Head injuries are common in car accidents, and some only require rest. Someone who has a mild concussion, for example, may see their symptoms fade with time. They need to give their brain time to recover, and many people who have concussions see complete healing.
In other situations, the traumatic brain injury (TBI) just seems to get worse as the hours, days or even weeks go by. This sometimes happens because there is bleeding in the brain or in the surrounding tissues, such as with a subdural hematoma.
Acute versus subacute hematoma
In some situations, a person will have an acute subdural hematoma, which means that they almost immediately have severe symptoms. These could include slurred speech, loss of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, memory loss, personality changes and much more.
When the issue is acute, people often know that they need emergency treatment. Without that treatment, they could even die from unchecked bleeding.
A subacute hematoma develops slowly, which means symptoms can show up long after the accident. Someone who may initially think they only have a concussion could see their symptoms getting worse for days after the crash. If they delay getting necessary medical treatment, the subdural hematoma can become far more serious than their initial symptoms suggested. It could even be fatal or cause permanent brain damage.
Seeking financial compensation
For these reasons, it is usually best to see a doctor if you think you have a head injury, even if you do not think it is that serious. Medical care for a subdural hematoma can be expensive, but you may be able to seek financial compensation from the driver who caused the car accident. Getting experienced legal guidance is a good first step.