When we think of concussions, sports injuries often come to mind. However, car accidents are another common cause of concussions. Concussions pose unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment, all of which can impact your potential legal claim. Brain injuries like concussions are often called “invisible injuries,” since there may be no external signs, but the effects can be unpredictable and long-lasting. Understanding the impact of concussions after a car crash is essential for protecting your health and legal rights.

What Is A Concussion And Why Is It Serious?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, violent jolt, or blow to the head. While “mild” may imply less severity, the reality is that concussions can have significant, long-term impacts on a person’s life. Car accidents, along with sports injuries and falls, are the leading causes of concussions. 

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to recognize concussion symptoms, understand potential health impacts, and seek medical attention promptly. Equally important is getting legal advice to ensure you understand your rights, especially if another driver’s negligence caused the accident.

How Car Accidents Can Cause Concussions

A concussion is a type of head injury that happens when the brain moves suddenly inside the skull, often due to the rapid and abrupt deceleration or acceleration that happens in motor vehicle accidents. Rear-end collisions, for example, can cause whiplash, which forces the head to jerk back and forth, jarring the brain. Even airbags, while preventing more severe injuries, can deploy with enough force to cause concussions.

Diagnosing A Concussion

Concussions can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms may not appear immediately and can be mistaken for other injuries or as side effects of the general shock a person experiences after an accident. Headaches, nausea, or dizziness following a crash might not seem serious, but they could indicate a concussion.

Unlike fractures or other visible injuries, concussions do not show up on typical imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans since oftentimes no bleeding or bruising of the brain is present. A diagnosis often depends on a doctor’s evaluation of a patient’s cognitive and neurological functioning. Doctors may ask simple questions to check memory or attention and assess a patient’s balance or vision. Diagnosing concussions quickly and accurately is key to avoiding more severe complications.

Sustaining subsequent concussions, one soon after another can lead to a condition called Second Impact Syndrome. Second Impact Syndrome arises when additional trauma causes the brain to swell before the initial injury has healed.

If you continue to have headaches or other concussion symptoms following a car accident, it’s crucial to follow up with your doctor and keep them updated. Even if a concussion wasn’t diagnosed during the initial evaluation, persistent symptoms should prompt a re-evaluation.

Common Concussion Symptoms

While concussions are often labelled as “mild,” they should always be taken seriously. Symptoms vary widely and may not all manifest at once, but the following are common signs to look out for after a car accident:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Confusion or “brain fog”
• Slurred speech
• Sleep disturbances and increased sleepiness/fatigue
• Emotional changes like irritability, anxiety, or depression
• In infants or young children, a concussion may be harder to spot but can include changes in eating or nursing habits, increased irritability, or blank stares.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after an accident should seek immediate medical attention and discuss the possibility of a concussion with their medical provider.

Long Term Symptoms And Risks

Sustaining a single concussion will usually not result in a permanent injury. Most people recover from concussions within a few weeks, but some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This can last for months or even years, significantly affecting quality of life. Certain groups are more at risk of developing PCS, including:

• Young people (ages 8-18), particularly teenagers
• Elderly individuals
• Women
• People with a history of migraines or mood disorders

Factors like the severity of the concussion, the number of symptoms present, and how soon after the accident the symptoms appear can all increase the risk of prolonged recovery.

Recovering From A Concussion

Following a concussion diagnosis, doctors and medical care providers typically recommend rest and avoidance of physical and cognitive activities, including sports and even screen time, for several days. Recovery timelines vary, and it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice closely. Some people may feel pressured to return to work or school before they have recovered, but doing so can hinder recovery and worsen symptoms.

Monitoring your symptoms and taking a gradual approach to resuming normal activities is important. Keeping a symptom log can help track which activities or environments trigger worsened symptoms.

Legal Considerations For Concussion Victims

Beyond the health implications, concussions can have significant financial consequences. You may face medical bills, lost wages, loss of opportunity, and other expenses related to recovery. If your concussion was caused by a car accident where another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

In New Brunswick, concussions and other brain injuries almost always exceed the province’s minor injury cap for general damage awards. This means you could be eligible for compensation above the cap, which applies to less severe injuries. It’s important to note that personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, so contacting a lawyer soon after an accident is crucial.

How Melanson Law Can Help After A Concussion

At Melanson Law, we’ve helped many individuals who’ve suffered concussions and other serious head injuries due to car accidents. We understand the complexities of traumatic brain injuries and the long, uncertain recovery process that can follow. We can assist you in navigating the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, and providing guidance as you focus on healing.

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion injury in a motor vehicle accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Melanson Law today to explore your options and protect your rights.

Concussions after car accidents are serious injuries that can have long-lasting health and financial impacts. Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion, seeking prompt medical treatment, and understanding your legal rights are vital steps to ensuring a full recovery and securing compensation for your losses.