November 4th, 2024

Most people associate car accidents with common injuries, such as broken bones, whiplash injuries, and bruising. However, strokes can also happen during a car crash. 

If you suffered a stroke because of a car accident, our car accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you file a compensation claim. 

What Are the Causes of a Stroke After a Car Accident?

High blood pressure, blood clots, and physical trauma can cause strokes. Traumatic brain and neck injuries can increase the risk of stroke for people under the age of 50.

Research suggests that head or neck injuries increase stroke risk by 4-fold and 6-fold, respectively, during the 2 weeks after a trauma. A person who has had a head or neck injury is more likely to experience an ischemic stroke, a stroke occurring because of a blockage or clot in the blood vessels within the brain. 

A car accident can increase the risk of a stroke in several ways. The following injuries may trigger a stroke:

  • Whiplash: This injury happens when the body accelerates or decelerates in an accident. The neck whips back and forth upon impact, tearing soft tissues and arteries in the neck. Having this injury increases the risk of an ischemic stroke because of the ‌reduction in oxygen to the brain.
  • Brain Hemorrhages: Head trauma from a car accident may cause a brain hemorrhage, increasing the risk of a stroke. The blood pools in the brain tissue, creating a mass called a hematoma. The hematoma can put pressure on the brain, minimizing blood flow to the brain and killing brain cells. Cerebral hemorrhages cause 13% of all strokes in the U.S. and cause around 40% of all stroke deaths.
  • Disruption of Blood Flow: A car accident can disrupt blood flow to a part of the brain. This disruption in your blood flow can lead to an increased likelihood of a stroke. 

If the arteries are already constricted because of a pre-existing vascular condition, they may not supply enough blood to the brain. This situation might result in a stroke being triggered by a car accident, even when there is no physical trauma.

Delayed On-Set Strokes After a Car Accident

Sometimes, strokes can happen months or years after a car accident. Symptoms of tears in the arteries may not show up until three months after the accident, increasing the risk of stroke.

The risk of a stroke is typically greater for four months after a traumatic brain injury, but it can last up to five years. Getting immediate medical attention after an accident is always important to check for any potential risk of a stroke.     

Can I Get Compensation for a Stroke?

If a stroke is caused by an accident, it can create complex coverage issues under the insurance company’s disability policies. The coverage question becomes whether the stroke or the accident was the efficient proximate cause of the disability. This means the cause must have been the most influential factor in creating the stroke. 

An insurance company must investigate the accident and determine whether there is coverage for the claim. The stroke exclusion may be determined by the circumstances of the accident, your age, and your health risks for a stroke.

Since negotiating with an insurance company takes skill and knowledge of California’s insurance laws, it’s best to get legal help collecting strong evidence and building a strong claim.

Common Symptoms of a Stroke After a Car Accident

A stroke can occur immediately following a car accident or develop gradually in the days, weeks, or even months afterward. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms early, as timely medical intervention can greatly reduce the risk of long-term damage. Below are key signs to watch for.

Immediate Warning Signs

  • Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
  • Facial drooping on one side
  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble understanding others
  • Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
  • Loss of balance or coordination

Delayed or Gradual Symptoms

  • Persistent headaches or migraines
  • Fatigue or unusual drowsiness
  • Changes in mood, memory, or concentration
  • Numbness or tingling that worsens over time
  • Unexplained dizziness or episodes of fainting

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you or someone else experiences any stroke symptoms, even if they seem mild or temporary, call 911 immediately. Early medical intervention is critical to prevent further damage. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve—getting immediate care can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

How Can I Prove the Connection Between the Accident and My Stroke?

All your medical records, including doctor’s notes and invoices from your treatments, can help connect your stroke to the accident. Emergency room records, medical tests, and written statements from friends and family can attest to the diminished quality of life you suffered after your stroke.

Attorneys can use their resources to collaborate with medical expert witnesses to investigate the cause of the stroke. Your lawyer can work tirelessly to achieve maximum compensation from the insurance company by using medical testimonies and records from your treatments to link the stroke to the accident.

Find Out if You Can Get Compensation for a Stroke in a Car Accident

If you suffer a stroke due to a car accident, the attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can work on your case. We will evaluate your claim and advise you on your legal options, including how to move forward with a lawsuit. Call our law office to schedule your free case consultation today.

Originally published April 11, 2022.