A car accident can leave you with a variety of injuries. One of these is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you sustain a traumatic brain injury following an accident that is not your fault, you may hold the liable party accountable for past and future medical expenses among other damages.
Traumatic brain injuries are not always fatal. However, they can change your life significantly. From personality changes to impaired memory, the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries can be devastating. And that’s not all, studies have shown that 50 percent of TBI victims experience episodes of depression at some point following the injury.
So why do TBI victims suffer depression?
If you experience depression following a traumatic brain injury, it is likely as a result of the following:
- The accident caused physical trauma to the area of the brain that controls your emotions
- The accident has left you with a strong emotional trauma or a strong sense of loss
- You are prone to anxiety and/or depression and the accident triggered it
Sometimes, you may not experience depression immediately following the accident. Or, you may not find a direct link between your brain injury and depression.
Getting help after the accident
If you are involved in a car crash, it is important that you take certain steps. First, you need to report the accident so the police can investigate the crash and write a report. Next, you need to seek treatment so you can receive the care you need to get back on your feet. This will also ensure that your brain injury is diagnosed, documented and treated in time. Finally, you need to file your claim within the Louisiana statute of limitations period. All these are key to receiving the compensation you deserve.