding on the brain:
- Spasticity: Muscle spasms or rigidness, inability to relax a muscle
- Pseudobulbar Effect: Uncontrollable bouts of crying or laughter
- Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Sensitivity: Discomfort, pain or general sensitivity associated with exposure to light or sound
In addition to these symptoms, your body may be showing signs of a brain injury if you experience severe lack of appetite, insomnia, extreme fatigue, or feelings of depression, aggression or impulsiveness. If such symptoms arise in the days or weeks following a car accident, it is always best to seek medical attention and to make sure the medical team knows that you were recently involved in a collision.
Holding drivers accountable for negligence
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a Georgia motor vehicle collision that was caused by another driver’s negligence, state law allows you to seek justice in court. When evidence proves that an accident would likely not have occurred, except for the other driver’s disregard of traffic laws or otherwise reckless behavior, the court can hold the individual accountable by ordering him or her to pay compensation for damages.