A study published in the Traffic Injury Prevention Journal found that 218,936 people received emergency medical attention for traumatic brain injury resulting from motor vehicle crashes annually in the period studied. These visits included ER visits for a car accident concussion; those visits resulted in 56,864 hospitalizations.
Despite these alarming statistics, researchers believe that mild concussions are underreported in motor vehicle accident injury tracking.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a concussion from a car accident. Jordan Law Center’s Greenville car accident lawyer explains what you need to know.
Common Symptoms of a Car Accident Concussion
A concussion can affect multiple bodily systems and functioning. Common symptoms of a car accident concussion are extensive.
Physical symptoms
- Blurred or double vision
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache, neck pain, pressure in the head
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Dizziness
- Disrupted balance
- Changes in taste or smell
Physical symptoms are only one indicator of a concussion.
Cognitive symptoms
A concussion may impair a person’s cognitive function. The person may feel stunned or dazed. It may be harder to process information, so it may take longer to answer questions. Speech may be affected.
It may be harder for the person to concentrate. Their memory may be impaired, and they may have trouble remembering events. Short-term memory and the ability to remember new information may be affected. The person may describe feeling foggy or sluggish.
Mood and emotions
A concussion can impact a person emotionally. They may be especially irritable and become easily angered. They may be depressed, generally anxious, or overwhelmed. Mood swings may occur. A person may reduce their social interaction, limiting relationships with family and friends. They may have trouble in employment and social relationships.
Consciousness and sleep
A concussion from a car crash may result in a loss of consciousness. A person may have trouble sleeping, or they may sleep more than normal. They may fatigue more easily.
Loss of consciousness is not required for a person to have sustained a concussion. Only five to 10% of concussions result in a loss of consciousness.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention when you suspect a concussion from a car accident. You must rule out serious injury and stabilize life-threatening injury. The care you receive can minimize complications and prevent an injury from becoming worse.
Medical care should include exploring the underlying causes of concussion symptoms. There may be multiple possibilities for a particular symptom, and the appropriate treatment may depend on the underlying issue.
Delayed symptoms of concussion
Remember that signs of a concussion from a car accident may be delayed. Adrenaline can mask serious injury following a car accident. If symptoms appear in the days following a concussion, or if existing symptoms worsen, seek additional medical care.
Long-Term Effects of a Concussion from a Car Accident
For mild concussions, most symptoms resolve in two weeks. But for some, symptoms persist, even after a healing period. Post-concussive symptoms can include any of the constellations of concussion symptoms (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral). Diagnosis of post-concussive syndrome requires three or more established criteria along with memory or cognitive defects.
Researchers continue to study whether post-concussion syndrome results from physical injury to the brain, psychogenic causes, or a combination of factors.
A person who suffers from post-concussion syndrome after a car accident may qualify for compensation. Lingering symptoms following a healing period may increase the overall harm caused by the accident. The person’s period of recovery and the presence of long-term symptoms should be evaluated as part of determining damages for a car crash.
Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights After a Car Accident Concussion
If you’re in a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even a car accident that seems minor can cause a concussion, and even a concussion that seems mild can have a serious and lasting impact.
You must prove that your injuries are from the car accident. Prompt medical attention can protect your health and your legal rights by having trained professionals observe and document your symptoms.
How a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Greenville car accident lawyer can guide you through exploring and documenting your damages from a car accident concussion. They understand how to fully value your case, including economic and non-economic damages.
Your lawyer can help you address issues relating to pre-existing conditions or other medical causes. They can represent you in taking the necessary steps to claim your compensation. Your lawyer can give you legal advice, negotiate your settlement, and take your claim to trial.
Contact
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion from a car accident, Jordan Law Center may be able to help.
Our lawyers don’t just take challenging cases. We get results. Talk to a lawyer about what you may receive in compensation and learn what’s involved in bringing a case. Contact us now.
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