A good night’s sleep is important for our overall health and wellness. When we have trouble sleeping or develop a serious condition like insomnia, we can experience significant physical and psychological stress.
Many car accident victims report trouble sleeping after a car accident. While sleep difficulties may not seem very dangerous, they could be a sign of a more serious condition. In these situations, it is important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible following your collision.
What Causes Insomnia After a Car Accident?
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that occurs when you are unable to fall asleep, regardless of how tired you feel. Without treatment, this condition can affect your job performance, mental health, and physical well-being. Insomnia after a car accident is more common than most people realize and is often indicative of a more serious condition.
Insomnia and Traumatic Brain Injuries
After a car accident, insomnia could be a sign that you sustained an injury to your brain. During a collision, your head can shake violently and jolt back and forth in an unnatural way. In some cases, objects collide with your head or penetrate the skull. As a result, the brain can begin bleeding, bruising, and swelling—resulting in permanent damage.
Insomnia is a common symptom of a head injury. Without prompt medical attention, brain damage can be fatal. If you notice insomnia after your accident along with any of the following symptoms, visit an emergency room immediately.
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in mood
- Loss of consciousness
Insomnia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all car accident injuries are physical in nature. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common after a collision. This mental health disorder occurs when people experience a traumatic event, such as a car accident, and begin experiencing symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and aggression.
Insomnia is common among people with PTSD. In fact, an estimated nine out of every 10 patients will experience sleep problems. If you believe that your insomnia is connected to PTSD, speak to a mental health professional as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri
Under Missouri law, victims of car accidents may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. If you are injured and experiencing difficulty sleeping due to your accident, you could hold the at-fault driver liable for your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To secure compensation in your case, however, you will need to prove that the at-fault driver caused your accident and resulting injuries. Protect yourself and your future claim by taking the following steps after the accident to preserve evidence and seek help.
- Call 911 and report the accident to the police. Collect the officer’s information so you can find the report at a later time.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Some symptoms may not appear after the accident, but without treatment, you could develop severe complications. Save all records related to your treatment.
- If you are able, take photographs of the accident scene, collect all pieces of physical evidence, and ask witnesses in the area for their contact information. Briefly exchange license, insurance, and contact details with the other driver.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.
