One of the most common injuries that car accident victims suffer is a concussion. Often overlooked, accident victims tend to write it off as a headache or muscle strain and ignore it until the pain becomes unbearable.
Concussions happen when the head is dealt a serious blow or bump. Effects from the injury can last for days, weeks or even months as the brain struggles to repair itself. Depending on the severity of the injury, other functions of the body may be interrupted. That is why concussions are considered to be traumatic brain injuries.
What should I do if I hit my head in a car accident?
If you are in a car accident, let the paramedics check you over for injuries. They may send you to the hospital for further examination. Signs of concussion include:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Headache (mild to severe)
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Loss of memory
- Loss of consciousness
Long-term effects following a concussion can range from loss of motor skills to vertigo and the inability to speak. Sometimes, the extent of injuries may not be fully known until the next day, so it is important to accept medical assistance even if you think you are fine at the scene.
If your medical team determines that you have a concussion, you may have months of physical and occupational therapy prescribed for you. This can be very costly, depending on your insurance.
What should I do next?
When you have been diagnosed with a concussion due to being involved in a car accident, the next thing to do is contact an experienced legal guide. While you heal, they can contact insurance companies and handle anything unexpected that may arise.
