Concussions & Head Injuries from Car Accidents in Missouri & Kansas
Car accidents are a common cause of all kinds of head injuries, including concussions. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions and any head injury from a car crash can occur from striking your head against an object in the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or window. It can also occur without contact and simply from a severe case of whiplash. A concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car wreck can result in chronic symptoms and permanent disability.
If you suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury in a car accident in Missouri or Kansas, please contact our Kansas City brain injury lawyers for a free consultation at 816-203-0143.
The symptoms from a brain injury can be subtle and difficult to diagnose initially, and delays in treatment can make it difficult to prove the other driver is at fault and recover the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
An experienced brain injury attorney will help guide you through the process so to build the strongest possible case. Recovering compensation for a TBI can help pay for future medical and personal care, as well as compensate you for future loss of income if you sustain a permanent impairment.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused often caused by a blow to the head during a collision. Concussions are one of the most common types of TBIs caused by car accidents. However, penetrating head injuries may also result in a TBI. A penetrating head injury may occur in a car crash when an object fractures the skull and enters the brain. Diffuse axonal injuries are another type of brain injury that occurs when the head rotates forcefully or violently snaps back and forth during the collision.
Concussions are described as a mild form of traumatic brain injury. In most cases, people make a full recovery from concussions within a few weeks, but it is very important that you follow all instructions from your doctor. Some concussions can develop into serious conditions with severe complications and symptoms. If there is any change in symptoms or symptoms persist, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to permanent impairments. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, a person may require surgery to remove bruised brain tissue or ruptured blood vessels (hematomas). In some cases, a person may develop permanent disabilities because of a TBI, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory impairments.
Symptoms of Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
It is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. The symptoms of a head injury may not develop for hours or days after the crash. In rare cases, a person may not notice symptoms of a brain injury for a few weeks after a car crash.Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury and concussion include, but are not limited to:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Disorientation or confusion
- Sensory problems (blurry vision, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or sound, bad taste in the mouth, etc.)
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Memory and concentration problems
- Difficulty waking up or drowsiness
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in mood
Children may also exhibit symptoms, including fussiness, crying, loss of skills, changes in play, and changes in eating or nursing habits. If you are unsure as to whether you or a loved on suffered a brain injury, you should download a free copy of our brain injury checklist, which walks you through the common symptoms and signs of brain injuries.
How are Brain Injuries Diagnosed After a Car Accident?
Doctors use a variety of methods to diagnose a brain injury after an accident. Physicians monitor a patient for physical symptoms, which are measured on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The GCS analyzes a person’s ability to speak, move, and open his or her eyes. Physicians may also perform speech and language tests, neuropsychological assessments, cognitive tests, and imaging tests (MRI, CT scans, and ICP monitoring).
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury as soon as possible increases the options physicians have for treating the brain injury. A comprehensive treatment plan can prevent a brain injury from becoming worse or the patient from developing complications from traumatic brain injuries.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident Brain Injury?
Always see a doctor as soon as possible and follow up with your doctor as necessary. Prompt treatment is crucial after a head injury. In the days and weeks after a car accident, ask family members and friends to help you watch for signs and symptoms of brain injuries.
After you are stable, contact a Kansas City brain injury attorney for help. Brain injuries can result in substantial financial damages. They can also cause permanent impairments. A brain injury lawyer in Kansas City investigates the car accident to gather evidence proving who caused the accident. Using that evidence, your attorney prepares an injury claim seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
A concussion or traumatic brain injury can limit your ability to work and care for yourself and your family. You may require ongoing medical and personal care. Additionally, you may be unable to earn income to support yourself. Compensation from a car accident claim can help pay for the care and assistance you need because of a brain injury. It can also pay for living expenses if you are unable to work.
Contact Our Kansas City Brain Injury Attorney for More Information
All brain injuries are serious. The damages from a head injury caused by a car accident can be devastating. Some victims experience a significant decrease in their quality of life.
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus helps victims of car accidents throughout Missouri and Kansas seek the compensation they deserve after a traffic accident.
To discuss your case in detail, contact our office by calling 816-203-0143 to schedule a free consultation with our Kansas City brain injury lawyer.
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