A car crash can be a scary and overwhelming experience, which is why many victims are not surprised to feel fatigued or extra sleepy. Typically, fatigue lasts a day or two and goes away.
The trouble is that some victims continue to feel unusually tired or sleepy for several days or longer. This is not something to ignore, as it may indicate a severe underlying injury, like a traumatic brain injury.
This blog post explores the reasons why auto accidents may cause excessive fatigue, explaining the possible connection to a traumatic brain injury.
If you are feeling unusually tired or fatigued after a crash, you should seek medical care right away. You should also consider meeting with an experienced Appleton car accident lawyer from Sigman Janssen to discuss legal options. We do not charge upfront costs or fees and the initial legal consultation is free.
Contact Sigman Janssen today to learn more: (877) 888-5201.
Can Crash Victims Include Fatigue in a Claim for Compensation?
You can seek compensation for damages caused by the injuries you suffered in the crash. For example, you can seek compensation for the cost of treating a traumatic brain injury that has caused fatigue or excessive sleepiness.
You may also be able to seek compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and lost quality of life. Fatigue often contributes to a lower quality of life, as victims may be unable to work or engage in things they once enjoyed, such as activities with their families.
The challenge with recovering compensation for non-economic damages is that their value is subjective. You are going to need the help of an experienced lawyer to determine what your non-economic damages may be worth.
Sigman Janssen helps crash victims seek full compensation for the damages they have suffered and there is no upfront cost or legal obligation.
Why Car Crashes Victims Get Fatigued
There are several factors that may contribute to excessive fatigue after a collision:
- Physical injuries: Car crashes, no matter how minor, can cause significant physical distress. Pain and soreness from your injuries can drain your energy. The healing process itself can cause fatigue, as the body redirects energy to repair damage to the body. Your injuries could make it more difficult to perform everyday tasks, causing additional physical exertion, which is tiring.
- Emotional stress: The psychological impact of an accident can be just as significant as the physical impact. Stress and anxiety about the crash and its aftermath can be psychologically draining. There is a lot of confusion after a crash, as victims are wondering about their next steps. This uncertainty can be incredibly stressful, especially when victims have questions about how to pay their medical bills and how they are going to deal with the financial impact of missing work because of their injuries.
- Rush of adrenaline: High-stress situations, like car accidents, trigger a release of adrenaline. This is a hormone that helps our bodies get through emergency situations. Once you get through the event, your adrenaline levels normalize, and you may experience a drop in energy. As adrenaline levels normalize, you might experience a significant drop in energy.
Could Fatigue be a Sign of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
There are multiple reasons why you may feel unusually fatigued after a car crash. However, you need to be aware that sometimes fatigue is a symptom of a severe injury, like a concussion or another traumatic brain injury. You might dismiss this as a possibility because you did not hit your head during the collision. However, you can injure your brain without getting hit in the head.
You are not going to be able to diagnose a brain injury without a doctor’s help. However, you should seek medical care if you are excessively tired for more than a couple days. If fatigue continues after that point, you need to go to the doctor immediately.
Signs of a Brain Injury After a Crash
It is especially important to seek medical care if you experience these other symptoms, in addition to your fatigue:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe headaches, especially migraines
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
Early diagnosis and treatment of a traumatic brain injury is critical to prevent it from getting worse.
Should I Wait to go to Sleep After an Auto Accident?
Many crash victims are concerned about whether it is safe to sleep. Generally, the answer is yes. You need sleep to help your body and mind recover from physical injuries and psychological stress.
However, if you got hit in the head during the crash or are experiencing other signs of a traumatic brain injury, you need to go to the hospital right away. Doctors can give you guidance about whether it is OK to sleep. They can explain if sleeping may aggravate your underlying injuries.
Changes in Sleep Patterns Following a Crash
Some crash victims experience changes in their sleeping patterns. For example, you may experience:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, also called insomnia
- Sleeping more often than usual and feeling excessively tired during the day, also known as hypersomnia
- Nightmares or flashbacks that wake you up in the middle of the night
- Narcolepsy, which occurs when you suddenly fall asleep without warning
It is important to note that these changes may be part of the body’s response to trauma and often resolve themselves over time. However, sometimes these become chronic problems, dramatically reducing quality of life.
What to do About Excessive Fatigue or Sleepiness Following a Collision
If crash victims feel excessively tired or sleepy after a collision, you should take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Go to the Hospital for Medical Attention
Fatigue can be a symptom of various issues, including physical injuries, emotional stress, or even a traumatic brain injury. Doctors can identify why you are feeling fatigued and rule out serious medical issues.
Get Plenty of Rest
You need rest to help your body and mind recover from the physical injuries and emotional stress of the accident. Make sure you discuss sleep with a health care professional to determine if it is safe for you to go to sleep.
Monitor Your Symptoms
Watch for any additional symptoms that may develop, such as headaches, dizziness, memory issues, or changes in mood. Report these symptoms to the doctor right away.
Consult an Experienced Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you should strongly consider talking to an experienced attorney. He or she can help you understand your rights, including whether you can seek compensation for your medical costs and other damages.
Injured in a Wisconsin Crash? Contact Sigman Janssen for Legal Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing fatigue or other unusual symptoms after an auto accident in the Fox Cities, you need immediate medical care. If you think the accident was someone else’s fault, you may be eligible to seek significant compensation from the liable party’s insurance.
Contact Sigman Janssen today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in this challenging time. We have a proven track record and there are no upfront costs with our services. We only get paid if you get paid.
Call Sigman Janssen today to learn how we may be able to assist you: (877) 888-5201.