When you’re driving along a California road, you undoubtedly expect that you will arrive safely at your destination, although you understand that there’s a certain amount of inherent risk involved when traveling by motor vehicle. You can control your own decisions and reactions behind the wheel. However, there’s not much you can do to control another driver’s behavior. A collision can happen at any time, resulting in injuries.
If another driver hits you, it’s always best to seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. There are numerous types of injuries, such as those involving the brain, that may not be visible. In fact, you could have a traumatic brain injury without showing signs of symptoms right away. Therefore, a licensed medical team should be primary members of your support network from the start.
Monitor your condition in the aftermath of a collision
There are certain symptoms that may not be immediately apparent, which might be suggestive of a traumatic brain injury. If you experience one or more of the symptoms included in the following list in the hours, days or weeks after having been involved in a collision, it might mean that you have a brain injury:
- Intermittent or lingering head, facial, jaw, or neck pain
- Erratic mood swings
- Sleepiness or trouble awakening from sleep
- Fainting or feeling like you’re about to pass out
- Ringing in one or both ears
- Clear fluid leaking from your nose or ears
- Bruising behind your ears
- Lack of appetite
- Confusion or trouble forming coherent thoughts or sentences
- Difficulty walking straight
- Insomnia
- Uncontrollable laughter or crying
- Eating or sleep disturbances
It takes time to recover from a motor vehicle collision. In addition to physical injuries, you may have suffered severe emotional trauma as well. While there’s no way to predict exactly how long it might take to fully recover, most doctors would agree that, as time goes on, you should begin to feel a bit better every day. If a new symptom develops or you don’t feel like you’re getting any better, it’s best to discuss your condition with a licensed physician.
Things to know about financial recovery
Regarding damages you might suffer in a California collision, financial distress is a common consequence of many collisions in addition to physical or emotional trauma. If you have a traumatic brain injury, you’ll likely need medical care for an extended period of time. Such care is expensive, even if you have insurance.
Many recovering accident victims seek financial recovery in civil court when they have evidence to show that another person’s negligence or reckless driving behavior caused their injuries.