The SC Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reports that Greenville County had more traffic collisions than any other county in South Carolina, with 16,640 total collisions in 2023.
Car accidents are the third-most common cause of concussion, behind falls and blunt force trauma. Even an accident that seems minor may cause a concussion.
Greenville residents need to know how to recognize car crash concussion symptoms after an accident in Greenville. Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains.
What Is a Concussion and How Does It Happen in a Car Crash?
A concussion is a disruption of normal brain function, resulting from trauma to the head.
How it happens
A concussion can occur when there is a blow, bump, or jolt to the brain. A concussion can also occur if the brain is shaken, even if the head never strikes an object. Sudden deceleration and blunt impact can subject the brain to forces beyond what it can withstand.
The impact
Disruption of brain function from a car accident concussion can show in multiple ways. Some symptoms may appear so mild that they are hard to detect.
A concussion can cause chemical changes in the brain. It can move brain cells, tissues, and connections. There may be cellular damage, swelling, and bleeding.
The brain controls all bodily functions and coordinates voluntary and involuntary bodily processes. Because we rely on the brain for so many things, disruption of brain function can manifest in many ways.
Common Symptoms of Post-Accident Concussions
Headaches
Headache is the most common concussion symptom. Concussion-related headaches may vary in severity. A person may experience a dull ache or throbbing in a certain spot. An existing headache may worsen when a person sustains a concussion. A headache from a concussion may continue to worsen for several days after a crash.
Disorientation
A concussion may result in a range of symptoms relating to general orientation. After headaches, dizziness is the second-most common concussion symptom. The person may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or unstable in their surroundings. They may also have nausea.
A person may feel dizzy in various ways, depending on what is specifically causing it. A concussion may impact the vestibular system, which controls balance, and the part of the brain that processes information.
Auditory
A person with a concussion may have ringing in their ears or be particularly sensitive to sound.
Vision
The person may have blurred vision because the brain is not able to process the information it receives. Symptoms may include double vision or sensitivity to light. A person who has a concussion from a car accident may find it more difficult to visually focus on objects or read text. They may also experience a loss of peripheral vision.
Taste
A concussion may impact a person’s sense of taste. The person may lose their ability to taste or notice a difference in how food tastes. Foods they liked before may now be unappealing. Disruption of brain processing may cause altered taste after a concussion, but nerve damage may also be a factor.
Cognition
A car accident concussion can make it difficult to remember people, information, or events. A person may feel lost or confused or find it hard to concentrate. A person may feel like they are thinking more slowly.
Sleep
A concussion may cause a person to sleep much more or less than before. The person may have trouble falling asleep or may have disrupted sleep-wake cycles. On the other hand, a person may feel abnormally tired. Children with a car accident concussion may be particularly likely to experience night terrors or sleepwalking.
Emotional changes
Emotional changes are common symptoms of a concussion from a car accident. A person may feel overwhelmed or seem more withdrawn and irritable. They may be depressed or generally anxious. A person may show a lack of interest in activities and hobbies they used to enjoy. These emotional changes may be a sign of concussion or may result from the psychological trauma of the car accident and related injuries.
When Symptoms Are Delayed: What To Watch For in the Days After
Sometimes, concussion symptoms are delayed because of the rush of adrenaline after an accident, swelling, and chemical changes in the brain that take time to manifest.
Pre-existing medical conditions or a history of concussion can make delayed concussion symptoms more likely. In addition, the environment that a person has for healing can impact delayed concussion symptoms. For example, a person with a concussion who is exposed to bright lights or loud noises may be more likely to experience delayed symptoms.
After a concussion, watch for worsening symptoms, poor cognition, and speech abnormalities. Seek medical attention as advised by medical professionals and if delayed symptoms of concussion appear. Seek immediate medical attention for seizure, vomiting, severe headache, speech impairment, or loss of consciousness.
Why Immediate Medical Evaluation Is Critical
Immediate medical attention is critical after a car accident concussion because a person may have a life-threatening injury. Serious brain injury must be ruled out, and the person must be stabilized.
The injured person should be informed of when to seek additional medical attention.
It’s important not to resume ordinary activity too soon after a concussion. A second brain trauma before a concussion has fully healed can be especially devastating.
How Concussions Affect Personal Injury Claims
A concussion is a type of personal injury. A person who suffers from a concussion in a car crash may have the right to claim financial compensation. Even if the person has no outward, visible injuries, a concussion alone is sufficient for a personal injury claim.
The injured person may claim the cost to diagnose and treat the concussion. They may also claim for related losses, such as pain and suffering, lost income, and lifestyle changes.
The person claiming compensation must prove the elements of a personal injury claim, including negligence, cause of harm, and damages.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered from a concussion because of a car accident, please contact Bobby Jones Law to talk to an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer. Recognizing car crash concussion symptoms after an accident in Greenville is important to receiving the compensation that you deserve. Call or message us now.
