When a car accident occurs, the sudden and forceful stop can cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This movement can lead to a concussion. Known medically as a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion from a car accident disrupts brain function, leading to a variety of symptoms that can affect your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Many victims of car accidents may not immediately realize they have suffered a concussion.
The adrenaline rush and initial shock can mask pain and confusion, leading some to believe they are simply shaken up.
However, as the hours and days pass, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and mood changes can emerge, signaling that something more serious is at play.
At Hunter | Everage, we recognize the importance of addressing the full scope of your concussion symptoms after a car accident. We aim to help you take the necessary legal steps to cover your medical needs and compensation.
What Is a Concussion and How Does It Occur in Car Accidents?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden force or impact that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in bruising, stretching, or damage to brain tissue, disrupting normal brain function.
Car crash concussions commonly happen due to the sheer force of the collision.Whether your car is rear-ended, T-boned, or involved in a head-on crash, the sudden movement can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull. This can happen even if you don’t lose consciousness.
The tricky part about concussions is that they don’t always present immediate symptoms, and they might not involve visible injuries, like cuts or bruises. Inside the skull, however, the brain may have experienced significant stress or damage. This can disrupt normal brain function, affecting physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Common Symptoms of Car Crash Concussions
Concussion symptoms after a car accident may vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual. It’s crucial to know what to look for, as symptoms can appear hours or even days after the crash. Common signs include:
- Physical Symptoms: The most immediate signs of a concussion often include persistent headaches that don’t seem to go away, a sensation of pressure in the head, dizziness, and noticeable balance problems. You might also experience nausea or vomiting, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light and noise.
- Cognitive Symptoms: After a car accident, if you find it harder to concentrate or remember new information, these could be signs of cognitive impacts from a concussion. Victims often report feeling “foggy” or slower in their thinking, which can affect work, driving, and even social interactions.
- Emotional Symptoms: Concussions can affect your emotional stability. You might find yourself unusually irritable, prone to sudden mood swings, or inexplicably sad. Anxiety and depression are also common, as the stress of the injury and its repercussions can take an emotional toll.
- Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns are another indicator. This might mean sleeping much more than usual, having trouble sleeping or experiencing disruptions in your sleep cycle. Such changes can further complicate your recovery and impact your daily life.
The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Concussions
When it comes to concussions, the phrase “time heals all wounds” doesn’t always apply. If left untreated, a concussion can lead to a host of long-term complications that may seriously affect your quality of life.
One of the most common long-term complications of untreated concussions is post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This condition occurs when concussion symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes—persist for weeks, months, or even years after the injury. PCS can significantly impact your ability to work, perform everyday tasks, and enjoy life.
Beyond PCS, repeated or severe concussions may increase the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often associated with memory loss, impaired judgment, depression, and eventually, dementia.
Other potential long-term effects include an increased risk of developing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, early onset Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia.
The psychological impact is also significant, with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other emotional disturbances that can arise from the ongoing struggle with the consequences of the injury.
Why Early Diagnosis and Documentation Are Crucial for Your Claim
When you’re involved in a car accident, the adrenaline rush can sometimes mask pain and injuries, making you believe you’re fine. However, symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately.
Visiting a healthcare provider right away ensures that any injuries, particularly brain injuries like concussions, are identified early. This medical assessment creates a documented record of your condition, closely linking it to the accident.
Documenting every step after your injury is just as important as the diagnosis.This includes keeping detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, prescribed medications, and related expenses. Each piece of documentation adds to the robustness of your claim, painting a clear picture of the consequences of your injury.
Without immediate and continuous care, gaps can form in your medical history that might be exploited by those looking to minimize your claim’s validity and value. For instance, delaying a doctor’s visit or skipping follow-up care can be interpreted as a sign that your injuries aren’t severe, potentially undermining your claim.
Comprehensive documentation and early diagnosis not only support your health recovery but also solidify your legal standing. They provide your attorney with the evidence needed to argue convincingly for the full extent of your damages, ensuring you receive adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Concussions Are Factored Into Personal Injury Settlements
The first factor often considered is the expense incurred through medical treatments. This includes emergency care, diagnostic tests like CT scans or MRIs, appointments with specialists, and any therapies required for recovery.
If a concussion prevents you from working, this loss of income will be calculated into the settlement.This includes not only the wages already lost but also, if applicable, the impact on your future earning capacity. For severe concussions, this might mean compensation for a diminished ability to perform your previous work duties or a need to switch careers.
This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the injury. Concussions can lead to headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, and cognitive impairments that affect your daily life and mental health. Calculating pain and suffering often involves a subjective assessment, but it’s an essential component of the claims process.
Sometimes, a concussion can lead to long-term or permanent complications, such as post-concussion syndrome or increased susceptibility to further concussions. Compensation can include the cost of future medical expenses for your injury, including physical therapy, counseling, and support for cognitive impairments.
Beyond direct and future medical expenses and other costs, concussions can profoundly affect your lifestyle and relationships. If your injury results in a loss of life’s enjoyment or impacts your social bonds, this will be factored into your settlement.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer
Suffering a concussion from a car accident can be a life-altering experience. While these injuries may not always be visible, their effects on your brain and overall well-being can be profound.
Recognizing concussion symptoms after a car accident is crucial, as early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term health.
If you’ve experienced concussion symptoms after a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced Montgomery car accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim.
Contact Hunter | Everage at 704-377-9157, and let us take the weight off your shoulders.