Other than having jangled nerves, you may feel OK after a minor vehicle crash, such as a rear-end collision.
However, that does not mean there are no underlying injuries. For example, the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not appear for hours, even days.
Delayed symptoms
The human body is not designed to withstand the violent jolt of a vehicle crash and may respond by releasing chemicals capable of masking injuries and pain temporarily. For example, you might suffer a closed brain injury as the result of hitting your head on the steering wheel, but you may experience no symptoms for hours or even days after the crash. Red flags include headaches, dizziness, trouble with concentration or memory, and balance issues.
Essential rehabilitation
Once your condition stabilizes, your brain will go to work forging new routes between healthy brain cells, or neurons. However, the brain needs help to deal with roadblocks, which is where rehabilitation comes in. A rehabilitation program has two objectives: to help you relearn basic skills and to help you adjust to lasting impairments. A brain injury affects cognitive processes. Rehabilitation helps to improve your memory as well as your ability to concentrate and communicate.
Financial expectations
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury as the victim of a vehicle crash, your wellbeing is top priority. While you focus on rehabilitation, you can rely on an advocate to negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf. You have a right to expect full and fair compensation to cover your medical costs, lost wages and more.