Concussions are a type of brain injury that, if left untreated or undiagnosed, could result in some devastating effects. However, like many other injuries that are sustained in car accidents, concussions do not immediately present alarming symptoms. Without knowing what to look for, you could miss out on the more subtle signs of this serious injury. Regardless of whether or not you believe you were injured or sustained a concussion, always make a trip to the doctor among your top priorities after being involved in an accident.
The following signs are all indicators that you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible:
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness, even if it was only for a matter of seconds
- Confusion
- Amnesia regarding the accident itself
- Dizziness
- Ringing in ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Fatigue
Keep in mind that these symptoms might not appear for hours or days after a motor vehicle accident. That said, this does not mean you should wait for these symptoms to appear before you visit a doctor. Visiting a doctor in the immediate aftermath of an accident will allow you to start building up evidence if you decide to move forward with a personal injury case. Otherwise, an insurance adjuster might argue that your injuries were caused by something other than the accident since you waited to seek medical assistance.
Other concussion signs you should be aware of after being involved in an accident include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Changes in personality
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Taste disorders
- Smell disorders
While the most common causes of concussions are usually falls, this injury can easily occur during a motor vehicle accident if you hit your head on the steering wheel, the airbag, or strike your head against the headrest or window.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you begin to experience:
- Repeated vomiting
- Loss of consciousness that lasts more than 30 seconds
- Worsening headaches
- Changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling
- Confusion or disorientation
Even if you did not strike your head on the steering wheel or other parts of the vehicle, you could still sustain a concussion in a motor vehicle accident. The sudden acceleration and deceleration that often leads to whiplash injuries can cause the brain to move around in the skull, which causes bleeding in and around the brain. If left untreated, this can be potentially life-threatening. More often than not, accident victims who sustain concussions are able to achieve a full recovery and only require a period of rest before being able to gradually resume all normal duties. Always heed your doctor’s medical advice.
Personal Injury Attorney in Las Vegas
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic and shocking experience, often leaving survivors with costly medical expenses and lost wages. If you sustained injuries in an accident that was caused by a negligent party, contact the Las Vegas personal injury team at Shook & Stone. We will vigilantly fight for your right to the fair and just compensation you deserve.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us today! Call us at (702) 385-2220 to schedule your free initial consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team!
