Concussions are commonly sustained injuries in motor vehicle accidents. However, this common injury is not the same for everyone and, oftentimes, its accompanying symptoms can take anywhere from several hours to several days or even weeks before they fully manifest. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for one to be aware of the concussion he or she has suffered. Not having a concussion properly diagnosed and examined can lead to devastating effects, so remember to always make it a priority to see your doctor after you are involved in an accident, even if you feel fine.
Below are some of the most common signs of a concussion that appear after an accident:
- Loss of Consciousness: One of the most obvious signs of a concussion is the loss of consciousness. When people hit their head on the steering wheel, windshield, or another object in the car, it is possible to lose consciousness from the hit and, even if someone is only out for a few seconds, the brain can still suffer severe trauma. If you hit your head in a car accident, make sure you visit your doctor as soon as possible.
- Ringing in the Ears and Seeing Stars: If you are seeing stars or experiencing ringing in the ears after a car accident, this might be a sign that you sustained a concussion. It also means you should seek medical treatment to minimize any possible damage.
- Feeling Nauseous: It is not uncommon for those who have sustained a concussion to feel dizzy,
nauseous, sensitive to light, or to even vomit after the accident.
- Confusion and Amnesia: In the days following the accident, you might begin to realize that you
cannot recall specific details, or that you confused about a date, and
having a difficult time concentrating on certain tasks. These symptoms
should be taken seriously, so do not brush them off and be sure you mention
them to your doctor.
- Changes in Sleeping Patterns: This covers a wide range of sleep pattern changes, including difficulty falling asleep, sleeping more than usual, or sleeping less than you normally do. If you notice any of these changes, this could be a sign that you sustained a concussion in the accident.
- Mood Changes: If you notice a change in your mood, such as listlessness, increased irritability, nervousness, or severe anxiety for no apparent reason, it is possible that you are suffering from a concussion.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches that do not go away, worsen, or are accompanied by
other symptoms, such as blurred vision, are commonly associated with concussion injuries.
- Seizures: In cases where a concussion is particularly severe, an injured victim might
experience seizures.
Even if you are not experiencing these signs right away, make sure you seek medical treatment after being involved in an accident. Putting off a visit to your doctor can not only pose a risk to your health but to
your personal injury case as well.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Oneonta
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, you might be entitled to compensation that could cover your medical bills, property repair, and lost wages. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our skilled personal injury attorneys in Oneonta are dedicated to assisting injured victims against insurance companies and will help you when you need it most.
For the experienced representation and legal advocacy you deserve, contact us today at (607) 228-8404 and schedule a free case evaluation.