If you or a loved one have been wondering: “Can I Lose My Memory in a Car Accident?” then understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury on the brain is the first step. Car accidents cause a variety of serious injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the US experienced 4.8 million medically reported auto accident injuries in 2020. Some, like a sprained wrist or whiplash, are easy to spot. Other injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can go undetected for weeks. One sign that you might be experiencing a traumatic brain injury is memory loss. When filing a claim, this can affect your ability to remember important details of the accident.
Brain Injury Facts and Statistics
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any sudden physical attack on the brain. The Mayfield Clinic reports that between 1.5 and 2 million adults and children sustain a traumatic brain injury each year in the US These types of injuries can cause additional primary and secondary injuries due to the initial assault. Primary brain injuries, such as a concussion, occur at the moment of impact. Secondary brain injuries, like memory, evolve over a period of hours or days.
If left unchecked, a brain injury can worsen over time for adults and children involved in a car accident. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 30% of people notice their TBI symptoms worsen over five years. This is even more harmful for children. A TBI can have a big impact on a young child’s development. Some late symptoms of head injury in young children to watch out for are changes in health or behavior and limited school participation. You may not notice some of these symptoms until months after the accident; however, with the proper legal assistance, you can still receive compensation for the lasting effects the accident has on your family.
How can a car accident cause memory loss?
According to the Model Systems Knowledge Transformation Center (MSKTC), 14% of traumatic brain injuries were due to motor vehicle accidents. Hitting your head against the headrest, steering wheel, or window can cause mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Some side effects include poor balance, dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reports that post-traumatic amnesia is the most common form of memory loss. This causes difficulty in remembering recent events due to severe disorientation. Since this is one of the silent side effects of a TBI, getting treatment as soon as possible is key. It is also good to have a record of witness statements after the accident to help refresh your memory.
What to physically expect after a car accident
Recovery from a car accident can take days or months, depending on the severity. In addition to memory loss, you may experience other physical injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Swelling
- Paralysis
- scrapings
- bruises
- emotional stress
With these types of injuries, receiving medical assistance immediately after your accident is important to jump-start your recovery to health.
Who pays for physical therapy after car accident injuries
The NSC also reported that $473.2 billion was spent in 2020 on motor vehicle injury costs, including medical expenses. After an accident, dealing with the financial impact of medical expenses can lead to emotional distress, along with questions like “Who pays for physical therapy after car accident injuries?” Since California is a tort state, the responsible party may cover medical expenses.
If your accident occurred due to a malfunction of the car’s equipment with brakes or airbags, you may be able to receive compensation from the auto company. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags have saved nearly 51,000 lives. A malfunction in the front or side airbags only increases the chances of a TBI.
In a rear-end collision, another question that may arise in the recovery process is “Can I sue for whiplash?” Having an expert lawyer like those at Abogado Contigo can guide you through the answers and make the best decision regarding your accident.
What to do after experiencing a head injury from a car accident
Answering the question of whether a car accident can cause memory loss is multifaceted and not something you should handle alone. Understanding the implications and legal options with the right team is crucial to your recovery.
We recognize that each case is unique. Our knowledgeable attorneys are experienced in cases just like yours, increasing the likelihood of obtaining maximum compensation for your claim. With more than $1 billion recovered in more than 25,000 cases, Abogado Contigo has the knowledge and experience to help. Contact us today to get started on your case!