Many people assume a concussion can only happen if you hit your head hard. However, when it comes to car accidents, the potential mechanism for injury is not as cut and dry as that.
The sudden frontwards and backwards jolt of a collision can cause your brain to move inside your skull, bouncing off the sides and leading to a concussion. You might not lose consciousness. You might not even feel different right away, but the symptoms can show up later and seriously impact your daily life.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we talk to clients all the time who say they “just felt a little off” after their accident. Maybe they had a headache, felt dizzy, or were unusually tired. Maybe they were moody or couldn’t focus at work. These are all common signs of a concussion.
The problem is that insurance companies often try to minimize these symptoms. They may treat a concussion like it’s no big deal or try to rush you into a quick settlement before you even understand what’s going on with your health. That’s where we can help.
Our team is here to help you understand your rights and make sure you’re treated fairly. We’ve helped many clients with concussion injuries after car accidents, and we know what it takes to build a strong case.
Speak to our team today at 864-271-2636 to receive a free case evaluation. We’re here to help.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden impact or jolt. Even if your head doesn’t hit anything directly, the force of a collision can cause your brain to move back and forth rapidly inside your skull, leading to bruising, chemical changes, and damage to brain cells.
Many people mistakenly believe a concussion is only serious if you lose consciousness. That’s simply not true. Most people who suffer concussions never pass out at all. Concussion symptoms can be subtle, delayed, or mistaken for stress or whiplash. Yet, despite this, they’re very serious and need attention.
Why You Should Take a Concussion Seriously
Concussions, even those labeled as mild, can have serious and lasting effects on your health, well-being, and daily life. Here’s why it’s essential not to overlook a concussion:
Risk of Further Injury
A brain that has suffered a concussion is more vulnerable to additional injury. Even a minor impact or jolt can exacerbate the symptoms and prolong recovery.
Delayed Symptoms Can Mask True Impact
Concussion symptoms can be subtle and may not appear immediately after an injury. Some individuals may experience symptoms days or weeks later.
Potential for Long-Term Health Effects
People who experience more than one brain injury are at an increased risk of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health concerns. Yet, even a single concussion can result in long-term impacts such as memory loss, diminished concentration, mood swings, and other cognitive impairments. In some cases, repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health
The immediate effects of a concussion, such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion, can disrupt daily activities and responsibilities. Over time, the ongoing struggle with these symptoms can also affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Cumulative Effects
Each subsequent concussion an individual suffers can increase the likelihood of enduring more severe and more prolonged post-concussion symptoms. This cumulative effect can lead to a longer recovery period and increased chances of sustaining permanent brain damage.
Loss of Consciousness
It would not be unusual for you to have lost consciousness at the time your concussion occurred. It also would not be unusual if you lost consciousness shortly after the time of your concussion.
Why People Who Suffer a Concussion May Lose Consciousness
There can be a lot of reasons why someone suffering from a concussion or other traumatic brain injury can lose consciousness.
- If your concussion was caused by blunt force trauma, this can lead to not only a concussion but also a cut or fractured skull. These injuries could make you lose consciousness.
- Change of blood flow to your brain. Too much or too little blood flow in the brain could cause you to lose consciousness.
- A concussion or other traumatic brain injury could increase the pressure inside your cranium. This change in pressure could cause you to lose consciousness.
Why Does It Matter When You Lose Consciousness?
If your concussion was due to blunt force trauma and you lost consciousness immediately, then by definition, you would be diagnosed as having a concussion by a doctor.
However, if you lose consciousness several minutes after the injury to your brain, it could indicate that there is bleeding occurring in your brain, which may lead to a different diagnosis and treatment plan to be prescribed by your doctor. An active brain bleed is an extremely serious situation, and you must seek medical attention immediately if you lose consciousness after the injury to your brain.
Whether you lose consciousness after a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury, when you wake up is dependent on certain conditions. You may wake up almost immediately, or you may require surgery to relieve the swelling of your brain before you regain consciousness. Once you are awake, other symptoms could begin to show up. For example, you could have problems with your motor and sensory functions.
Concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries are serious injuries that should not be ignored. The South Carolina law office of David R. Price, Jr., P.A. strongly urges anyone with a concussion to seek medical treatment immediately.
