Vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of brain injuries in the country. Unfortunately, many people do not even realize that they have suffered a brain injury following a car wreck. Furthermore, initial trauma treatment after a car wreck in places like emergency rooms often miss an initial brain injury diagnosis sometimes causing accident victims to miss crucial treatment.
The phrase brain injury can encompass any multiple types of trauma concerning the head; ranging from a concussion; to a loss of consciousness; to a severe brain bleed. Given the variety in injuries that encompass a brain injury, it is no wonder that there are many misconceptions concerning brain injuries. The most common misconceptions about brain injuries are that you must be knocked unconscious to have a brain injury; you must hit your head to have a brain injury; and you will have immediate symptoms of a brain injury following the wreck.
You do not have to hit your head to sustain a brain injury. The momentum of a car wreck can cause your brain to collide with the front, back and sides of your skull, even if your head does not come into contact with any object in your vehicle. The force of the impact of your brain hitting you skull can cause a brain bleed and potential swelling.
Loss of consciousness is also not a requirement for a brain injury. Some people with brain injuries will not lose consciousness as a result of a brain injury but will develop symptoms associated with a head injury.
Many common symptoms that can develop include:
These symptoms can occur as soon as the collision occurs and, often, can take weeks to develop. After a car wreck, you should always go to the emergency room if there is an injury. If you have any indication that you hit your head in the wreck, a scan of the brain should be conducted to rule out any bleeding or swelling. If you develop symptoms associated with a brain injury, do not be afraid to get further treatment or discuss your symptoms with a specialist.
After you have received appropriate medical care, consider meeting with a West Virginia brain injury lawyer for a free consultation. During a consultation with an accident lawyer at Manchin Injury Law Group, you will explore your legal options for recovering compensation.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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