Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident

Concussions are one of the most commonly suffered injuries in a car accident. A concussion is classified as a traumatic brain injury and the severity can range from mild to life threatening. These injuries are not easy to diagnose because it can take hours or even days for symptoms to set in. If left untreated, a concussion can result in life altering cognitive disabilities.

Concussions are categorized by three grades depending on the severity of the trauma. A Grade One concussion is when there is no loss of consciousness and the victim suffers less than thirty minutes of amnesia. If a victim loses consciousness, the concussion is automatically elevated to a Grade Two concussion. Grade Two concussions are categorized by thirty minutes to twenty-four hours of amnesia. If a victim loses consciousness for more than five minutes and suffers amnesia for more than twenty-four hours, the concussion is rated a Grade Three, the most severe type.

One of the most common misconceptions about concussions is that the head needs to hit something like a window or steering wheel to result in a concussion. The truth is, a concussion can happen just from severe whiplash. The violent movement that the head and neck undergoes during a car accident is enough to cause the brain to move in the head. This results in bleeding in or around the brain.

There are several common symptoms of a concussion. If a car accident victim suffers from any of these symptoms it is imperative they seek medical help. Seeing stars or flashes of light, feeling nauseous, experiencing confusion, having trouble sleeping, mood swings and of course, headaches, are all telltale signs that a person may have a concussion.

Most people make a full recovery following a concussion however, there are many who do not. Traumatic brain injuries can leave a person with chronic problems that result in ongoing medical treatment. Headaches, seizures and inability to work are common among the most severe head injury cases. A lawyer, like a car accident lawyer Green Acres, FL trusts can educate a victim about legal options. Someone who has suffered a concussion may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation programs, pain and suffering and emotional trauma

It is difficult to tell the extent of damage a traumatic brain injury will cause. Following a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. After being evaluated by a medical professional, a car accident injury attorney should be your next phone call. An attorney can assist a victim in seeking compensation to aid in the recovery process.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Eric H. Luckman, P.A. for their insight into car accident cases.