Jason Stephens | June 6, 2024 | Car Accidents
A car accident can result in several types of injuries, from burns and lacerations to spinal cord and internal injuries. One of the most common categories of car crash injuries in Fort Worth is head injuries. Determining the severity of your head injury is critical to ensuring you receive the right treatment.
But how can you tell how bad your head injury is? A medical professional will need to examine you and perform diagnostic testing to give you definitive answers, but there are general symptoms you may experience that are often telling.
Types of Head Injuries Car Accident Victims Commonly Suffer
A head injury is anything that internally or externally affects your head or brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can either be closed — impacting the inside of the brain — or penetrating, involving an object penetrating the head or brain.
Some of the more common kinds of car accident head injuries in Texas include:
- Skull fractures
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Hematomas
- Diffuse-axonal injuries
- Coup-contrecoup injuries
The severity of your head injury is based on several factors, including the strength of the impact and the area of the brain affected. Because the brain is one of the most important parts of the body, any injury to the head or brain requires immediate attention.
Symptoms of Mild Head Injuries
Usually, you’ll know whether you’ve suffered a head or brain injury because of the symptoms. Some injuries are not seen but rather felt, so it’s crucial to pay attention to how you feel following a car accident.
The symptoms of a mild TBI are usually less serious but could still affect your physical well-being.
These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Difficulty sleeping
Although you may suffer from symptoms of a mild brain injury, it’s imperative you seek medical attention right away. The symptoms of a mild TBI can worsen, and when left untreated, your injury could become more complicated.
Symptoms of Moderate To Severe Brain Injuries
The symptoms of moderate to severe brain injuries are often more significant. You may fall unconscious for several minutes or hours after the collision.
You may also experience:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Pupil dilation
- Ongoing headaches
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities
- Fluid drainage from the nose or ears
- Changes in mood or behavior
More severe head injuries can have substantial, life-altering consequences on an accident victim. In the most unfortunate cases, serious TBIs can result in a long-term coma, vegetative state, or even death.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Care After a Head Injury
Head and brain injuries can be complex, so it’s important not to self-diagnose. If you’re involved in a car crash, seek medical attention right away. This is especially vital if you hit your head during the collision.
A healthcare professional can ask you questions about your car accident, get a medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine whether you’ve suffered a head injury and how serious the injury is
Seeking Damages for Your Car Accident Head Injury
When you sustain a head injury in a car crash in Texas, don’t wait to discuss your situation with an accident attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and decide the best way to pursue justice.
Head and brain injuries can be costly to treat, and you want to make sure you receive the right medical treatment to recover as much as possible. A car accident attorney can properly calculate your damages and aggressively pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000