According to research, sports injuries are responsible for nearly 20% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), while car accidents cause approximately 28% of such injuries. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that from the millions of auto accidents that occur each year, victims often suffer serious head injuries. Due to the forceful impact of a collision, victims often suffer concussions. The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle, which causes many people to be unaware that they’ve suffered a concussion after a collision. However, if this TBI is left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications. Please continue reading to learn what symptoms you should look out for and how a compassionate Morris County Car Accident Attorney can help you today.
How Do I Know If I Have a Concussion After a Car Accident?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that usually occurs as a result of a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. When a car accident occurs, at the moment of impact, a driver may hit their head, causing the brain to bounce around inside their head, causing tearing, bleeding, or bruising of nerve fibers. Ultimately, a concussion can alter your brain chemistry. Concussions are graded by severity:
- Grade 1: There’s no loss of consciousness, but you have some temporary amnesia for less than 30 minutes.
- Grade 2: There’s loss of consciousness for less than five minutes and amnesia for between 30 minutes and 24 hours.
- Grade 3: There’s a loss of consciousness for more than five minutes or amnesia for more than 24 hours.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they have suffered a concussion from a car accident. This is mainly because symptoms may be subtle, such as a headache or nausea. It’s essential to know the signs of concussions because if it’s left undiagnosed, it can place you at risk of developing further complications, particularly if you’ve been diagnosed with a concussion before. You could develop second-impact syndrome, which is a potentially fatal injury. Even if an individual survives second-impact syndrome, they are often left severely disabled for life. That said, you should look out for the following symptoms after a collision:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Trouble sleeping
- Sensitivity to light
- Memory issues
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any of the above-listed symptoms after a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
Understandably, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. Alongside tending to your injuries, you will have to handle insurance claims. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. If you or someone you care about has suffered a concussion after a car accident in New Jersey, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of a seasoned Morris County car accident attorney who can help you fight for the maximum compensation that you’re entitled to for your damages.
At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to help you navigate your legal options and assist you in filing a claim to seek monetary compensation for your losses. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.