Car accidents are one of the leading causes of concussions. Still, these injuries are misunderstood and underestimated. Even low-speed collisions can cause concussions, sometimes without a direct blow to the head. This blog explains the effect of accidents on the brain, the symptoms you may experience, and how important it is to seek legal help.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Concussions?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a sudden impact or blow that jolts the brain harshly within the skull. The severity of a car accident concussion depends on factors like speed, seatbelts, airbags, and the position of your head at the moment of the impact. Many believe that concussions only occur from direct blows to the head. However, there are several ways someone can become concussed in an accident.
- Direct impact: If your head hits a hard surface inside the vehicle, like the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, it can cause significant brain trauma.
- Whiplash effect: Even if you don’t hit anything directly, the rapid back-and-forth movement of your head causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
- Sudden deceleration: The force of a collision, which causes the car to come to a complete stop after moving at speed, can smash the brain against the skull.
How Often Do Car Accidents Result in Concussions?
While it’s difficult to determine the exact number of concussions that result from vehicle collisions, they are one of the most common causes of brain trauma. Concussions are often referred to as “invisible injuries” because there are no obvious external signs—their effects are highly unpredictable.
Symptoms of Post-Accident Concussion
Concussion symptoms vary drastically from person to person. They can manifest immediately or only develop hours or days after the accident. It’s crucial to be aware of the most common symptoms so you can monitor yourself after a collision.
Physical symptoms include headaches, cranial pressure, dizziness, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, drowsiness, slurred speech, severe neck pain, fainting and ringing in the ears.
Cognitive symptoms are often the first to develop, including confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, delayed response to stimuli, disorientation, and problems with coherent thought. Concussions may also cause inconsistent sleep disturbances and difficulties falling asleep despite following your typical routine.
Emotional and behavioral symptoms commonly manifest as irritability, mood swings, sudden onset anxiety or depression, atypical emotional responses, aggression, and inexplicable crying fits. Visit a medical professional immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one after an accident.
The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident
It’s essential to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel completely unharmed. As we mentioned, concussion symptoms may not appear immediately and can take several days to show their effect. Thorough medical examinations may detect cognitive or functional abnormalities early, and in cases of severe brain trauma, CTs and MRIs may show brain injuries like bleeding or nerve damage.
Untreated concussions can be extremely dangerous and can lead to permanent brain damage and cognitive impairments. There is also a risk of a condition called second impact syndrome, in which a secondary brain trauma occurs before the first one is fully healed. Second impact syndrome is rare, but it can happen if you are unaware of the first injury.
Beyond the typical health concerns, obtaining medical documentation is critical for any personal injury claim you pursue. Detailed medical records provide evidence of your injury, its severity, and the fact that you received medical treatment. Without these documents, proving your injury after the fact and obtaining fair compensation can be difficult.
When to Seek Legal Help
You are not legally required to hire an attorney to file a personal injury claim. However, seeking legal support significantly increases your chances of a favorable case outcome. Due to limited physical evidence, insurance companies often undervalue concussion claims or push to settle quickly before symptoms fully develop. Professional legal representation ensures you have someone to negotiate with insurers and prioritizes your rights and future well-being.
An attorney can help you secure a settlement that considers your long-term medical needs if your concussion symptoms are complex or lead to chronic illness or permanent disability. Your future earning capacity and potential lost income should also be evaluated and accurately calculated before you can accept a settlement. Attorneys have access to experts who can provide testimony about the impact your injuries can have on your life in the future.
When your case is consistently undervalued or you cannot agree on a fair settlement, your attorney can also represent you in court. Our firm pursues personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. We uphold this method to reduce your financial risk because we know you are already vulnerable.
Seek Compensation After a Concussion Injury
Concussions after car accidents are serious, and they can permanently change your life. You do not have to ignore your symptoms or accept a low insurance settlement when you experience a concussion after a vehicle collision. Contact HHJ Trial Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert personal injury attorneys. Your health and future are too important to leave to chance.
