The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 289,000 concussions can be attributed to car accidents each year. One of the most dangerous effects of a concussion is the duration of time that symptoms take to appear. You may feel fine immediately after a car accident but experience concussion symptoms hours or even days later. California sees as many as 200,000 car accidents each year that result in injury.
Don’t make assumptions regarding a concussion
Motor vehicle accidents can be much more serious than they appear. What may seem like a fender-bender could have caused an injury that requires treatment. If you feel as though you suffered the slightest jarring of your neck or head in an accident, it is a good idea to seek medical treatment to determine if you have a concussion.
After the diagnosis
Concussions affect different people differently, so following your doctor’s advice is crucial. It’s also important to watch for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, or numbness in your extremities. If you experience any of these symptoms after you’ve sustained a concussion, seek emergency medical treatment right away.
Post-concussive syndrome
In rare cases, symptoms of a concussion from a car accident could last for weeks or months. Regular medical care and monitoring may be necessary in these situations to make sure there is no permanent damage.
Documentation is key
Saving all of the paperwork that you receive about your diagnosis, treatment, medications and prognosis is crucial if you’re thinking of bringing legal action. It’s also important to gather pay stubs and to save any communication with your company’s human resources department as this can help to establish any time that you missed from work and any professional repercussions that you have experienced as a result of your accident.
