When you get behind the wheel of your car to drive in Colorado, you can reasonably expect that other drivers you encounter on the road will obey the law. There’s no guarantee, however, that you will arrive safely to your destination, especially if a distracted or intoxicated driver is nearby. Such drivers are menaces and cause thousands of injuries and fatalities every year.
If another vehicle slams into you, whether you’re driving or riding as a passenger in another person’s vehicle, you might suffer moderate to severe injuries upon impact. Injuries are not always immediately apparent, however, which is why it’s a good idea to know how to recognize signs of brain trauma, a condition that doesn’t always present symptoms right away.
If you have a headache after a collision
Being involved in a motor vehicle collision is a highly emotionally upsetting experience. You might feel shaky, angry, frightened or even sad in the days and weeks that follow your accident. It’s also possible that you might feel physically unwell, perhaps having trouble eating or suffering from a headache.
Whether your symptoms are par for the course of the emotional upset of the situation or are a sign of a serious problem, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), must be determined by licensed medical physicians who are trained to address such issues. If you have head pain at any time after a collision, it warrants medical attention, and it’s important that you inform the doctor that you were recently in a car accident.
Other signs of TBI
If you were recently in a car accident, you’ll want to closely monitor your condition. A TBI may be immediately apparent, especially if rescuers found you unconscious at the scene; however, even if you leave the hospital the same day, you should be concerned if further symptoms develop.
For instance, if you feel nauseous or vomit at any time, it may be a sign that you have suffered a serious brain injury. Other symptoms might include trouble sleeping or eating, unsteady gait or feeling dizzy, or having memory problems or trouble forming coherent thoughts or sentences.
Ruling out a TBI
One of the reasons it’s so important for you to go the hospital if you are exhibiting symptoms of possible brain trauma is because the doctors there know which types of tests to run to check the condition of your brain. It’s better to get the tests and rule out a TBI as a possible cause of your symptoms than to not report your symptoms and wind up in worse condition later.
You have a right to as full a recovery as possible
If another driver hits you and you suffer a brain injury, you may need specialized care for a long time, perhaps, even permanently. It is sometimes possible to achieve a full physical recovery after a brain injury. It all depends on the details of your particular case.
Injuries from a motor vehicle collision can cause more than physical problems. You may face undue financial distress in connection to the accident as well, especially if you’re unable to return to work because of your injuries. This is one of many reasons Colorado law allows recovering accident victims to seek compensation for damages that another person’s negligence has caused.
