Recognizing Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident

Motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 500,000 people seek emergency medical care for car accident-related brain injuries each year. Concussions can be medically complicated. An immediate evaluation is a must. It is important that you recognize the common signs of a concussion or TBI. Here, our Charleston car accident attorney highlights the symptoms of a concussion to watch out for after a crash.

Know the Most Common Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Accident

It is not always clear whether or not one has suffered a concussion after sustaining head trauma in a car crash. Concussions can arise with a delayed onset. A person may feel more severe 24, 48, 72 hours after a crash, or even longer. The sooner a car accident victim gets medical attention, the better. Here are some of the most common concussion symptoms to watch for after a crash:

• Headaches: A concussion frequently produces a headache that feels different from normal tension or sinus pain. The discomfort often develops from metabolic disruption in brain cells that can no longer regulate energy use properly. The pain may worsen with bright light, loud noise, or cognitive activity. Some headaches are extremely serious.

• Dizziness: A concussion disrupts the brain regions that manage spatial orientation and inner-ear signaling. The disruption can create a floating sensation, instability when walking, or difficulty keeping the head still. Dizziness can intensify when the person changes posture, turns the head quickly, or tries to process visual motion.

• Disorientation: Many concussion patients struggle with slowed mental processing. They know what they want to think or say, but cannot reach the thought efficiently. Routine tasks require more concentration than usual. The mental fog often becomes clear during conversations or while following instructions.

• Short-Term Memory Loss: One of the top signs of a concussion is memory problems, especially short-term memory problems. A concussion can impair the formation of new short-term memories. A person may forget details of the crash, lose track of recent conversations, or even struggle with seemingly simple tasks. To be clear, older memories often remain intact. The difficulty stems from temporary dysfunction in the hippocampus and related pathways. Short-term memory problems need to be watched out for.

• Blurred or Disturbed Vision: A concussion can impair eye-tracking muscles and visual-processing centers. A car accident victim who suffered head trauma in a crash may struggle to read, follow moving objects, or maintain focus on a single point. Vision can be a real problem. Notably, blurred vision often increases with fatigue. Double vision can also occur, although it is less common.
• Trouble With Sleep: Concussions frequently affect sleep rhythm. Some individuals cannot fall asleep. Others sleep far more than usual and still feel tired. The disruption occurs because the injured brain cannot regulate rest cycles effectively. Poor sleep is a big issue. A person who struggles to sleep after a car crash may struggle to recover.
• Irritability/Mood Changes: Finally, neurological stress from a concussion often interferes with emotional regulation. A car accident victim in South Carolina may feel unusually irritable, anxious, or withdrawn. The shift can happen without awareness and may intensify as other cognitive symptoms increase fatigue. Physical and mental support care is often required for a person who has suffered a concussion/TBI in a motor vehicle crash.

Compensation for Concussions After a Car Accident

In South Carolina, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for non-economic losses. As a concussion or TBI can cause serious long-term physical and mental impairments, it is crucial that victims are able to secure the full and fair compensation that they deserve. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:

• Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
• Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
• Physical therapy and mental health counseling;
• Loss of wages and loss of earning potential;
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress;
• Disability or impairment; and
• Reduced quality of life.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Bring a Legal Claim

Car accident cases are time-sensitive. Crashes involving a concussion or traumatic brain injury are no exception. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5)), there is a strict three-year statute of limitations. Only limited exceptions to the rule apply. If your claim is not filed in a timely manner, you could lose out on the ability to seek financial compensation. Do not wait to take action: Consult with a top-rated Charleston personal attorney as soon as possible after a motor vehicle crash.

What is Second Impact Syndrome?

Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before the first concussion has healed. The brain enters a period of metabolic vulnerability after the initial injury, which creates unstable blood flow and impaired pressure regulation. A second impact during this window can trigger rapid cerebral swelling. It is a serious concern.

Suffered a Concussion in a Crash? Remember Trey Helps!

Car accident claims are complicated, especially for those who suffered a concussion or TBI in the crash. Attorney Trey Harrell has the experience that injured victims can rely on when they need legal help the most. A proactive approach can make the difference in a complex case. Do not rely on any insurance company for guidance and support. Your initial consultation with our Charleston car accident attorney is free, confidential, and carries no additional obligations.

Contact Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyer for Concussions Today

Attorney Trey Harrell is a Charleston auto accident attorney with extensive experience handling complex cases, including those involving concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). You do not have to go it alone after a bad crash. Call us now or connect with us online for your free, no obligation initial appointment. We handle concussion claims in the 29407 zip code and throughout the region.