Car accidents and motor vehicle accidents are common occurrences on the roadways, and they can result in a range of injuries, including concussions. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is suddenly and forcefully jolted or shaken. If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to know how to recognize the warning signs of a concussion and what steps to take if you suspect you may have one. You should also consider consulting with a motor vehicle accident attorney to discuss the possibility of a claim for damages.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull. This can happen when the head is struck, such as in a car accident, or when the body is suddenly and forcefully jerked, such as in a whiplash injury. A concussion can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion, and can sometimes lead to long-term complications if not properly treated.
What Are Common Warning Signs of a Concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person, and they may not appear immediately after the accident. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until several hours or even days after the injury. Here are some common warning signs of a concussion to watch for:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Confusion or memory loss
- Irritability or mood swings
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
It’s important to note that not everyone who suffers a concussion will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may only have a few, while others may experience many.
How Do I Know if I Have a Serious or Mild Head Injury?
If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect you may have suffered a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. A healthcare professional can help determine the severity of your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Here are some general guidelines for determining the severity of a head injury:
Mild head injury: A mild head injury is typically characterized by a brief loss of consciousness (less than 30 minutes), confusion, and headaches. Mild head injuries usually do not cause significant damage to the brain and can often be treated with rest and pain medication.
Moderate head injury: A moderate head injury may involve a loss of consciousness for up to several hours, as well as more severe symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, and confusion. Moderate head injuries can cause more significant damage to the brain and may require hospitalization and monitoring.
Severe head injury: A severe head injury is characterized by a prolonged loss of consciousness (more than 6 hours), severe symptoms such as seizures and coma, and often requires immediate medical attention.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are general and can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances of the injury. A healthcare professional is the best source for determining the severity of a head injury and recommending appropriate treatment.
How might a car accident lawyer help settle a concussion injury claim? –
Here are some ways a car accident lawyer can help:
- Investigation – A car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence to help support your claim. This can include obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Determining liability – Your accident/injury lawyer can help determine who was at fault for the accident and hold them accountable for your injuries. This may involve negotiating with insurance companies or even filing a lawsuit if necessary.
- Calculating damages – Your lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also anticipate future medical expenses and lost income if your injury results in long-term disability.
- Negotiation – Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries. They can also help you understand your legal rights and the best course of action to take.
- Court representation – If necessary, your lawyer can represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In the case of a concussion injury, a car accident lawyer can also help you understand the full extent of your injury and the potential long-term consequences, such as the risk of developing post-concussion syndrome. This can help ensure that you receive adequate compensation not only for your current medical bills and lost wages, but also for any future medical expenses or lost income that may result from your injury.
Where to start?
Once you’ve undergone treatment for your injuries you need to start to consider retaining the services of a good law firm to represent your case against those responsible for your injuries, assuming other parties are culpable. Find a law firm offering a free consultation and a firm with a good reputation in the appropriate area of practice. Here is an article that will provide help in finding a good injury lawyer.
At Kellum Law Firm we can provide you with a free consultation to review the details of your accident in the comfort of your own home, where necessary. There’s never any obligation to retain us to handle your case and you pay us nothing unless we win a settlement for you.
Contact us on 1-800-ACCIDENT
