Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury that occur as a result of a blow to the head, which can happen easily during car accidents due to sudden stops, impacts, or collisions. The rapid movement of the head can cause the brain to move within the skull, potentially leading to a concussion. This injury can affect brain function, resulting in various symptoms and complications. If you suffer a concussion due to another motorist’s dangerous driving, an Atlanta car accident attorney at Monge & Associates may be able to help.
How a Car Accident Can Lead to a Concussion
Car accidents are notorious for causing concussions, primarily due to the sudden and forceful movements that occur upon impact. When a vehicle hits another object or is struck, the inertia causes everything inside the car, including passengers, to move abruptly. This rapid motion can lead to the head moving violently forward and backward or even striking objects like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows.
The brain, suspended in cerebrospinal fluid within the skull, is cushioned against minor impacts. However, during a car crash, the force can cause the brain to collide against the inner walls of the skull. This impact can bruise the brain, damage nerve fibers, and cause the brain to swell. Additionally, the sudden jolt can twist or stretch the brain, resulting in cellular and structural damage. All of this can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
When a concussion goes untreated, the consequences can be serious. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and seek treatment if you sustain any type of head injury in a collision.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or seeing stars
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed
- Fatigue
The Long-Term Effects of Concussions from Car Accidents
While most people recover from concussions with rest and proper medical care, the long-term effects can be debilitating. People who are older, suffer from other health conditions, or have developed concussions in the past are more likely to suffer from serious complications. Additionally, failure to seek medical care for a concussion can also lead to long-term effects.
These may include:
- Persistent headaches
- Post-traumatic vertigo, which can make balancing difficult
- Cognitive issues, such as difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Emotional disturbances, including irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
Rare, but severe complications such as second impact syndrome, where a second concussion occurs before the first one has properly healed, can also occur. This condition can lead to fatal brain swelling.
Seek Compensation for a Car-Related Concussion in Georgia
Suffering a concussion from a car accident can leave you facing uncertain health effects and mounting medical bills. If you have been in an accident caused by another driver, it is possible to pursue compensation through insurance claims or a lawsuit. This legal route can provide financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages sustained in the collision.
If you sustained a car-related concussion in Atlanta, the lawyers at Monge & Associates can help you seek justice. We specialize in advocating for victims like you, aiming to recover the compensation you need for a full recovery. Contact us at (888) 477-0597 today and learn how we can guide you through the process.