A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have serious consequences, especially if left untreated. If you experienced a jolt or blow to the head after a car accident, watching for signs you have a concussion is vital to protect your health and right to compensation.
Possible symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Mental confusion or memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems concentrating
- Slurred or sluggish speech
- Delays with responses or movement
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Poor balance, dizziness, or vertigo
- Mood swings and irritability
- Sleeplessness or insomnia
- Depression
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that temporarily disrupts brain functioning. Concussions typically occur due to head trauma that causes the brain to collide with the skull’s interior. These injuries are often mild and resolve without medical intervention. However, concussions can be severe depending on how and where the damage occurs. Even the temporary effects of a concussion, such as headache and difficulty concentrating, can affect an accident victim’s ability to work and complete everyday life tasks.
Most concussion symptoms resolve in a few days with rest. However, others may last weeks or months. Knowing the signs of a concussion after a car accident is crucial so you get the medical treatment you need. The risk of re-injury and more severe damage is higher after a single concussion, and the likelihood of health complications rises with multiple traumatic brain injuries.
Are There Different Grades of Concussions?
Yes. Medical professionals categorize concussions according to the duration of symptoms and whether the victim loses consciousness:
Mild Concussion (Grade I)
A person with a mild concussion may experience confusion and symptoms lasting about 15 minutes or less. There is no loss of consciousness with a mild concussion. Rest is usually the first-line treatment for a Grade I concussion.
Moderate Concussion (Grade II)
Moderate concussion symptoms last longer than 15 minutes and up to one week. Injured people usually experience no loss of consciousness with a Grade II concussion. Physical symptoms, like headache, nausea, light sensitivity, and dizziness, are often more intense with a moderate concussion than a mild one.
Severe Concussion (Grade III)
A person with a severe concussion may experience a brief or prolonged loss of consciousness. Grade III concussion symptoms often last over 24 hours and are more intense than those of moderate concussions. A person who suffers a severe concussion should immediately go to a hospital.
Do You Have to Hit Your Head to Suffer a Concussion?
No. Any force that causes the brain to slam against the skull can cause a concussion. While a blow to the head is the most common cause of a concussion, the force of being hit by a car can cause a person’s neck to snap back and forth and the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
What is Post-Concussive Syndrome?
Post-concussive syndrome (PCS) occurs when concussion symptoms last longer than expected. Concussion symptoms that persist for weeks or months could indicate PCS. According to Mayo Clinic, the severity of the injury is not linked to the risk of developing persistent post-concussive symptoms. For this reason, seeing a doctor for concussion symptoms is crucial to getting healthy, regardless of the severity of the injury.
How are Concussions Treated?
Physical and mental rest and time are the most common concussion treatments. The brain can heal itself, but the chances of full recovery significantly increase through rest and sleep. Resting means taking a break from activities that stimulate the brain, like playing video games or working.
Many concussion victims are kept for a 24-hour observation period in the hospital, checking to see if their symptoms worsen. In the case of a mild concussion, an injured person may be allowed to go home as long as they rest and are under observation by someone responsible for their care.
After the first 24 to 48 hours, the patient’s doctor may approve the moderate resumption of their usual activities. A physician may prescribe pain relievers to help with symptoms, including headaches. More severe cases may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Can I File an Insurance Claim for a Concussion?
If you suffered a concussion in a car accident caused by someone else, you could be entitled to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you might have grounds for a lawsuit. An experienced South Carolina car accident attorney can explain your legal options.
What Damages Can I Seek for a Car Accident Concussion Case?
If you suffer a concussion in a car accident in Rock Hill, you can seek compensation for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical care – Hospital stays, doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and other treatment-related expenses
- Rehabilitation costs – Occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other types of therapy to recover your abilities after a concussion
- Lost wages – If you cannot work due to your injury
- Loss of earning potential – If you can only return to work on light duty or cannot work at all
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Psychological injury – Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium – If the injury damages your relationship with your spouse
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations in South Carolina gives you three years from the date of a collision to file a lawsuit against a liable party. If you miss the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed regardless of its merits. That means you lose your right to seek compensation in civil court. Your best move is to get started on your case immediately. A car accident attorney can keep track of critical deadlines and ensure all the necessary paperwork is filed on time.
Contact a Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyer
Did you suffer a concussion after a car accident caused by another motorist? You shouldn’t have to pay the costs related to someone else’s negligence. Contact McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC today for a consultation with an experienced Rock Hill car accident lawyer.
