A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that can occur in a car accident if the brain is violently shaken in the collision or if the victim hits his head during the crash. Either way, the concussion alters the brain function—at least temporarily—and requires proper treatment.
Symptoms of Concussions After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of a concussion, then it is important to get prompt medical attention so that a proper diagnosis may be made.
Symptoms of a concussion in an older child or adult may include:
- Headache.
- Memory problems.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Speech problems.
- Fatigue.
- Mood changes or irritability.
- Sensitivity to light, noise, taste or smell.
- Sleep problems
Symptoms of a concussion in an infant or young child may include:
- Irritability or crankiness.
- Excessive crying.
- Listlessness and a disinterest in favorite toys.
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Problems with balance or gross motor activities such as walking.
These symptoms can be scary and it is important to get prompt medical attention so that a treatment plan can be developed.
Why Concussions Are Dangerous
Many people who suffer a concussion in a car accident are able to recover fully, even though that recovery may take some time. However, others will suffer ongoing complications from this form of traumatic brain injury. Specifically, a person who has suffered a concussion in a car crash may have ongoing:
- Vertigo.
- Epilepsy.
- Post-concussion syndrome.
Additionally, the effects of cumulative concussions or other head injuries can be devastating. If you suffer another concussion before your first one has healed, then your brain may swell and the result can be fatal. Evidence also suggests that lasting and significant brain damage can occur even if your first concussion healed before you suffered a subsequent head injury. There is no “safe” level of concussion damage you can shrug off.
What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Concussion in a Car Crash
If you have suffered a concussion in a car wreck then it is important to take steps to protect your potential legal recovery. You need to take the time to recover as fully as possible so that your future is impacted as little as possible by your injury. Accordingly, it is important to follow your doctors’ advice and to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you recover for your past, current, and future medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
To learn more about your rights and about how to protect them after a car accident concussion, please read our FREE book, The Ultimate Guide for Automobile Accident Victims, today.
Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.