What is a concussion?
One of the most commonly ignored injuries in a car accident is a concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or forceful shaking, both of which can be caused by a car accident. This causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, causing bruising, injury to nerves, or damage to the blood vessels. There are three grades of concussions:
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- Grade 1: Mild; no loss of consciousness, but you have temporary amnesia for 30 minutes or less.
- Grade 2: Moderate; you suffer a loss of consciousness and amnesia for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Grade 3: Severe; you lose consciousness for more than 5 minutes or suffer amnesia for more than 24 hours.
Can a car accident cause a concussion?
When you are in a car accident, your head can hit the dashboard, window, or another part of the car, causing a concussion. In fact, even an extreme case of whiplash without any direct impact on an object can cause brain damage.
Concussions are commonly ignored because an individual may not display immediate signs and symptoms of a concussion. Long-term effects sometimes can be avoided if you seek immediate medical treatment. Symptoms of a concussion may not be the same for every person, especially between adults and children. Often, people who suffer from a concussion during a car accident do not lose consciousness. However, it is still possible and different for every person. A more severe concussion could result in an individual losing consciousness for 30 minutes or more.
Some symptoms may be apparent immediately after the car accident, but others may not appear for hours or even days after the accident. It is critical to understand and recognize the various symptoms of a concussion. The most commons symptoms for a concussion from a car accident include:
- Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed
- Fatigue
- Difficulty thinking or “brain fog.”
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to noise or light
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car crash, seek immediate medical attention.
Other than concussions, whiplash is the other most commonly reported injury after a car crash. While whiplash and concussions are very common, there are significant differences you should be aware of in the event that you are in a car accident and fall victim to one of these injuries. It is important to note that it is possible to sustain one or both of these injuries.
Additionally, some people may experience post-concussion syndrome, which occurs when concussion symptoms persist for an extended period of time. Not everyone who gets a concussion from a car accident will experience post-concussion syndrome. Often, a person may recover from a concussion within a week or two.
After a car accident, it is crucial to receive medical treatment even if you are not sure if you have been injured. Medical professionals will conduct proper tests and neurological examinations to make sure you are not suffering from a concussion or more serious injuries.
What are your damages in a car accident in Texas?
Although most people completely recover from concussion injuries, few do not and experience chronic problems such as headaches, inability to concentrate, and personality changes. In this case, damages may be substantial if you are receiving medical treatment for several years. Two types of damages may be covered: special and general. Special damages have a monetary value, which can include:
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- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
General damages are more subjective and do not have a strict monetary value. These damages include:
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- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium claim by a spouse
What documents do you need for a car wreck case in Texas?
To add your concussion as part of your claim and prove that you suffered an injury in the car accident, you will need to provide proof. You may provide evidence of your concussion by:
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- Medical records
- Photos of the injury to the head
- Ambulance and hospital records or bills
- Police report and notes from the scene
If you sustained a concussion or other severe injuries in a car accident, call the Brandy Austin Law Firm at 817-841-9906 to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information.
