Given the amount of attention concussions have recently received in relation to sports injuries, you might expect them to be the most common cause of this particular injury. However, sports injuries only account for about 20% of concussions while car accidents account for about 28%. Furthermore, you do not need to hit your head to sustain such an injury. Whiplash, for example, can shake the head hard enough that the sudden jolt could result in a brain injury.

Unfortunately, such injuries do not always produce symptoms right away and, in fact, it can sometimes take days, weeks, or even months for them to develop and become apparent. If you are unaware of what to look out for, the signs can be easy to miss.

It is also important to note that not all concussions are the same. Some can be mild and relatively easy to achieve a full recovery from while others are more severe and can result in permanent or life-threatening damage. Below are the three grades of concussions:

• Grade 1: You did not lose consciousness, but you might experience temporary amnesia for less than 30 minutes.

• Grade 2: You suffered a brief loss of consciousness and experienced amnesia, which lasted anywhere between 30 minutes to a full day.

• Grade 3: You lost consciousness for more than 5 minutes or you experienced amnesia for over 24 hours.

Some of the signs you should watch out for that could indicate a concussion include:

• You are feeling nauseous, dizzy, are experiencing sensitivity to light, and might have vomited more than once. These are all indicators that you likely suffered a concussion in the accident, even if you did not lose consciousness at any time.

• You are experiencing confusion and amnesia and you might not even be aware of it for several hours or days. It will be difficult to recall certain things and you will likely experience difficulty concentrating.

• You are seeing stars or have ringing in your ears. This symptom is particularly common in the immediate aftermath of an accident, indicating mild trauma.

• You are experiencing changes in your mood and are easily angered and irritable. It is also common for those who sustained a concussion injury to feel listless, appear nervous, suffer from depression, or feel anxious for no discernible reason.

• You might notice that your sleeping patterns are changing, causing you to either sleep more than usual, have difficulty falling asleep, or sleep less than usual.

• You are experiencing persistent headaches that worsen, resulting in problems with balance and blurred vision.

• You lost consciousness as a result of the accident. This is one of the most obvious signs that you sustained a concussion. Even if you are not experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, losing consciousness is a strong indicator that you suffered a concussion.

• In more severe cases, a concussion could cause seizures.

Regardless if you experience any of these signs and symptoms, remember that you should always make it a priority to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. This is important not only for the future of your personal injury claim and chances of obtaining compensation, but more importantly, for your health. A substantial medical issue could be brewing and you might not even be aware of it. To avoid potential permanent damage, visit your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure you can achieve a full and fast recovery.

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Concussion Case

Generally, most individuals are able to fully recover from concussion injuries, but many others do not. In these cases, one might suffer from chronic medical issues, such as frequent headaches, seizures, the inability to focus, and changes in personality that can lead to suicide or violence, and even the loss of employment. Legal damages for concussions sustained in car accidents can include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of earning capacity

Car Accident Attorneys in Phoenix

Car accidents are often traumatic experiences and, though the incident itself often only lasts a matter of seconds, the effects of them can potentially last a lifetime. At Alex & Associates, our Phoenix team of personal injury attorneys understand the stress and pain you are likely experiencing, which is why we work quickly and diligently to fight for the compensation you need and deserve during this difficult time. Backed by nearly 50 years of combined legal experience, you can be confident in our ability to effectively represent you.

Contact our law firm today at (602) 483-6114 to schedule a free consultation about your car accident with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.