One potential issue for someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a vehicle collision — or any other type of accident or event — is memory loss (amnesia). It’s most likely to occur when a TBI impacts the amygdala, hippocampus and/or prefrontal cortex When amnesia results from a TBI, it’s considered post-traumatic amnesia (PTA).
Each case of PTA is unique. Sometimes, it goes away within hours or days as the brain swelling goes down. Other times, however, treatment and therapy may be needed to help a person recover their memory.
PTA affects people’s memories differently
There are multiple types of PTA that each affect memory in different ways. The most common type is anterograde amnesia. That typically cause a person to forget the events following the injury. For example, a person may remember the moments leading up to a crash but then have no memory of being taken to the hospital or possibly even their first hours there.
The next most common type is retrograde amnesia. This is where a person can remember the events after the accident, but they have no memory of what led up to it. Some people have some combination of anterograde and retrograde amnesia. They may not remember how it occurred or the immediate aftermath.
Memory is a mysterious and often fragile thing. It can be impossible to know in the days or even weeks after being diagnosed with PTA when, or even if, a person’s memory will return. As noted, there are various types of treatments and therapies that can help people regain their memories. Of course, these take time and cost money.
How PTA can impact an accident claim
Survivors and their families should not to agree to a settlement with an insurer until they know just what their long-term consequences and expenses will be. For example, some people aren’t able to work, drive or even do routine chores for some time after suffering this kind of harm.
It’s also crucial that anyone who has suffered any memory loss following an accident not talk to insurers or anyone representing the at-fault party before seeking legal guidance. They could easily say something, or be led to say something that’s not accurate and that puts responsibility wrongly on themselves. Instead, it’s wise to get legal guidance before taking action.