Signs of a Concussion after a Car Accident
A concussion is a common injury following car accidents. Drivers and passengers can hit their heads on the windows, dashboard, wheel, or airbag. While an airbag is meant to cushion someone’s movements, it can still be a significant enough blow to harm the individual’s brain. The major issue with a concussion from a collision is that it is not always noticeable immediately following the accident. Emergency medical personnel may miss the signs and send a person a home. However, victims of crashes should know the signs of concussions so that they can seek medical attention as soon as they know something may be wrong. If you suffered a concussion in a car accident and now have medical expenses or a long-term condition to deal with, contact an attorney immediately.
What Is a Concussion?
Do not let the simple title fool you; a concussion is a traumatic brain injury. When there is a major blow to the head, the brain, which is normally cushioned by fluid within the skull, can crash against the skull. The extreme force upon the brain alters the way this organ functions. A concussion can also occur if someone is violently shaken, whipped from one direction to another, or has an object penetrate his or her skull. In recent years, scientists and physicians and found concussions are much more serious than previously thought. One or more concussions can lead to long-term or permanent issues.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Following a car accident, it is important for individuals to understand the signs of a concussion. This injury is not always noticed immediately following a crash. A person may seem completely unharmed, but actually need rest and medical attention to heal from a brain injury.
Some of the most common signs of a concussion include:
- A brief loss of consciousness;
- Headache;
- Confusion;
- Delayed answer to questions;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Fatigue;
- Loss of memory regarding the accident;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Ringing in ears;
- Slurred speech;
- Blurry vision;
- Sensitivity to light or noise;
- Irritability;
- Anxiety; and
- Sleep disturbances.
What to Do if You Think You Suffered a Concussion
If you begin to notice the signs of a concussion within days or weeks following a car accident, make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) immediately. If you do not have a PCP, go to an immediate care facility or the emergency room. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you believe you had a brain injury. A physician can run tests to determine the extent of your injury and offer advice on the best way to recover, which may include taking time off work or reducing physical activity.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
Once you realize you have been injured due to a car accident, you should contact a passionate New Braunfels personal injury attorney from the Bettersworth Law Firm as soon as possible. Because the signs of your injury may have been delayed, you might not have notified an insurer of the accident. As your attorney, we will help you notify the relevant insurers of the accident and file the necessary claims. If an insurance settlement is unlikely, we can advise you filing a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover.
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/traumatic-brain-injury-concussion-overview
