What Are the Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident?

When you are involved in a car accident, the adrenaline and anxiety that sets in can make it hard to determine your next course of action. In every instance, you should always prioritize getting out of the way of further danger and then calling 911 for medical aid.

Unfortunately, many car accident victims decide against calling 911 simply because they do not see any external injuries—however, some of the most serious injuries are invisible. Concussions, for example, have the serious potential to impact the long-term mental and physical well-being of its victims.

If you have been in a collision, you need to understand the likelihood and danger of concussions—let our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. guide you through everything you need to know.

How Can a Car Accident Cause a Concussion?

Concussions occur when some external force—like a car accident, which causes a sudden and powerful impact—jolts the brain inside the skull. Even without a direct blow to the head, the whiplash from the collision can easily create conditions for a concussion. To prevent further complications, you need to recognize the early signs and ensure you receive the appropriate care.

What Are the Immediate Symptoms of a Concussion?

Immediately following a car accident, you may experience a headache that refuses to go away or just gets worse. You might also feel unexplainable dizziness, confusion, and disorientation—some post-accident concussed individuals have reported feeling dazed or a "foggy" sensation. In particularly acute cases, you may feel nauseous or have the urge to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms after your collision, seek medical attention.

What Are the Delayed Symptoms of a Concussion?

Even if you do not notice any of the immediate symptoms of a concussion, some signs can manifest hours or even days after the accident. Concussed car accident victims have reported slight memory issues, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, or novel mood swings (such as irritability and depression). Additionally, concussions can cause sleep disturbances, including insomnia or a need to sleep more than usual. Even if the on-site medical personnel do not diagnose a concussion, you should monitor your symptoms closely in the days following your accident.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Concussions?

If not treated early and with the proper care, your post-accident concussion can have serious long-term consequences. Victims who received inadequate treatment experienced significant memory problems, attention issues, slower information processing, mood disorders, and personality changes.

Untreated or undertreated concussive incidents have also been linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and a heightened risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Protect Your Health and Safety with the New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.

When you have been in a car accident, you need to prioritize your health and well-being. Concussions can dramatically alter the course of your life. If you need to file a claim to recover compensation for your injury, contact the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.  We can handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your health and well-being. Call us at 732-906-1500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our offices in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey help car accident victims throughout New Jersey.