The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied traumatic brain injury (TBI) statistics in the United States for the year 2013. They found that many TBIs occur as a result of motor vehicle crashes. That year, car accidents were the third leading cause of TBI hospital visits and fatalities among Americans of all ages.
A jolt, bump, or blow to the head can cause a TBI, which disrupts normal brain functions in either the short-term or long-term. This ranges from mild to the very severe, and even fatal.
One of the most common types of TBI is a concussion.
Understanding a concussion
A concussion is a type of TBI that happens when the brain forcefully slams against the inner walls of the skull. When a motor vehicle suddenly collides with another vehicle or an object, the driver and passengers are at risk of a concussion.
This type of TBI causes bleeding in or around the brain that impacts brain functions. It is important for anyone who experiences a severe jolt or bump to the head to be monitored for signs of concussion and seek emergency treatment if their symptoms worsen.
Signs of a Concussion
For many people the effects of a concussion are temporary. But for others, especially people who have had a concussion in the past, the effects can be more serious.
Concussions symptoms include:
- Amnesia regarding the incident
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache or pressure
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
Long-Term Effects of Concussion
Concussion symptoms can be unpredictable. They can appear immediately after an accident, or come on hours, or even days, later. Sometimes, symptoms can be so intense they impact a person’s quality of life. This is especially true for people who have suffered multiple concussions.
These pervasive symptoms include sleep and memory problems and personality changes. People suffering severe or repeated concussions may become anxious, depressed, or irritable.
Car Accident Concussion and Compensation
A car accident victim whose life has been impacted by a concussion caused by another person’s negligence may consider filing a personal injury claim. A Media car accident lawyer will work to help their client receive compensation for all the ways an injury changed their life, including loss of earning capacity, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims in Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in a motor vehicle collision, or any other type of accident, it is very important to be aware of the signs of concussion and seek medical attention right away. After seeing the doctor, it is smart to contact a Media car accident lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C.
To schedule an initial consultation, call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form. With offices in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.