To stop the spread of the coronavirus, many states, including Tennessee, issued executive orders that temporarily closed non-essential businesses, such as schools, restaurants, casinos, and bars. In addition, numerous employees have been allowed to work remotely from home instead of going into an office. As a result, there have been fewer people commuting and therefore fewer vehicles on the road this past year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, despite this, studies have shown that drivers have been violating traffic laws by speeding, which have led to an increase in car accident injuries and fatalities. One of the most common injuries in a rear-end or side-impact collision is a concussion. Those who sustain this type of injury can experience problems immediately after the accident or even weeks and months later. That is why it is crucial to consult a skilled personal injury attorney to be sure to understand your legal options.
The Signs and Symptoms of Head Trauma
Also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion is usually caused by a sudden hit, blow, or jolt to the head. This impact results in the neck, head, and brain moving rapidly back and forth. This movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull, creating chemical changes within the brain and in some cases, damaging brain cells.
The symptoms of a concussed head range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. However, depending on the severity of the injury, a person may not notice anything out of the ordinary right away. The after-effects may not appear until a few days later. That is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately following any crash.
The typical signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
- Fatigue
Research has found that even years after suffering a concussion, an individual can have abnormal brain wave activity. In addition, the brain’s motor pathways can deteriorate, which could affect a victim’s ability to concentrate and pay attention. Unfortunately, this can prevent someone from working or performing everyday activities for the rest of his or her life.
Contact a Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer
Although suffering a concussion in a car accident may seem like a minor injury, it can lead to long-lasting consequences. In many cases, a reckless or negligent driver’s actions caused the collision. The distinguished legal team at Warren & Griffin, P.C. know how important seeking compensation for damages can be for those hurt as well as their families if they are the head of the household. Our experienced Tennessee personal injury attorneys have delivered proven results for victims of vehicle crashes. Call our office today at 423-265-4878 to schedule a private consultation. We are available 24/7.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html
https://www.tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/trafficfatality.html