Suppose you were in a car accident and did not hit your head, but are experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, speech problems, and memory problems. In that case, you may wonder, “Can you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a car accident without hitting your head?” Yes, it is possible to get a TBI even if you did not hit your head during a car accident. While direct trauma to the head is a common cause of traumatic brain injuries, it is not the only one. A lot of car accident victims develop serious TBIs without suffering any direct trauma to the head.
How Can You Suffer a TBI in a Car Accident Without Hitting Your Head?
The Mayo Clinic defines TBI as an injury that occurs when you suffer a blow or jolt to the head. A jolt occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully moved. Even if your head does not hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a car crash, the abrupt, rough movement of your brain inside the skull can cause damage. When the brain moves rapidly back and forth inside the skull, it can strike the skull’s inner walls, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. During a car accident, the violent forces involved, especially in high-speed or rear-end accidents, can result in the brain moving rapidly back and forth inside the skull, causing a TBI.
Can Whiplash Cause TBI?
Whiplash is a neck injury that arises when the neck suddenly jerks forward and backward or vice versa. This type of injury is common in car accidents, especially rear-end accidents. What many people do not know is that whiplash can cause a TBI. The violent movement of the neck can cause the brain to move inside the skull, causing bruising or more severe damage. Whiplash can cause mild to severe traumatic brain injuries.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a TBI
If you suspect you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, even if you did not hit your head, it is crucial that you take steps to protect your health and legal rights. The following are the steps to take if you suspect a TBI;
1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
A doctor can conduct a thorough medical evaluation and determine if you truly have a TBI. They can ensure you get timely treatment. TBIs can worsen over time if left untreated.
If you have a TBI, consider seeing a specialist, such as a neurologist.
2. Speak With an Attorney
An attorney with experience handling TBI cases, especially those caused by car accidents, can help you gather evidence, prove liability, calculate damages, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
3. Document Your Symptoms
Note down your physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Record details such as when the symptoms begin, how often they occur, and how they interfere with your life. This documentation can help your doctor understand the full extent of your injury. Also, it can help your attorney build a strong legal claim by demonstrating how the TBI has impacted your daily life.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you have suffered a TBI in a car accident, contact our skilled brain injury counsel at Griggs Injury Law today for legal help.
