It is not unusual for some crash victims to feel fatigued for a day or two. Some victims, however, experience excessive fatigue that does not go away.
While there are many injury symptoms to be concerned about after a car crash, excessive fatigue is high on the list. You could be tired because you have a traumatic brain injury. If you do not seek treatment for your brain injury as soon as possible, there may be a risk of life-threatening complications.
Schmidt Kramer’s Harrisburg vehicle accident lawyers discuss excessive fatigue from a car crash injury, including symptoms and what victims should do about their condition. We help crash victims seek full compensation for their damages at no upfront cost.
We are ready to take your call: (717) 727-2550.
What Causes Exhaustion After a Car Accident?
There are several factors that can contribute to feeling exhausted after a car crash.
Physical Trauma/Injury
Even at relatively slow speeds, collisions can be physically jarring. This can strain your muscles and/or cause soft-tissue damage. Your body expends significant energy to heal this physical trauma, which can result in significant fatigue.
Adrenaline Wearing Off
Your body experiences a rush of adrenaline during a crash that is often accompanied by:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Sweating
- Tense muscles
Eventually, the surge of adrenaline wears off. Once this happens, it is not unusual to feel extremely tired.
Emotional Stress
Car crashes, including their aftermath, is emotionally exhausting. Not knowing what to do next and dealing with the insurance company can cause significant stress.
Some crash victims experience significant fear when they think about getting behind the wheel. They may also replay the accident in their mind.
Traumatic Brian Injury
Feeling unusually tired after a car crash may be a sign of a traumatic brain injury. Even if you did not get hit in the head during the collision, your brain may have sustained an injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Excessive Fatigue?
There are various symptoms of fatigue that may indicate a significant injury. Generally, if you are unusually tired for more than seven days, you need medical attention.
You should also watch for these symptoms that accompany your fatigue:
- Severe headaches
- Unusual mood swings
- Increased irritability
- Memory loss
- Insomnia, which means you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
- Frequently waking up during the night
- Excessive fatigue during the daytime
- Sleeping longer than usual
- Unusual sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurry vision
- Tinnitus
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Trouble talking
- Dizziness
These symptoms may indicate your brain suffered some type of injury in the collision. These symptoms are unlikely to resolve on their own, which is why crash victims should seek medical care right away.
What Should Crash Victims Do About Excessive Fatigue?
Crash victims who feel unusually tired or fatigued should report their symptoms to their doctor right away. You might have a brain injury, and waiting to seek treatment could have serious or life-threatening consequences.
Your doctor can take note of your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. He or she may also order medical tests to determine if you suffered an injury to your brain. Doctors can then take steps to stabilize and treat your injuries to help prevent them from worsening.
It is best to follow the doctor’s treatment plan, including restrictions on physical activity or going to work. Disobeying your doctor could prolong your recovery and hurt your chances of securing favorable compensation for your damages.
If your fatigue is accompanied by depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, you may want to make an appointment with a mental health professional.
Can I Add Excessive Fatigue to My Claim For Compensation?
Excessive fatigue can negatively impact your life, preventing you from working or taking part in the activities you enjoyed before the crash. For example, you may struggle to play sports. If you have children, you may be unable to play with them in the same ways you did before the accident. Fatigue can also negatively affect your marital relationship.
You can include these kinds of damages in a Pennsylvania auto accident claim. You can also include the cost of treating your fatigue, as well as the cost of appointments with doctors and mental health professionals.
It is easier to document some damages more than others. For example, it is easier to document the cost of surgery, medical testing or appointments with doctors than it is to document the daily effects of fatigue. Fortunately, your lawyer can explain how to document these damages, such as by keeping a daily journal in which you describe the pain you experience each day and how it impacts your life.
Schmidt Kramer has many years of experience evaluating claims for severe injuries, including claims that involve non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and lost enjoyment of life. If you are dealing with excessive fatigue, we have the resources and legal knowledge to help you seek full compensation for your damages.
Contact Schmidt Kramer To Discuss an Excessive Fatigue Claim
Excessive fatigue is one of the symptoms of a severe, and potentially life-threatening brain injury.
If the injury is the result of a collision in the Harrisburg area, you may be able to seek compensation. However, dealing with the insurance company while recovering from your injuries can be a daunting task.
You do not need to face this alone. Schmidt Kramer is here to take on the entire process on your behalf, with no upfront costs. We have a proven track record of securing millions in compensation for crash victims in Pennsylvania.
Millions Recovered. No Upfront Fees For Our Services. Call (717) 727-2550.