Did you or a loved one suffer a head injury in a car crash? It could be because of a blow to the head to the violence of the force of the impact. Regardless, all head injuries should be taken seriously. Immediate medical attention is a must. Concussions often arise with a delayed onset, and you may be more severely hurt than you initially realize. You may even have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, our Summerville car accident attorney provides a guide that you and your family can use to help recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion after a serious crash.
Know the Problem: Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 percent of all concussions that happen in the United States occur in motor vehicle collisions. To put that number into perspective, that means that hundreds of thousands of people nationwide suffer car crash-related concussions each year. Broadly explained, a concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It can be mild, moderate, or severe. A concussion disrupts normal brain function. The injury can sometimes have long-lasting effects. Even a minor crash can cause a concussion if the head strikes a surface or experiences sudden deceleration. Here are common post-accident concussion symptoms every victim should recognize:
- Headaches: Persistent and/or worsening headaches are the most frequently reported symptom. The pain often increases with physical or mental exertion. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential to rule out bleeding or swelling in the brain.
- Dizziness and/or Loss of Balance: Car accident victims may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as if the room is spinning. These symptoms stem from temporary dysfunction in the brain’s vestibular system. A medical assessment can help determine the extent of impairment.
- Nausea or Vomiting: The brain’s disruption affects signals to the stomach and inner ear, causing nausea. Persistent vomiting is a warning sign of a severe injury. Immediate hospital evaluation is advised if this occurs after a crash. It should be considered an emergency.
- Blurred or Double Vision: Concussions can cause vision problems. Most often, visual disturbances arise due to pressure on the optic pathways. Car accident victims may notice difficulty focusing, light sensitivity, or eye strain.
- Confusion or Disorientation: A person with a concussion may appear dazed, forget recent events, or have trouble answering questions. These signs reflect cognitive impairment. Continued confusion after the crash may indicate a moderate or severe TBI.
- Short-Term Memory Problems: With concussions, short-term memory loss is common, especially regarding the accident itself. Victims may forget conversations or instructions soon after they occur. Consistent forgetfulness warrants a neuropsychological evaluation.
- Fatigue or Drowsiness: Excessive tiredness or irregular sleep patterns often appear within hours of the injury. The brain uses additional energy to repair itself, which disrupts normal rest cycles. Sleep monitoring can help document these changes.
- Sensitivity to Light or Noise: Many concussion patients report discomfort in bright or loud environments. Hypersensitivity results from altered sensory processing. Doctors may recommend temporary avoidance of screens and crowded spaces.
- Emotional or Behavioral Changes: Finally, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings are also relatively common as the brain heals. Emotional instability may persist even when physical symptoms subside.
What is Second Impact Syndrome?
As explained by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) occurs when a person sustains another concussion before fully recovering from the first. The condition is rare but extremely dangerous. It causes rapid brain swelling and can lead to permanent disability or even death. In car accidents, SIS can happen if a victim returns to driving, working, or other activities too soon after a prior concussion. The brain remains vulnerable during the healing process. Even a minor jolt can trigger catastrophic pressure changes within the skull.
Under South Carolina law, victims with suspected brain injuries should avoid activities that expose them to additional risk until cleared by a licensed physician. For this reason, medical professionals often recommend a gradual return-to-activity protocol. Notably, this includes both physical rest and cognitive rest. The risk of SIS underscores why early diagnosis and follow-up are critical. A single untreated concussion may impair judgment or coordination. That is a big medical problem.
What is the Car Accident Statute of Limitations in South Carolina?
Concussion injury car accident claims are time-sensitive. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations is based on who the Defendant is in your case, but normally, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury claim is three years from the date of the crash. The deadline applies to lawsuits for personal injury and property damage. If you fail to file within three years, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover compensation. Limited exceptions may apply in rare cases, but they are quite narrow. Do not miss your chance to get justice: Consult with a Summerville, SC car accident lawyer right away after a bad collision.
Compensation for Concussion Car Accident in South Carolina
Following a car accident in South Carolina, a victim with a serious head injury has the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including their non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover in a claim? The answer depends on case-driven factors, including your ability to prove fault and the extent of your damages. Do not let any insurance company allow you to accept a lower settlement than you truly deserve. Our Summerville, SC car crash lawyer will help you fight for the maximum financial compensation, including for:
- Property damage
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other health care costs
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Long-term disability
- Permanent impairment
Why Trust Our Summerville, SC Auto Accident Attorney
A concussion in a car accident can be a very serious injury that can carry a wide range of adverse long-term physical and mental symptoms. Immediate medical attention is an absolute must after a serious crash. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion can make a big difference. At the West Law Firm, we are made up of car accident attorneys that you can trust. Our case results show what we can do for car accident victims who have suffered bad head injuries. With an office right here in Summerville, our attorneys know the community well, including the roads, law, the courts, and the insurance companies. Your initial consultation with our firm is free and completely confidential.
Contact Our Summerville, SC Car Crash Lawyer Today
At the West Law Firm, our Summerville auto accident attorney is standing by, ready to fight for justice. If you or your loved one suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Summerville, we are proud to represent clients throughout the region, including in the zip codes of 29483, 29484, 29485, and 29486.