Car accidents can be very traumatic; these accidents can also have lasting mental and physical effects on victims in the crash. There are many types of injuries that someone can get after a car or truck accident. In most cases, people suffer from the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs
While a less common injury, you can also suffer from hearing loss after a serious car wreck. If you suffer from hearing loss after an accident, you can take practical and legal actions.
Which Car Accident Injuries Cause Hearing Problems?
Any injury that damages the auditory nerve could ultimately affect someone’s hearing. This is called acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma can cause short-term or even long-term hearing loss, depending on the severity of the injury.
Hearing loss can occur due to blunt force trauma, intense exposure to blaring noises, or imbalances of air pressure in or around the ear following a car accident. Here are some common injuries that can affect your hearing:
- Head injuries: People often suffer from head injuries during a collision. Whether it is hitting the steering wheel or the force of the impact of the airbag, people can suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These can range from concussions to fractured skulls. One symptom that stems from TBIs is tinnitus, a condition that creates a constant ringing in the ears. If severe enough, a person can lose all other hearing. The ringing can be quite debilitating as it affects concentration, sleep, mental health, and work capacity.
- Whiplash injuries: A whiplash injury can occur when the force of the crash causes the person’s head to “whip” back and forth. If the whiplash motion is severe enough, it can damage the inner ear structures causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when the cochlea is damaged or there is a disruption between nerves connections to the brain. Depending on the severity of the head trauma, the hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.
- Unilateral hearing loss (UHL): UHL means that hearing is normal in one ear but there is hearing loss in the other ear, which can range from mild to very severe. UHL can be caused by injuries to the side of the head or one ear or exposure of one ear to very loud noises.
What Should I Do If I Experience Hearing Loss After a Collision?
In addition to the stress of a collision, you can experience even greater stress due to your injuries. Suffering from hearing loss, in any circumstances, is terrifying. If you believe you have suffered from hearing loss related to an automobile accident, you can do the following:
- Seek medical attention: Make sure to see a doctor (specifically an otolaryngologist) as soon as possible. A doctor will not only be able to help you establish a treatment plan but will also be able to help with any personal injury case you have.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: The sooner your insurance company knows about the accident, the better, especially if the other driver was negliegent/at fault. Your insurance company will be able to help with some medical bills, possible wage loss, and investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Contact an experienced car or truck accident lawyer: Getting a lawyer involved as quickly as possible is the best course of action. It is a mistake to think you can handle a complicated case yourself – the defendant’s insurance company will have a small army of people working on their side to make sure you get as little money as possible. You have the right to have knowledgeable and skilled attorneys fighting on your side with the resources to take on big insurance companies, and you deserve to get the full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
File a Personal Injury Claim for Hearing Loss Caused by a Car Crash
Hearing loss is one of several serious problems that could result from a car accident. If you are injured in a car accident, you are entitled to fair compensation and can file a personal injury claim. You must file within 4 years of the date of your accident.
Before filing a personal injury claim, you should immediately retain a lawyer. As stated, an insurance adjuster and insurance company’s legal team are prepared to fight you and ensure you walk away with as little compensation as possible. You should have a reliable attorney in your corner.
At The Watson Firm, PLLC, our attorneys know how to hold irresponsible drivers and their insurance companies accountable. If you have been injured in a car accident, you can trust our team to help you receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and more.
To find out how we can help you navigate your case, reach out to The Watson Firm, PLLC by calling (850) 607-2929 or contact us online.