When going through a frantic or even traumatic situation, it is common for people to not know exactly what has happened. For instance, individuals who experience car accidents often have difficulty remembering exactly how the event occurred, what their bodies went through during the crash and how they truly felt afterward.
You may have recently experienced this type of event firsthand. A negligent or reckless driver crashed into your vehicle, and you, like many other Texas drivers, may have felt like the incident occurred out of nowhere. Afterward, you likely felt shaken up and confused, but you may not have felt any pain. Did you escape without injury?
Check your sleeping habits
It is not unusual for a vehicle accident to cause injuries that do not appear right away. If you have trouble remembering what happened and adrenaline is masking any pain, you may tell doctors that you do not think you suffered any harm, and medical professionals may not immediately see any signs of trauma. However, it is vital that you pay attention to your body in the days and even weeks after a crash.
One aspect to pay close attention to that you may not have considered before is your sleeping patterns. Have you felt excessively tired since the accident? Have you been sleeping more than usual or still feel sleepy after extra rest? While this may not seem like a concern, it could point to a serious injury.
Signs of head injury
In some cases, excessive sleepiness or tiredness that lasts more than seven days after a crash could be a symptom of a head, neck or brain injury. Whiplash is not uncommon after car accidents, and the symptoms may not show themselves immediately. Concussions and even serious injuries like brain hemorrhages could also have delayed symptoms, and excessive sleepiness could be one of them.
Any time you feel off after a car accident, it is wise to see a medical professional. Even if you think it might be nothing, letting a doctor know that you were recently involved in a crash and that you do not feel like yourself could prompt an important examination. Doctors know how to look for signs of injury that others may not expect, and reporting your tiredness could help you get the treatment you may need.
Seeking compensation
In the event that the accident did lead to a serious injury, like brain trauma, you may have a lot of stress on your plate regarding medical treatment, bills, time off work and other important matters. It is important to keep in mind that you may have the ability to seek compensation for damages resulting from the crash by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver considered at fault.
