What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion from a Car Accident?
Concussions are common injuries in car accidents and can be serious. Unlike many other injuries, they are not always easy to recognize or diagnose. It is important to be evaluated for a concussion from a car accident as soon as possible to limit concussion long term effects.
If you sustained a concussion in a vehicle accident caused by another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important to understand the seriousness of your injury and what happens if a concussion goes untreated. You should also know your legal options. The team at Flint Cooper is here to help.
Six Types of Concussions
A concussion can occur any time there is trauma to the head such as a bump, jolt, or blow that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. This could include impact with a part of the car, whiplash, or something projected in the car hitting the head. A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury. A concussion from a car accident can be mild, moderate, or severe. Concussions present themselves in a number of ways. There are 6 types of concussions categorized by symptoms:
- Physical type concussion symptoms: Pain, vomiting, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
- Cognitive type concussion symptoms: Trouble concentrating or multitasking, temporary or permanent loss of memory, slurred speech and irritability.
- Emotional type concussion symptoms: Abnormal anxiety, personality changes, mood swings and phobias.
- Sleep affect type concussion symptoms: Appearance of insomnia, poor quality sleep, sensitivity to light and sounds.
- Vestibular type concussion symptoms: Vertigo, loss of coordination, giddiness, and abnormal eye movements.
- Ocular type concussion symptoms: Altered depth perception, blurred vision, seeing stars or flashes of light, difficulty reading or working on a screen, and poor night vision.
All these symptoms could also represent other injuries or illnesses, but if you are showing any of the above signs, you should be evaluated by a medical professional.
What Happens If a Concussion Goes Untreated?
If left untreated, concussion long-term effects can be serious and life changing. These can range from physical hardships to emotional and mental instability or changes. Depression is a common symptom of an undiagnosed brain injury followed by prolonged changes in mood. These effects can make it difficult to manage interpersonal relationships, interact socially, perform at work, or engage in physical activities.
Can a Mild Concussion Cause Permanent Damage?
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, even mild concussions should not be taken lightly. Although concussions differ in degrees of severity, neurosurgeons and other brain injury experts agree that there is no such thing as a minor concussion. Trauma to the brain is important to recognize and monitor. A minor concussion does not typically cause permanent damage, but each situation is unique.
How Do You Treat a Concussion?
It is important to note that you should not self-diagnose or self-treat any injuries, especially one to the brain. If you are experiencing a concussion from a car accident, your medical expenses may be covered. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may choose to have tests run to ensure they understand what is going on and can provide the correct treatment plan.
Avoiding additional head trauma is a key component of making sure your brain is able to heal. Your doctor may also make recommendations for pain management, diet, supplements and more.
Can I Receive Compensation for a Concussion From a Car Accident?
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. Because a concussion is difficult to recognize, it is imperative that you have a professional diagnosis. Concussions are common injuries in car accidents, and should be taken into consideration with all other damages and injuries.
Make sure to keep an accurate record of all expenses associated with your injury, including medical costs and lost wages. Depending on whether your symptoms are expected to resolve, you may receive compensation for future expenses as well as pain and suffering and other physical, emotional, and mental hardships.
Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The team at Flint Cooper is dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you need to have your best chance at a full recovery. Our aggressive attorneys do not pull their punches. They will not hesitate to take your case all the way to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars on behalf of personal injury clients. Contact us to schedule your case consultation.
About the author:
Greg Smith
Greg is a personal injury attorney at Flint Cooper, a law firm specializing in complex litigation. Greg specializes in wrongful death, semi-truck accidents, automobile collisions, maritime claims, and many other areas of personal injury. He has extensive experience litigating claims in state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies.
