While some car accidents can result in minor or even no real injuries, others can cause much more serious harm. One such injury is a brain bleed, which can occur when the impact of a car accident causes one’s cerebrum to thrash back and forth, forcefully hitting the front and the back of the skull. This violent movement then results in blood vessels rupturing, which in turn allows for blood to collect between the skull and the brain.
This is an extremely serious injury. When blood collects between the skull and the brain, it puts pressure on the cerebrum of the brain. This can cause the inability to control your blood flow, breathe, loss of consciousness, comatose state, permanent damage, or even death.
Common Symptoms
One of the best things that you can do to protect yourself is to learn and understand the various symptoms of a brain bleed. Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms – whether immediately after the accident or several days later – it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention:
- Sudden and severe headache near the back of the head
- Sudden loss of or decreased consciousness/alertness
- Difficulty with or loss of movement (paralysis)
- Loss of feeling
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Mood and personality changes
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Seizure
- Stiff neck
- Vision problems
What to Do if You Suspect a Brain Bleed
If you believe that you have suffered a brain bleed from a car accident, it’s extremely important to take the following steps:
1. Seek immediate medical attention.
One of the most important factors when treating any type of brain injury is doing so as quickly as possible. This is especially true of a suspected brain bleed. Diagnosing and treating the injury quickly can sometimes be the difference between life and death.
2. Undergo diagnostic testing as soon as possible.
As mentioned, undergoing diagnostic testing quickly is crucial so that the doctors know what they are dealing with and can react accordingly. Because a brain bleed can very quickly become life-threatening, it’s important that you undergo this testing as soon as possible.
3. Report the crash to your auto insurance company.
Those who live in Michigan should be sure to include this in their written notice of injury, which must be provided to their no-fault insurance company within a period of one year from the date of the accident.
4. Abstain from signing any settlements, waivers, or releases before speaking with an attorney.
It’s extremely important that you abstain from signing any settlements, waivers, or releases from the at-fault driver, insurance companies, or anyone else prior to speaking with a qualified car accident attorney. Oftentimes these individuals will try to settle with you for less than what you deserve. You may be able to sue the driver responsible for your noneconomic damages (pain and suffering).
The Attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should not have to bear the burden alone. When you are already dealing with so much, the last thing that you want to do is to have to worry about tackling the legalities of your situation.
The Michigan personal injury attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. can help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. We understand the seriousness of your injury and the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that you have (and will continue) to endure. We will gather the necessary evidence to build a case to achieve the most optimal outcome. We’ll help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!