A car accident impact can cause drivers and passengers to hit their heads on the inside of the car or on other objects. If airbags deploy and prevent motorists from actually hitting their heads, passengers can still experience a sharp jolt of their heads when the impact occurs.
Even a slight bump on the head or a sudden jolt can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull and can result in brain tissue injuries.
A mild traumatic brain injury is commonly referred to as a concussion, and motor vehicle accidents are the third-leading cause of concussions in the United States. Do not let the term mild mislead you—concussions can have many serious consequences.
Concussions are complicated injuries because they can damage the brain in many ways. Concussion symptoms can widely vary from one person to another, with some people not experiencing any discernible symptoms for hours after an accident. Because no one specific symptom can identify a concussion, anyone who has suffered head trauma or a jolt of the head should undergo a medical evaluation.
Symptoms that may indicate a concussion include:
- Disorientation and confusion
- Losing consciousness temporarily (longer periods of unconsciousness often mean a more severe brain injury)
- Headache or pressure
- Recent memory loss
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Seeming dazed or lost
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Irritability
- Seeing stars
- Ringing in the ears
As mentioned, some of these symptoms may appear right away and some may not emerge for hours. Many concussion victims who do not seek medical treatment may mistake their symptoms as general malaise.
Concussions can cause problems in the days and weeks afterward. Patients may experience cognitive impairments including delayed responses when communicating, taking longer times to read or write, trouble understanding or following instructions, and more. This can often disrupt their abilities to work or attend school.
Concussion treatments often involve rest—both physical and cognitive. First, if you engage in any activity that may put you at risk of hitting your head again, you risk sustaining a second concussion before the first one heals—an extremely dangerous situation. Second, refraining from overworking or putting pressure on your cognitive abilities can help manage your symptoms and prevent frustration or even depression caused by any impairments. Always closely follow any treatment plans your doctor recommends.
Call for a Free Consultation With a Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
A concussion can result in medical bills, lost income, time missed from school, and more. The good news is that you have rights under Florida law to seek compensation from your no-fault insurance policy or, in some situations, from the at-fault party. An experienced Tampa auto accident lawyer at The Florida Law Group can examine your options and help you through the process of obtaining compensation. If you were injured, please call (833) 899-0310 or online so we can begin reviewing your rights today.