A concussion arises when there is a forceful blow to the head that causes the brain to come into violent contact with the skull. With that, you may likely incur a concussion upon the impact of your car accident event; whether it be from hitting your head against the steering wheel, airbag, headrest, window, or otherwise. Read on to discover the steps you should take after a concussion and how a seasoned St. Mary’s County car accident lawyer at The Dorsey Law Firm can guide you through your healing journey.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Contrary to what you may initially assume, the symptoms associated with a concussion are not exclusively related to head pains. Rather, they may also range from body pains, cognitive issues, sleep issues, gastrointestinal issues, and even mental health issues, to name a few. Without further ado, signs that may indicate you are concussed include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Head pains:
- Chronic and persistent headaches.
- Chronic and persistent migraines.
- Body pains:
- Physical body fatigue.
- Susceptibility to blackouts or fainting.
- Lightheadedness and dizziness upon standing.
- Cognitive issues:
- Sudden disorientation or mental confusion.
- An inability to concentrate on certain tasks.
- Amnesia with the car accident event itself.
- Sleep issues:
- An inability to sleep through the night.
- A chronic state of sleepiness throughout the day.
- Gastrointestinal issues:
- Chronic and persistent nausea.
- Chronic and persistent vomiting.
- Mental health issues:
- Chronic and persistent irritability.
- Chronic and persistent feelings of depression.
You must understand that, sometimes, the seriousness of your head injury may not be obvious until hours or even days have passed since the time of impact. This is to say that even if you are experiencing any of these symptoms days later, you must still attribute your concussion to your car accident event.
What should I do if I receive a concussion after a car accident?
Even if you only experienced the slightest brush of head impact upon your car accident event, you must immediately call emergency first responders to the scene. From here, you may be transported to the emergency room via ambulance, where you must submit to necessary medical examinations.
Namely, a medical professional may order imaging tests, such as MRI scans and CT scans. Such scans may confirm whether there is bruising or bleeding in your brain. Additionally, a medical professional may order cognitive tests, such as a computerized or pencil-and-paper concussion screening tool. Such tests may confirm whether your brain is struggling to remember things and concentrate, which are telling signs of a concussion.
Ultimately, you must collect copies of these scans and the results from these tests, along with a doctor’s note disclosing your concussion diagnosis. This proof may prove pivotal in your seeking financial compensation via a personal injury claim.
Without a doubt, your next step must be to employ a competent St. Mary’s County auto accident lawyer. So please reach out to us at The Dorsey Law Firm immediately.
