If you drive and you live in California, the chances are high that you’ve driven on a highway or residential road and witnessed a car accident. It’s even more likely you’ve heard sirens or seen an ambulance zooming down the road. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are trained to provide basic medical care, or rescue and transport trauma victims, not diagnose them. Victims who refuse transport and deny further care often fail to consider the potential “hidden” injuries following a wreck, one of the most common being concussions. You may think “it wasn’t that serious of an accident” or “I had no visible injuries at the time,” only to later find out that you’re suffering from a neurological injury, that, if left untreated, could result in long-lasting complications.
There is no such thing as a mild concussion, and there is no timeline or one-size-fits-all recovery plan. One person with a concussion could recover in a few weeks, whereas someone else can experience symptoms for years. In the aftermath of a car crash in California, it’s critical that you seek proper medical attention, consult a qualified brain injury lawyer, and take these matters seriously. Your health, future, and finances are on the line.
Signs of Concussion after a Car Crash in California
When a concussion is graded as mild, it means that you’ve sustained a mild traumatic brain injury—but this doesn’t mean the outcome will be minor. Monitoring your health is crucial so you can pick up on any abnormal changes that could indicate a potentially life-threatening outcome.
If you were in an accident and received emergency care services, you may have undergone imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. It’s not unusual for those tests to be unsuccessful in detecting the presence of a concussion. It’s also plausible that you show no signs of a concussion. That’s why it’s imperative that you know as much as you can about concussions and its symptoms.
Symptoms of a concussion you may experience after a car crash may include:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Irritability
- Confusion/impaired awareness
- Memory difficulties
- Insomnia
- Trouble sleeping
Concussions and the Significance of Recovery
The most noticeable impact that concussions have on the brain is cognitive decline or delay. When the brain is impaired, the brain appears to shrink, primarily interfering with the way in which it functions and processes information. Someone with a concussion may feel like they can’t keep pace with life, or that their thoughts feel fuzzy all the time. This can cause someone to feel mentally and physically drained and worsen certain side effects, making it feel impossible to complete daily activities.
As a result, another consequence rooted in concussions is trying to “push through” the pain and discomfort. That mentality doesn’t work when you have a concussion. Adding extra stress to your mind can stall recovery and exacerbate your symptoms. Being patient and taking things slow can help promote the healing process, thus reducing your vulnerability to a number of debilitating or fatal brain injuries.
Important Treatments for Concussions
During the recovery process, it’s important that you have support. You’re not going to be able to do all the activities you were once able to do so easily. It’s likely you’ll need to see the doctor weekly, miss time for work, and spend a lot of time at home. Basic necessities in your life become even more significant during your recovery, including:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Eating nutritious meals
- Taking refreshing breaks
- Quitting alcohol
In addition, any intense or strenuous exercises you do must be stopped immediately. You can do light activities to get your blood flowing, but it’s only safe to do so for a short period of time. Again, the length of time it takes to recover depends on you. One thing is for certain: if you try to downplay your recovery, it will only take longer.
Make an Injury Claim for Your Concussion after a Car Crash in CA
Victims of car accidents who have suffered any type of brain or head injury, like a concussion, should speak to the Law Offices of JG Winter for practical advice on their rights and options moving forward. Our responsive and detailed approach to your personal injury case makes sure we consistently deliver exceptional legal representation to the residents of California.
At the Law Offices of JG Winter, setting you up for an active recovery starts with securing the monetary compensation you deserve. Our goal is to take all the legal worries out of your hands, thereby enabling you to release some of your tension and concentrate on healing. To schedule a free case review, complete a contact form or call 844-734-2626 today. This is your life, and we are here to work diligently to give you a voice and ensure the best possible outcome in your injury case.
