Concussions are a common injury in car accidents, and the effects can last for years. The brain is heavily involved in everything a person does, so any injury carries significant repercussions. Some people are housebound for months after this injury.
Some people are unsure of whether they have suffered a concussion. Unlike broken bones or a collapsed lung, a concussion doesn’t show up on any type of X-ray or imaging test. Instead, you are left to piece together your symptoms and describe them to a doctor. A doctor will also rely on different tests to diagnose a concussion.
Contact Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer after a rear-end collision. Our firm will discuss your concussion symptoms to learn more about how this injury negatively impacts your life. If hired, we can begin working to negotiate a settlement with the driver who caused your accident.
How People Suffer Concussions in Rear End Collisions
One myth is that concussions are only caused by a blow to the head. That is one way to suffer a concussion—but it’s not the only way.
Any hard shaking which causes the brain to “jiggle” around inside the skull can lead to a concussion. Parts of the brain can move at different speeds, twisting and stretching axons, which disrupt the neurological signals in the brain. Concussions are common, along with whiplash, because the same back-and-forth whipping motion can lead to both injuries.
Many people who survive a rear-end collision end up with a concussion. When struck from behind, most occupants will be thrown forward, even if they are wearing a seatbelt. They might bump their head on the dash or their head rebounds back before snapping forward again. This motion is a common cause of brain injury.
Did You Lose Consciousness after Your Rear-End Collision?
Any loss of consciousness is a sign you suffered a concussion in an accident. To be clear: You can suffer a concussion even without any loss of consciousness. But briefly blacking out is certainly one sign of a serious brain injury.
The duration of unconsciousness also matters when gauging the severity of a concussion. Someone who is unconscious for only a couple seconds probably suffered a less serious injury than if they lost consciousness for hours or days. Some people who suffer a severe concussion are left in a coma for months or might never awaken.
10 Other Signs You Have Suffered a Concussion
You might feel “okay” or only a little “shaken up” immediately after a rear-end collision. However, you might notice the following concussion symptoms in the coming days:
1. Headache. You will probably feel headaches that increase in intensity over the next few days. A person is also more sensitive to light and sound, so you could become sick to your stomach with headaches. If you feel a “thunderclap” headache, you are probably suffering from hemorrhaging in the brain, which is a life-threatening injury, so get to the hospital immediately.
2. Dizziness. You can suffer serious dizziness with a concussion, such as when you try to stand up. You might even pass out.
3. Vomiting or nausea. It’s normal to feel sick right after a traumatic accident, but if the nausea continues for days or weeks, then you are probably suffering from a concussion.
4. Impaired coordination or balance. Concussions also lead to physical symptoms, depending on which part of the brain was injured. You could have trouble walking, grasping items with your hand, or even standing still. If you lose balance, then you could suffer from a concussion.
5. Sleep disturbances. A concussion can easily disrupt an established sleep pattern. You might suffer from insomnia, or you could be sleeping more than normal. Any change in your sleep schedule is a red flag that you suffered a concussion.
6. Blurred vision. This is a common symptom. You might struggle to focus to read print or digital text, and vision problems can feed the headaches a person is experiencing.
7. Sensitivity to sound. You might have ringing in your ears following a car accident, which is a fairly ordinary concussion symptom.
8. Memory problems. A person can struggle with short-term memory after suffering a concussion. You might not even remember the car accident. Other memory problems include an inability to grasp new information or feeling confused when performing normal tasks, like running errands. Memory problems make recovery very difficult, because you might not remember doctor’s appointments or to avoid strenuous activity.
9. Emotional changes. A person with a concussion can experience a variety of emotional changes, including mood swings. Some changes are relatively minor, such as increased grumpiness or irritability. But many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries are diagnosed with depression or even schizophrenia.
10. Increased fatigue. A person who suffers a concussion could feel as if they have no energy throughout the day. You might not get out of bed and struggle to perform routine tasks, like bathing or fixing something to eat.
Contact a doctor if you were involved in a car accident and experience any of these symptoms. Concussions are hard to diagnose. Many victims do not suffer any identifiable bleeding in the brain, so an imaging test won’t capture this injury. Instead, a doctor will discuss how you are feeling and have you answer questions which aid in the diagnosis.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Did you suffer a concussion in a rear-end collision? This is a difficult injury. There are no simple pills which heal the brain. Instead, accident victims need to clear out time on their schedule to rest and limit any stress. Unfortunately, our clients suffer a staggering drop in income, along with other financial distress, when they cannot work.Call Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys at (404) 529-3476 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer with our office. We can analyze whatever evidence you have to determine whether you can seek compensation from the driver at fault for your rear end collision.