What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident and think you might have a concussion, the most important thing you can do is see a doctor right away. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own. Even if you didn’t hit your head, the force of the crash alone can cause your brain to move inside your skull and result in a concussion. A medical professional can check for signs of injury that may not be obvious.
Once you’ve seen a doctor, be sure to follow their instructions carefully. That might mean taking time off work, avoiding screens, resting more, or limiting physical activity. Pushing yourself too hard, too soon, can make things worse and slow down your recovery.
It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your symptoms and how you’re feeling day by day. Write down things like headaches, trouble sleeping, memory issues, or mood changes. This kind of information can be very helpful not only for your doctor but also for your case if you decide to take legal action later on.
Finally, don’t wait to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often try to minimize concussion claims because the injury isn’t always visible, but we know how serious these cases can be. At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we can help you understand your legal rights and make sure you’re not taken advantage of during your recovery.
Concussion Sleep Issues After Car Accidents
If you have suffered a concussion, it can affect how well you may be sleeping. Some of the most common sleep issues after a concussion are listed below and may be affecting your sleep patterns:
- Insomnia: You may find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep.
- Medications: Some medications can affect your sleeping patterns.
- Stress: Stress and worry can contribute to how well you sleep and/or how restful your sleep is.
- Pain: You may be experiencing pain from your concussion or other medical conditions or injuries that make it difficult for you to get restful sleep.
- Other Medical Problems: There are a multitude of other medical issues that could also affect how you sleep.
Sleep is especially important after suffering a concussion because it helps the brain with the healing process, and helps you feel better when you wake in the morning.
Don’t waste time if you’ve suffered a concussion in a Greenville, SC, car accident. See a doctor and then call the Greenville Car Accident Attorneys at David R. Price, Jr., P.A.
Developing a Sleep Routine Following a Concussion
Having a consistent bedtime routine can aid in how well you fall asleep and stay asleep, especially after a concussion. Here are a few pointers to help you develop your bedtime routine:
- Stay on a bedtime schedule, even on the weekends. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Use an alarm clock if necessary to help you stick to a schedule.
- Give yourself 30 minutes to fall asleep. If you can’t fall asleep within 30 minutes, get out of bed and do something you find relaxing, like reading a book or meditating, then return to bed when you feel tired.
- Avoid naps. Resting is extremely important for a few days after you’ve suffered a concussion. However, after the first few days, try to avoid taking a nap during the day. If you take naps, it could make it more difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. If you feel you have to take a nap, then take a short power nap, no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Also, try to have your nap before 3:00 pm.
- Do something you find relaxing before going to bed. This can help calm your body down, preparing it for sleep.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Sleep Following a Concussion
If you make small lifestyle changes after a concussion, it could help you get enough sleep. Try adjusting the following to help with your sleep:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or heavy meals 4 to 6 hours before you go to bed.
- Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.
- Get as much natural light during the day as you can. Spend time outside.
- Try to get 30-60 minutes of exercise a day, but not right before bedtime. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- A white noise machine or a fan produces natural sounds that can help block out any noises that may be preventing you from falling asleep.
- Try to keep your cell phone and laptop out of your bedroom. The light from those devices makes your brain work harder and could be preventing you from getting to sleep or staying asleep.
How We Can Help With Your Car Accident Concussion Case
We begin by understanding the specifics of your accident and the impact of your injuries on your daily life. From the details of the crash to the symptoms you’re experiencing, we’ll make sure nothing gets overlooked. From there, we craft a personalized legal strategy tailored to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Next, we’ll help you get the medical care you need. If you haven’t already seen a doctor or specialist, we can point you in the right direction. Your health is the top priority, and having a proper diagnosis is important, not just for your recovery but also for your case.
We’ll also handle the insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Unfortunately, many insurers try to minimize concussions or treat them like they’re not serious. We know better. We’ll make sure your injury is taken seriously and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If your case goes to court, our attorneys are prepared to represent you aggressively, advocating for your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
If your injury was caused by an accident or the negligence of someone else, you should consult a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure you get all the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact the attorneys at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., at 864-271-2636 today for a free consultation.