Car accidents happen when we least expect them, and unfortunately the rate at which they are occurring is not slowing down. There are so many accidents that an estimated 106,612 emergency department visits are made each year in New York due to motor vehicle traffic-related injuries among vehicle occupants. While most of these accidents are not fatal, the injuries caused can be extreme and long-lasting.
Broken ribs, arms, legs, ankles, and wrists are all common injuries in car accidents that can be serious and may require surgery to repair, but there are many other injuries you will want to keep an eye out for that aren’t as obvious. Among these are concussions, which are often thought of when it comes to contact sports when in reality car accidents account for more head injuries than any other event.
Concussions can be dangerous, especially if left untreated, which is why it’s important that you truly pay attention to how you feel after an accident. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of a concussion so you know what warning signs to look for.
Definition of a concussion
The Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head but violently shaking of the head and upper body also can cause concussions. These are a common form of injury that are often associated with falls and contact sports like football and soccer, but it’s important to keep in mind that any accident, especially in a car, can result in a concussion if your head was hit or injured in any way.
Most common signs related to concussions
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. In fact, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer depending on the degree of damage, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to how you feel long after the impact of a car accident. Continue to check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after and if you are worried about your symptoms or feel your symptoms getting worse you should go to the emergency department right away.
Some of the most common physical signs of a concussion include:
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision or confusion (often described as feeling as if in a fog)
- Ringing in the ears
- Bothered by light or noise
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Confusion, concentration, or memory problems
The most important thing to remember about concussions is that the symptoms may be delayed and therefore it is critical that you continue to monitor how you are feeling for days and weeks after the accident. Concussions need to be taken seriously and if treated, your doctor will be able to recommend steps to hopefully reduce or eliminate your symptoms altogether.
Since accidents can happen, even if you are an alert driver, you may find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing help from a personal injury lawyer. With decades of experience working as a personal injury attorney on Long Island, Mark T. Freeley is skilled in obtaining full and fair compensation for his clients’ medical care, future care, loss of income, property damage, and any other considerations relevant to their claim.
If you or someone you know was in a serious car accident on Long Island and needs an attorney, call Mark at 631-495-9435 for an honest conversation.
