Head injuries are some of the most serious—and hard to diagnose—injuries.
However, getting a concussion from a car accident is common, and it is important for accident victims to understand their options.
A concussion can cause you a lifetime of pain and suffering if left untreated.
Below are some frequently asked questions about head injuries after a car accident.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt or blow to the head. While doctors classify concussions as “mild” brain injuries, the effects of a concussion can be severe.
Can You Get a Concussion from a Car Accident?
Yes. In fact, car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries.
You can easily get a concussion from having your head bang into the headrest, steering wheel, window, or roof supports. You can even get a concussion from an air bag.
In fact, you don’t necessarily have to hit your head to get a concussion because an accident may have enough force to cause your brain to shake around in the skull without a direct impact on the head.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle accidents are responsible for 17% of all non-fatal traumatic brain injuries.
Motor vehicle accidents are also one of the top causes of fatal TBIs.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Accident?
What happens when you get a concussion depends on the seriousness of the underlying injury. However, the symptoms of a concussion often include:
- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Concentration problems,
- Nervousness,
- Trouble sleeping,
- Feeling groggy,
- Light sensitivity, and
- Vision problems.
In more severe cases, accident victims may notice changes to their personalities or have trouble controlling their behavior.
How to Know If I Got a Concussion After a Car Accident
Concussions, although very serious, are tricky because they often do not cause any immediately noticeable symptoms.
Thus, there is no way to be sure that you did not suffer a concussion after a car accident unless you go to the doctor. Doctors have special tests that can diagnose a concussion.
Can Whiplash Cause a Concussion?
Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. Whiplash is common in car accidents.
However, it is not a “cause” of a concussion. That said, the type of accident that causes whiplash is also likely to cause a concussion.
After all, concussions can occur in a whiplash-type circumstance when your head and brain shake quickly back and forth due to the impact of an accident.
What Happens in the Event of an Untreated Concussion?
If a concussion goes untreated, the chances are high that an accident victim will suffer noticeable changes in their mood.
It is common for untreated concussions to cause depression or anxiety. Additionally, recent studies have shown that repeated concussions can result in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Injuries Today
If you recently suffered a car accident head injury, it is essential that you immediately seek medical treatment for your injuries.
You should also reach out to the dedicated Texas car accident lawyers at the Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. We have been fighting for the rights of Central Texans since 1962.
Our attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience successfully resolving some of the most complex and high-stakes cases, earning millions of dollars on our clients’ behalf.
To learn more and to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys today, call 254-272-3717. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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