According to national statistics, almost 40,000 people are killed each year in vehicle crashes. For those fortunate enough to survive, more than 2.5 million are left seriously injured. Car accident injuries range from bumps and bruises to internal bleeding and brain injuries. One of the most common traumatic brain injuries suffered by car accident victims is a concussion.
A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by the brain being shaken, causing the brain tissue to hit the wall of the skull. A concussion can happen if a person experiences any kind of blow to the head or if they suffer any violent shaking of the head and upper body.
Symptoms of a concussion can show up right away or they can be delayed. This is why it is important to seek medical attention whenever they have been involved in a car accident. While some of the symptoms of a concussion are obvious, there are other signs that may be more subtle. Some of the symptoms that indicate a concussion injury include:
- The victim exhibits changes from their usual behavior or mood.
- The victim exhibits issues with speech, such as slurring.
- The victim experiences dizziness.
- The victim has difficulty remembering the accident.
- The victim has difficulty standing and/or walking.
- The victim has difficulty staying awake.
- The victim has one pupil which is larger than the other.
- The victim lost consciousness either during or immediately following the accident.
- The victim suffers from nausea and/or vomiting.
- The victim suffers from persistent headaches that become progressively worse.
- The victim suffers from vision issues, such as blurry vision.
Treatment for concussions is determined by how serious the concussion is. Concussions are classified by three grades. Grade 1 and Grade 2 concussions are typically treated with rest and recovery until all symptoms are gone. More serious concussions are classified as Grade 3 and require medical treatments which include diagnostic testing to determine the extent of the injury and whether there is any internal bleeding.
Let Our Personal Injury Law Firm Help
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion or any other type of injury in an accident caused by another party, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to find out what type of legal recourse you may have. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.
The Virginia brain injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have successfully advocated for many clients who suffered brain injuries in obtaining the financial compensation they deserved for their injuries, including a record-setting mild brain injury verdict for $60 million, which was settled while on appeal. Call us today for a free case evaluation. Our firm also provides a free traumatic brain injury guide which provides important information about Virginia’s brain injury law and other legal questions regarding pursuing an injury claim.
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