According to research, nearly six million car accidents occur across the United States annually. That said, it should come as no surprise that car accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The most common TBI victims suffer due to the impact of a collision is a concussion. Although concussions are not usually life-threatening, the effects can be severe. If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to contact a compassionate Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer who can fight for reasonable compensation. 

What Concussion Symptoms Should I Look for After a Car Accident?

Firstly, a concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs when an individual suffers a blow to the head or hit to the body that causes the brain to move back and forth rapidly. Due to the impact of a car accident, the brain bounces back and forth inside the skull, which causes bruising, bleeding, and tearing. Depending on the severity of the concussion, you may feel nauseous, have trouble remembering what happened, experience blurry vision, or feel dizzy. In other cases, a person may appear fine initially and then show symptoms hours or days later. Concussions are graded by severity:

  • Grade 1: A mild concussion; there is no loss of consciousness. However, you may experience temporary amnesia for less than 30 minutes.
  • Grade 2: A moderate concussion; you suffer a loss of consciousness for less than five minutes, but you experience amnesia from 30 minutes to 24 hours. This type of concussion tends to be more severe in the symptoms.
  • Grade 3: A severe concussion; you suffer a loss of consciousness for more than five minutes or amnesia for more than 24 hours. Symptoms resemble Grade 1 and 2 but have additional complications. They have the highest risk of long-term permanent symptoms.

Regardless of the grade, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Blurry vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Balance issues and dizziness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of consciousness or amnesia
  • Irritability or personality changes

What Are the Potential Long-Term Consequences of This TBI After a Collision?

If you suffer a concussion, it’s essential to have it treated as expediently as possible. This is crucial to prevent further damage by allowing the brain the proper amount of rest. If additional head injuries occur during the healing period, you’re at a higher risk of developing post-concussion syndrome. This complex disorder can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms to persist for weeks, months, or years after the initial accident. Therefore, to prevent the potentially permanent effects of a concussion, you must seek immediate medical attention and rest to mitigate the risk of re-injury.

If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact the legal team at Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve.