Car accidents happen every day and while some of them may seem small, you may have unseen injuries. Concussions can sneak up on you and can have severe consequences, especially if left untreated.
If you’ve suffered from a concussion or other head or brain injury, even if it wasn’t from a car accident, our team of Charleston brain injury lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can assist you with compensation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
When you get into a car accident, there are many different types of injuries that can occur, from small scrapes or bruises to spinal cord injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were over 2.4 million injuries due to motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Some of the most common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, cuts and bruises, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions.
Many people in car accidents experience sudden, jerking movements, and the crash might force something to make contact with your head, like a window or the headrest of your car’s seat. Concussions from car accidents can be deadly, and data from a 2022 traumatic brain injury (TBI) report shows that approximately 17% of all TBI-related deaths during 2018 and 2019 were caused by motor vehicle accidents.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. They’re caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Although medical professionals may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury, the effects of even the most minor concussion can be serious.
Effects of concussions are often temporary but can include headaches and problems with coordination, memory, balance, and concentration. They’re usually caused by a blow to the head and can also be caused by violent shaking of the head and upper body, like when you get into a car accident and suffer a sudden, high-impact collision.
Signs of Concussion
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of concussion that are observed by other people can be different than symptoms as reported by those affected. Most signs and symptoms appear soon after the injury, but some might not show up for hours or even days.
Signs observed include:
- Not being able to recall events prior to or right after
- Appearing dazed or stunned
- Moving clumsily
- Forgetting an instruction
- Answering questions slowly
- Losing consciousness, even briefly
- Showing mood, behavior, or personality changes
Symptoms reported by those with the injury:
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, or concentration and memory problems
- Not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
- Bothered by light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
What To Do After You’ve Suffered a Concussion
It’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible after you suffer a head injury, even if it seems small. Seek emergency medical attention if you or someone you know has experienced a head injury and has any of the previously mentioned symptoms or if these symptoms get worse.
Your doctor will ask questions about how the injury occurred, where on your head you were hit, and what symptoms you’ve been having. Depending on the severity of your concussion, you may need to be hospitalized overnight for observation. But if your doctor allows you to go home, someone should stay with you for at least 24 hours and should wake you up periodically to make sure you can wake up normally.
Compensation for Injuries After a Car Accident
Here at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we can help you seek compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. It can be a daunting task to think about trying to start a lawsuit, especially when you’ve received a head injury, but our team of experienced Charleston car accident lawyers will be with you every step of the way.
