One minute you are driving down the road with your kids in tow, and the next thing you know, there is a loud crunch and your baby starts screaming. You didn't even have time to process the sight of the other driver running a red light, let alone the accident he just caused. You literally don't know what hit you. Your forehead is bleeding slightly, but otherwise you feel fine.

Of course your first instinct is to make sure that your children are safe and uninjured. But even after the kids are taken care of, it is not uncommon for parents to assume that just because they feel fine, they are fine.

A cut on the head with minimal amounts of blood may seem like no big deal, but it is imperative to always be thoroughly examined after a car accident and to watch for signs of a serious head injury.

Many times the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury mirror the same symptoms that people under a lot of stress face each and every day, which is why an examination is so important. Detecting serious problems now could prevent long-term neurological damage.

If you struck your head or had serious whiplash after a car accident, talk to you doctor about the possibility of a mild or even traumatic brain injury. Also make sure to look out for the following signs and symptoms, which could be warning signs that something more serious is going on.

  • Headaches. For some, headaches are a part of daily life. They can be stress-induced, caused by too little or too much to eat, or even from lack of sleep. After a car accident, pay attention to your headaches and when you get them. Tell your doctor if the pain has shifted to other parts of your head, and if it has increased in sharpness or persistence. 
  • Blurred vision. Halos around bright objects, a change in ability to see out of the corner of your eyes, or difficulty seeing things that are normally not a problem could all mean that the part of your brain that is in charge of your vision could be injured. 
  • Ringing ears. Sporadic or persistent ringing sounds in the ears are also a sign of the head injury, and should be discussed with your physician. Sensitivity to sound or headaches that are easily caused by sounds are also important to mention. 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness. Head injuries can affect a person's equilibrium and have the potential to make an accident victim feel unsteady on their feet. Look out for this warning sign.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Southern California and have suffered a head injury, the most important thing you can do is to seek treatment immediately. Contact the California car accident lawyers at Steinberg Injury Lawyers by calling 800-989-6385 for your free, no-obligation consultation or by filling out our online form.

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982