Looking for signs of traumatic brain injuries after a crash.

1. BE ON THE LOOK-OUT
FOR A TBI AFTER A
VEHICLE ACCIDENT
These catastrophic injuries aren’t
always easy to see after a car wreck.

2. A Serious Head Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when
someone suffers a blow or jolt to the head
that disrupts brain function. Nearly 3 million
TBIs requiring medical treatment occur every
year in the United States, with effects
ranging from minor damage to death. Though
these injuries are common, they are
frequently misunderstood.
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3. Understanding the Spectrum
of Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can be minor or severe –
and all degrees in between. Concussions, for
example, are considered mild traumatic brain
injuries, though that label might be misleading,
as even concussions can sometimes have serious
consequences. Conversely, severe TBIs can
permanently impact a person in fundamental
ways, many of which we’ll explore in the
following pages.
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4. Why TBIs Can Be Hard to
Identify
In the wake of an automobile accident,
identifying a serious head injury can be difficult.
A crash victim might appear disoriented and
confused, because crashes are inherently
disorienting and confusing. These conditions
could also be signs of brain damage. Further
complicating diagnosis is the fact that these
injuries are often internal and, thus, difficult to
detect visually.
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5. Looking for Signs - Loss of
Consciousness
Loss of consciousness is a strong
indicator of a traumatic brain injury.
The longer someone is unconscious,
the more serious the head injury is
likely to be. However, losing
consciousness for even just a few
seconds could signal a serious head
injury.
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6. Looking for Signs - External
Head Injuries
External wounds to the head and skull, such
as lacerations or heavy bruising, are signs
that a crash victim’s head suffered a serious
blow, which is one of the main causes of a
traumatic brain injury. In other words,
external injuries might also indicate internal
injuries.
CALL TODAY: 317.689.2011

7. Other Immediate Signs of
TBI
If someone shows any of the following symptoms after a car
accident, they should be immediately tested for a brain injury:
 Nausea
 Dizziness
 Slurred speech
 Severe headaches
 Loss of balance and coordination
 Weakness or numbness in the body
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8. In the Days, Weeks and
Months That Follow…
A person might show signs of a traumatic brain
injury even if the injury wasn’t detected
immediately following a crash. Look for:
 Changes in personality
 Memory loss
 Mood swings
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Language difficulties
 Extreme fatigue
 Aggression and/or
agitation toward others
 Seizures
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9. The Long-Term Effects of
Brain Injuries
A serious brain injury can have long-term effects on a
person’s cognitive functions, personality, emotional
wellbeing and physical abilities. In some cases, a
person can overcome some of these challenges, though
it’s often true that at least some of the effects of a
brain injury will be permanent. However, many TBI
sufferers can establish a “new normal,” a state of
health that might not be the same as it was before a
crash, but rather is a new baseline from which a
person can improve.
CALL TODAY: 317.689.2011

10. When in Doubt, Seek
Medical Attention
If there is even the slightest suspicion that a brain
injury has occurred in a vehicle crash, it’s vital to seek
immediate medical attention. If you aren’t satisfied
with a doctor’s opinion, seek another test from
another doctor. It’s often the loved ones of a TBI
sufferer that notice the changes in behavior the most.
If your instincts tell you that you or your loved one has
suffered a brain injury, it’s worth pursuing until you
get an unequivocal diagnosis.
CALL TODAY: 317.689.2011

11. Seeking Legal Assistance
Because traumatic brain injuries and their effects can
be complex, you should consider looking for an
attorney that has a track record of handling these
types of cases. People with traumatic brain injuries
might file personal injury claims to get compensation
for medical bills, loss of income, pain, suffering and
diminished quality of life. A lot is at stake in these
claims, so you’ll want to make sure an attorney is the
right fit for your case.
CALL TODAY: 317.689.2011

12. Contact Stephenson Rife to
Learn More
At Stephenson Rife, we have years of
experience getting clients across Indiana
compensation for serious brain injuries. We
understand the challenges facing victims and
their families, and we know how important
an injury claim is for their future. If you have
questions, we encourage you to contact us
today to schedule a free consultation.
CALL TODAY: 317.689.2011