Car accidents cause a variety of severe injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the U.S. experienced 4.8 million medically consulted injuries from vehicle accidents in 2020. Some, like a sprained wrist or whiplash, are easy to spot. Other injuries, like a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can go unnoticed for weeks. One sign that you might be experiencing a TBI is memory loss. When filing a claim, this can affect your ability to remember important details from the accident. If you or a loved one have been wondering, “How can a car accident cause memory loss?” then understanding the impact of head trauma on the brain is the first step.
Brain Injury Facts and Statistics
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any sudden physical assault on the brain. Mayfield Clinic reports that 1.5-2 million adults and children suffer a TBI each year in the U.S. These types of injuries can cause additional primary and secondary injuries because of the initial assault. Primary brain injuries, such as concussions, occur at the time of impact. Secondary brain injuries like memory evolve over a period of hours or days.
Going unchecked, a brain injury can worsen over time for adults and children involved in a car accident. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 30% of people notice their TBI symptoms worsening over five years. This is even more detrimental for children. A TBI can greatly impact a young child’s development. Some toddler head injury delayed symptoms to look out for are changes in health or behavior and limited school participation. You may not notice some of these symptoms until months after the accident; however, with the right legal assistance, you can still receive compensation for the long-lasting effects the accident has on your family.
How Can a Car Accident Cause Memory Loss?
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According to the Model Systems Knowledge Transformation Center (MSKTC), 14% of TBIs resulted from car crashes. Hitting your head against the headrest, steering wheel or window can cause a mild to moderate TBI. Some side effects include poor balance, dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reports that post-traumatic amnesia is the most common form of memory loss. This causes difficulty remembering recent events because of great disorientation. Since this is one of the silent side effects of a TBI, getting treatment sooner rather than later is key. It is also good to have a record of witness statements after the accident to help jog your memory.
What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident
Car accident recovery can take days or months, depending on the severity. Outside of memory loss, you can experience other physical injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Swelling
- Paralysis
- Scrapes
- Bruises
- Emotional distress
With these types of injuries, receiving medical assistance directly after your accident is important to jumpstart your return to health.
Who Pays For Physical Therapy After Car Accident Injuries
The NSC also reported that $473.2 billion was spent in 2020 on motor vehicle injury costs, including medical expenses. After an accident, dealing with the financial impact of medical expenses can bring emotional distress, along with questions such as “Who pays for physical therapy after car accident injuries?” Since California is an at-tort state, it is possible to have the responsible party cover the medical expenses.
If your accident occurred due to car equipment malfunctions with brakes or airbags, you might be able to receive compensation from the car company. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 51,000 lives have been saved by frontal airbags. A malfunction in frontal or side airbags only increases the chances of a TBI.
In a rear-end collision, another question that may arise in the recovery process is “Can I sue for whiplash?” Having an expert auto accident lawyer like those at Avrek Law can help guide you through the answers and make the best move regarding your accident.
How to Proceed After Experiencing Head Trauma From a Car Accident
Answering the question of whether a car accident can cause memory loss is multifaceted and not something you should handle alone. Understanding the implications and the legal options with the right auto accident attorney is crucial to your recovery in Orange County.
At Avrek Law, we understand that every car accident case is distinct. Our seasoned car accident attorney is well-versed in handling cases similar to yours, enhancing the chances of securing the maximum compensation you deserve. With a track record of over $1 billion recovered in excess of 45,000 cases, Avrek Law possesses the expertise and experience necessary to assist you effectively. Reach out to us today to begin the process of pursuing your claim!
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