How Can You Tell if You Suffered a Concussion after a Colorado Accident?
After any kind of motor vehicle accident, it’s essential to see a medical professional. Even if you don’t have any obvious injuries or pain, it’s still important to seek medical attention, as many conditions can have a delayed onset. One such injury is a concussion. A concussion is one kind of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a blow to the head causes the head and brain to move back and forth in rapid motion. Sometimes, the symptoms of a concussion can be felt immediately. However, in many cases, it can take hours or a couple of days for symptoms to present.
If you have recently been in a car accident, it’s best to seek legal counsel from a trusted personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can provide you with essential advice and ensure your rights are protected. Here are some ways to determine whether you have a concussion after a car accident.
What to Know About Concussions from a Car Crash
Concussions are usually mild brain injuries that happen when someone suffers a blow to their head, resulting in feelings of confusion, dizziness, and nausea. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of concussions, as the force of these accidents causes the brain to be bounced around inside the head. This rapid movement can cause bruising, bleeding, or tearing to the brain. Concussions occur on a scale of severity and are typically classified into three grades:
- Grade 1. The person does not lose consciousness but may have a bout of amnesia that lasts for less than 30 minutes.
- Grade 2. The person loses consciousness for a period of 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Grade 3. The person loses consciousness for more than 24 hours.
In most situations, car accident victims can recover from a mild concussion after a week or so. However, in other cases, concussions can be severe and life-threatening. If you have been in a car accident, it’s important to always seek medical attention and be aware of the signs of a concussion.
The Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Knowing the signs of a concussion is essential for taking early action. The sooner you seek medical treatment for a concussion, the more likely you are to make a full recovery. Some of the common signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Loss of consciousness. This is the most obvious sign of a concussion and the easiest way to identify that you probably have one. Even if you are only unconscious for a couple of seconds, it can still signal a concussion.
- Nausea and dizziness. If you are feeling nausea or dizzy in the aftermath of a car accident, it can signal a concussion. This can include feeling sensitive to light and vomiting.
- Confusion. If you are struggling to recall certain recent events or concentrate, it can signal a concussion.
- Mood changes. If after your car accident, you have become easily angered or irritable for no reason, it could signal a concussion.
- Change in sleep patterns. If you are sleeping more than or are having trouble staying asleep, it can signal a concussion.
These are just a couple of the common signs of a concussion. If you have recently been in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as many concussions take time to show symptoms.
Recovering Damages from a Concussion
While many people experience a full recovery from their concussion, a good number do not. In fact, a significant number of car accidents experience severe concussions that result in chronic issues, such as seizures, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating. These chronic symptoms can have a significant impact on victims’ life, such as affecting their employment opportunities and personal relationships. In these scenarios, it’s important to pursue legal action to recover compensation for your damages. Some of the damages you may receive compensation for include:
- Present and future medical costs
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
These are just a few of the damages you may be able to pursue compensation for in a personal injury claim. When you work with a skilled personal injury lawyer, they will examine all the factors surrounding your situation and ensure you receive a fair settlement for your losses.
Contact a Skilled Colorado Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can leave lasting impacts on victims. If you have incurred a debilitating or moderate concussion from a car accident, work with a trusted lawyer to ensure your rights are upheld. Whether your concussion is severe or mild, the negligence of the other driver could enable you to pursue a personal injury claim and receive compensation. No matter the cause of the accident, the legal team at Mintz Law is here to help you understand your options and fight for your rights.
At Mintz Law, our attorneys believe that compensation and settlements should match the severity of incurred injuries and damages which is why we are dedicated to fighting on your behalf for the settlement you deserve. Let our Colorado car accident lawyers build an evidence-based case for you. To talk with one of our attorneys, call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our online contact form.