Concussions are a very common injury, with estimates of 1 to 3 million emergency room visits each year for this type of traumatic brain injury. Falls and car accidents are among the leading causes. However, you can suffer a concussion in a car accident without ever striking your head. Just the back-and-forth jolt caused by a serious collision can cause your brain to “shift” in your skull. That’s enough to cause trauma.
Can you develop concussion symptoms days after an accident? Yes, you can, and that can prolong your recovery. It might also impact your personal injury claim if the concussion happened as a result of someone else’s negligence.
If someone’s actions lead to your concussion, you’re entitled to seek a remedy. It might help to have a dedicated Houston car accident attorney on your side. Your attorney can help fortify your claim with the goal of securing a settlement that will compensate you for any medical expenses or lost wages due to your concussion.
It will help to understand the truth about a concussion, starting with its delayed symptoms.
Common Signs of a Delayed-Onset Traumatic Brain Injury
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although it might be a mild TBI, if left untreated, it can develop into something serious. The common signs of a late-onset TBI can show up as physical, cognitive, or behavioral symptoms. Here’s what you might experience based on information provided by the Mayo Clinic:
Cognitive Symptoms
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Memory gaps or forgetting recent events
- Feeling mentally slowed down
Body and Physical Symptoms
- Dull or throbbing headaches that worsen
- Dizziness or trouble keeping balance
- Sensitivity to bright light or loud noise
- Unusual tiredness or sleep changes
Mood and Behavioral Symptoms
- Sudden irritability or anger
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Sadness or crying easily
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.
Myths vs. Facts About Concussions
Everyone has heard about concussions. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about concussions that might prevent you from seeking medical attention or lead you to believe you can treat the concussion on your own. Consider these myths versus the facts:
Myth: You have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Fact: Fewer than 10% of concussions involve being “knocked out.” A more common response is to experience confusion, dizziness, or a sudden headache.
Myth: You only get concussions from a direct hit to the head.
Fact: The same impact in a car accident that can cause whiplash can also cause your brain to jolt back and forth in your skull. That means you can get a concussion without striking your head.
Myth: If you suffer a concussion, you should stay awake or wake up every few hours.
Fact: Unless a doctor has identified severe medical complications, sleep is vital for brain healing. Waking someone up constantly or staying awake can actually hinder your recovery.
Myth: You should sit in a dark, silent room until all symptoms are gone.
Fact: While 24 to 48 hours of initial rest is recommended, prolonged “cocooning” in a dark room can worsen symptoms. Many modern protocols for the treatment of concussions involve a gradual return to normal activities under medical supervision.
Myth: A normal brain scan means you don’t have a concussion.
Fact: Concussions are functional injuries rather than structural ones. Standard CT scans or MRIs rarely detect a concussion.
Why Medical Evaluation Is Critical for Delayed Symptoms
If there isn’t an obvious injury such as a cut or fracture, many people default to “I’m fine.” However, you can’t rule out head trauma unless a doctor examines you. In fact, research shows that delaying evaluation and treatment is linked to slower recovery and a higher risk of persistent post-concussion symptoms. That will prolong your overall recovery.
What you definitely don’t want to do is power through a TBI by going right back to work or playing sports while ignoring your symptoms. That could make things worse.
When you see a doctor after experiencing any of the common concussion symptoms, they will check your balance, coordination, reflexes, and eye movements to measure functional brain deficits. They can also perform exams that will test memory, attention, and processing speed.
Just as important, your doctor can provide you with a safe, gradual schedule for physical and mental rest. They’ll also tell you what specific signs to look out for and when you might need additional treatment.
Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
Once your concussion is confirmed, you’ll most likely miss some days of work. You’ll also have all those medical expenses piling up. Who should pay for that? If someone else’s negligence caused the concussion, they should be responsible. That’s true with a reckless driver as much as it is with a store owner who didn’t clean up a spill that caused you to fall.
Locking down that settlement will mean going through an insurance company. While they might want to settle fast, the insurance company isn’t always going to put your interests first. They want to protect their bottom line. The attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC will always put their clients’ interests first.
When we agree to help a victim of a concussion that is caused by someone’s actions, it is because we believe they are in the right. We also appreciate the fact that getting into a battle with an insurance company is only going to hinder your recovery. That is why we’re happy to step in to handle the negotiations. Our mission is to find a fair resolution that covers all current and future losses.
If you’ve suffered a concussion or any other type of injury because of someone’s actions, we want to hear from you. Call to set up a free consultation today to get the answers you need for your peace of mind.