It takes only a second for a driver’s inattention to cause an accident, but that fraction of a second can cause years of suffering — especially if it results in a serious head injury.
What to do after an accident
Get medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. The sooner medical professionals assess any head injury, the better the chances for a complete recovery.
In cases of serious swelling due to bleeding in the brain, doctors may have to remove part of the skull to reduce the pressure and stop the bleeding. Such pressure may damage the brain and is often irreversible, so early diagnosis and action are key to recovery.
Watch for other symptoms
Even if emergency treatment isn’t deemed necessary after the accident, look for these symptoms:
- unconsciousness, disorientation, or confusion
- severe headache
- loss of balance
- nausea and/or vomiting
- sudden sleepiness
- memory loss
- glossy eyes
- mood changes
The onset of symptoms can be delayed from a few minutes to a few hours, and even an injury that seems minor can hide a major problem. If any of these symptoms occur, don’t wait to go to an emergency room to be examined.
Rehabilitation
Sometimes head injuries are serious enough that they require long stints in a rehabilitation facility which specializes in treating traumatic brain injuries. These centers do an excellent job, but can be prohibitively expensive.
What to do next
According to Portland car accident attorneys at the Johnston Law Firm, you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, even before you know how serious the injuries may be. An attorney can collect witness and police statements, take photos of the site, and gather evidence, often before the insurance company representatives arrive.
Don’t think of this step as an overreaction. If your injury is serious, the attorney will work with medical and other experts to find out the long-term consequences to you. They might include loss of wages or payment for costly long-term rehabilitation. Even after treatment ends, people with serious brain injuries may require special equipment or modifications to their living quarters to help them resume their daily lives.
Your brain is too important to risk. Know the symptoms of serious brain injuries, and never treat a bump on the head received in a car accident as a minor injury. Your future may depend on it.