What Are Some Signs I May Have Experienced a Concussion During a Car Accident?

Experiencing a headache that won’t go away or seems to worsen strongly indicates a concussion. It is imperative to rule out a concussion after an accident to ensure further problems don’t exist.

If you or your loved one experiences a seizure, seek medical help immediately. Seizures can present in many forms, but typically jerking of arms or legs, staring, breathing problems, loss of bowel or bladder control or loss of consciousness are telltale signs of a seizure.

Did You “See Stars” as a Result of a Blow to the Head?

One of the ways that people describe the after-effects of a significant blow to the head is that they “saw stars” or have ringing in their ears. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must go in and get checked out immediately.

Even if you didn’t take a direct blow to the head due to the accident, your body jarring quickly back and forth due to the impact might have been enough to create a concussion.

What if a Significant Change in Mood Occurs After an Accident?

Symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sudden bouts of anger may occur after an accident. Some of these emotions can be attributed to the frustrations of the accident, but if they persist or are not aligned with how you usually react to situations, it is best to get checked out. Being listless or agitated for seemingly no reason can indicate a concussion has occurred.

Other Symptoms That May Show a Concussion Has Occurred

Feeling dizzy or nauseous or having sensitivity to light can also indicate a concussion has occurred. You may not recall hitting your head in the fast pace environment that a car accident can create. This doesn’t mean that the impact didn’t create a concussion.

If you have vomited, have symptoms similar to a migraine, or feel unsure of your footing (off balance), you may want to consider getting a professional to review your symptoms and give you an exam.

Suppose you have significant changes to your sleeping pattern. For example, if you typically sleep a total of 8 hours but have not been able to sleep since the accident, this can be cause for alarm. On the contrary, if you usually don’t require a ton of sleep but have found yourself sleeping in or needing naps, this could be cause for concern.

Are you or your loved one experiencing significant confusion or amnesia shortly after the accident? These can be signs of a concussion. If you are having trouble remembering the details of the accident or feel confused regarding the details, it may be time to get checked out.

What if I Lost Consciousness During or After the Accident?

Although not always an occurrence after an accident, if you suffered a blow to the head that caused you to pass out, this can be the number one indicator that a concussion may have occurred. It is best to document your symptoms, or have a loved one who witnessed them, come with you to seek professional medical attention.

Whether you lost consciousness for a few seconds or not at all, it doesn’t mean that you haven’t suffered a concussion, and you should check to ensure no damages are being untreated that could lead to significant health issues.

Why is It Important To Rule Out a Concussion?

If you experienced a concussion and didn’t have it treated, it could be a symptom of a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI. TBI is one of the leading severe injuries and can be fatal if not treated immediately. For instance, if you have suffered from a concussion and have contusions or hemorrhaging in your brain, this can lead to significant issues in the future if you do not seek medical attention immediately.

According to Burke Neurological Institute, over 5.3 million Americans live with TBI. Different levels of TBI can be challenging for the rest of someone’s life or fatal, especially if left untreated immediately after the injury occurs. Time is of the essence if you have experienced a concussion or TBI so brain bleeds or other issues can be immediately addressed and treated.

What Types of Damages Can I Pursue if I Suffered From a Concussion?

Though some mild concussions can be treated with minimal effort, others can be a sign of significant damage to the brain that can lead to disability. Some of the common damages that you can fight for following a concussion after an accident are loss of wages while you are treating your injuries, the cost of medical bills, and related treatment received.

Other damages include emotional stress or pain and suffering related to your injuries. You may not be able to enjoy life the way you once did, and you can seek damages due to this. You may also significantly decrease your earning capacity due to the injuries sustained, which can be accounted for by pursuing damages.

If you or a loved one experienced a concussion or TBI due to an accident, and want to learn more about how to pursue damages, call our office at (781) 531-8673. We have years of experience in helping clients overcome financial adversity related to their injuries and fight for what is rightfully theirs. We look forward to serving you and your loved ones.