It can be easy to dismiss fatigue or a change in your sleep schedule after a Louisiana auto accident. Car accidents are traumatic experiences that can be physically and mentally draining.
However, extreme fatigue that lasts more than a few days could be sign of a severe internal injury, like a concussion or another type of brain injury. Not seeking immediate treatment could allow an internal injury to become much worse, requiring more invasive treatment in the future.
Below, Galloway Jefcoat discusses when car crash victims should be concerned about extreme fatigue after a car accident. If you have been sleeping a lot after a car accident, our Lafayette car accident lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation at no upfront cost to you.
What Are Some of the Reasons for Extreme Fatigue After a Car Accident?
High-stress situations like car accidents trigger a fight or flight response, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Heart rate increases
- High blood pressure
- Flushed or pale skin
- Blunt/dull pain
- Dilated pupils
- Feeling anxious
- Distorted memories
- Feeling tense
- Trembling
- Pounding heartbeat
- Sweating
- And more
When you go into fight or flight mode, your body senses danger and needs to take steps to cope with it, such as releasing adrenaline. The release of adrenaline can give you the energy you need to get through a stressful situation.
However, fight or flight mode can be exhausting. Once the adrenaline wears off, it is normal to feel physically and emotionally drained. You may feel exhausted in the hours after the crash. This could last for the next couple days.
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How Long Does It Take to Mentally Recover From a Car Accident?
Every crash and every crash victim is different. Some crash victims may mentally recover from a crash relatively quickly. Others may take months to start feeling normal again. This could be because it took months for their injuries to heal.
Some people may not mentally recover from a car crash for years. This could be because they are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or consequences of a concussion.
Does Prolonged Fatigue Indicate Severe Injuries?
If a car crash victim deals with fatigue for more than a few days after the crash, such as if he or she is sleeping much more than normal, it could be a sign of a severe injury. For example, you could be suffering from a concussion or another traumatic brain injury. Other concussion/traumatic brain injury symptoms that may accompany fatigue include:
- Headaches or extreme migraines
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Mood swings
- Feeling depressed or anxious
You should discuss all your symptoms with your doctor. If you wait to seek treatment for a brain injury, it could become much worse.
Crash victims should also seek help with mental health issues as soon as possible. If you wait, you could develop unhealthy habits that make it harder to overcome mental health issues. Mental health professionals can help you learn coping skills to avoid being overwhelmed by anxiety or stress. This can help prevent you from feeling mentally exhausted.
It is important for car crash victims to pace themselves when they lack energy. You may not be able to complete every task that you want to complete in a day. Therefore, you should be mindful of that and not stress too much about trying to keep up with your usual routine.
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Types of Sleeping Disorders That Could Arise After a Crash
Sleep quality can depend on age, gender and other factors. However, any radical changes to an individual’s sleep pattern could signify a sleeping disorder.
Common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia – having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness – common symptoms include lack of energy and memory issues
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome, which refers to an irregular sleep pattern
If you notice a difference in your sleep pattern, make sure to inform your doctor. Long-term sleeping problems can dramatically reduce your quality of life and lead to a variety of other medical issues.
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Is It Possible to Include Extreme Fatigue in a Pain and Suffering Claim?
Yes, if you can prove that the extreme fatigue from a car crash caused a drastic change in your daily routine.
There are various ways extreme fatigue can alter your daily routine and quality of life. You may struggle with anxiety and depression. You may disengage from personal relationships with friends and family members. You may struggle to stay focused at work or enjoy the hobbies you participated in before the crash.
It is best to speak to a lawyer to determine how you can seek compensation for your specific circumstance. A knowledgeable lawyer can explain how to document pain and suffering, as these are non-economic forms of compensation, and the value of these damages is subjective.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat to Discuss Your Auto Accident Case
Extreme fatigue can make it difficult to get back into your daily routine. Fatigue can also be a sign of a brain injury that could be life-threatening.
If the crash was the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to obtain compensation. However, it can be a challenge to deal with the insurance company and recover from your injuries at the same time.
You do not need to go through the legal process alone. Galloway Jefcoat can manage the process on your behalf at no upfront cost. We have obtained millions for crash victims in Louisiana. We know how to evaluate a concussion to determine the value of a claim for compensation.
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