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Not all injuries are immediately apparent after a serious car accident. And, unfortunately, these injuries often end up being some of the most life-changing – or life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These dangerous injuries might not show symptoms right away after the accident, so individuals must be careful to watch for signs of a TBI after a crash. What symptoms should individuals look for? According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of a TBI include, but are not limited to: Dizziness and fatigue Nausea and headaches Loss of balance Slurred speech Memory lapses Severe mood swings Loss of consciousness However, the symptoms an individual exhibits depend heavily on how severe the accident and injury are. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, which can make TBIs even more dangerous than they already are. If individuals notice any of these signs in themselves or a loved one, they should seek medical treatment immediately to get the care they need. TBIs often have long-term effects Recovering after a serious car crash is never easy, no matter the type of injury. TBIs are particularly difficult since the brain controls: Mental capacity Emotions Physical movement Therefore, a TBI could impact one’s whole body – and their whole life. In some cases, a severe TBI could be life-altering, making it difficult to move or speak. In other cases, individuals might need to attend physical and occupational therapy to relearn motor skills. No matter the situation, a TBI is a very serious injury. That is why individuals must be aware of the risks and watch carefully for these symptoms after an accident.

With the goal of making roads as safe as possible, car companies continue to advance their safety features year after year. Although these companies have made incredible strides, driving is still considered one of the most dangerous activities. Whether you are driving an hour to work or ten minutes to the grocery store, car accidents can happen. There are many factors that play a part in a car accident and, unfortunately, some of them are not in your control. Even if you are the most experienced driver, you cannot control reckless drivers around you. Drinking and driving A person who is under the influence is unpredictable and can cause a lot of damage to others on the road. Knowing the signs of a drunk driver, however, could save your life. A drunk driver may: Swerve Drift off the road Nearly hit other vehicles and objects Brake unpredictably Drive erratically The safest thing for you do to is pull over and avoid the vehicle altogether. Once you are safe, call 9-1-1. The sooner you report the vehicle to the police, the safer everyone else will be. Distracted driving Distracted driving has become a big problem, forcing many states to implement a hands-free law. Texting and driving is the biggest form of distracted driving. Even though there are laws against it, many drivers are still reaching for their phones. Distracted driving doesn’t stop there. Many drivers eat, drink and apply makeup when they drive. Distracted driving can lead to slow reaction times and drifting off the road, putting everyone in danger. Drowsy driving Many people have gotten behind the wheel while they were drowsy, thinking that it wasn’t a big deal. “ sleep deprivation can have similar effects on your body as drinking alcohol. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood-alcohol level of .05.” Sleep is one of the most important things our brains need to function properly. Without the appropriate amount of sleep, a driver can fall asleep at the wheel without noticing. If you see a driver that is mimicking the driving of someone under the influence, take your safety into account. Pull over and alert the police. They may be sober, but drowsy driving can also lead to severe accidents. There are many things you can do to avoid a car accident, but reckless drivers are out of your control. Although it may seem uncomfortable to call the police, it’s better to be safe than sorry. By being able to identify the signs of a reckless driver, you could save someone’s life.