Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that commonly occurs after a car accident, even when there is no visible head trauma. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop hours or days later. Because concussions are often underestimated, accident victims should take symptoms seriously and seek prompt medical care, and legal guidance from a Lexington personal injury lawyer if the injury was caused by another driver’s negligence.

The most common signs of a concussion after a car accident include confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and persistent headaches. These symptoms may appear right away or worsen over time, particularly in Lexington car accident cases involving sudden impact or whiplash.

Immediate Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident

Right after a car accident, you may have no signs at all of a concussion. If you struck your head, it is critical to use that as an indication that you need to seek medical care. Some people may experience the following signs right after an accident:

• Confusion, including appearing dazed or stunned
• Changes to vision or hearing that may go in and out, as well as double vision
• Intense headaches or pressure developing suddenly
• Nausea and vomiting
• Instant pain and or discomfort
• Evidence of a blow to the head, including lacerations

Even mild symptoms warrant medical attention. Early treatment helps prevent complications and strengthens documentation in the event of a personal injury claim with a Lexington car accident lawyer.

Delayed Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident

A concussion is damage to brain tissue that forms over a period of a few hours or days. Delayed symptoms are sometimes the first symptoms you see. Examples include:

• Sensitivity to light and sound, including an intolerance to any noise
• Emotional changes, including intense sensitivity, anxiety, sudden sadness, mood swings, or changes in personality
• Cognitive function changes, including trouble focusing, difficulty remembering, forgetting what you were doing, or just feeling out of it
• Changes in sleep, including a lack of ability to sleep at all or needing to sleep constantly without feeling rested
• Headaches that do not improve or worsen over time (a sign of an emergency need)
• Changes to balance, walking confidence, and overall stability on your feet

Any of these signs indicates it’s critical to get help right away. Get to the hospital to do so.

Signs to Seek Immediate Medical Care After a Car Accident

There are various instances in which you should not delay in getting medical care. Some examples of critical signs of a concussion after a car accident, according to The Mayo Clinic, include:

• Repeated vomiting or intense nausea
• Pain that is worsening
• Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
• Fluid or blood draining from your ears or nose
• Headaches that are worsening or becoming sharper and specific to one area
• Changes in vision, including black spots developing in your field of vision
• Sudden weakness in your arms or legs, with or without causing falls
• Confusion and disorientation, or not recognizing people, places, or events
• Slurred speech or an inability to communicate what you are thinking or feeling
• Seizures or convulsions
• Worsening symptoms of any type
• Large bumps and trauma to the skull, especially if it is near the eyes or behind the ears, including serious bruising

Concussions do not require a severe impact to cause lasting harm. Even “minor” car accidents can result in serious brain injuries that support compensation claims handled by a Lexington personal injury attorney.

Protect Your Health and Your Legal Rights

If you experience signs of a concussion after a car accident, prioritize medical care first. Once your condition is stable, speaking with a Lexington brain injury lawyer can help ensure your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term effects are fully accounted for in any injury claim.