Concussions (referred by medical professionals as "mild traumatic brain injuries") are unfortunately a common occurrence after a car accident. Concussions are caused when the head experiences trauma and the brain collides with the interior of the skull. Depending on where your vehicle is hit, your head may strike the seat back, the passenger window, the windshield, the airbag, or a combination of those. While most people recover from mild traumatic brain injury within a few months, depending on how hard your head strikes something inside the car, the concussion may be significant and include longterm injury.

 Common symptoms of concussion immediately following a car accident may include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or Vomiting 
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Memory loss

Long term symptoms of concussions caused by car crashes may include:

• Irritability 
• Longer term memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks once easy
• Light sensitivity
• Lack of motivation or depression

How are concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries diagnosed? Medical professionals can perform tests to determine whether a car accident victim suffered a head injury and make an assessment about how serious it is. However, unless there was a long term loss of consciousness or an objective brain bleed after the accident, it may be hard to diagnose the extent of the injury.

Neuropsychologists can administer tests on a car accident victim to determine how their brain function compares to the general population in various subject areas. 

Most important in proving a head injury after a car crash is talking to friends, family members and/or coworkers to see what differences they have observed in the individual. For example, we have had client's family members tell us their loved one just isn't the same as she was before the accident. They note a change in emotional behavior, motivation and frustration in not being able to perform as well at work. Client's bosses have told us about work accommodations they've made for someone to allow them to continue doing their jobs.

It's important to get proper medical treatment after a car accident if you're still having symptoms a few months later. Many people hope things will just get better one their own, but there are tools medical professionals can provide to help while the brain heals from the trauma.

If you have been in an accident in Colorado and suffered a concussion, it is important to seek representation from an experienced personal injury law firm to help prove your injury and help you recover compensation. If you have any questions, contact Kane Trial Law at 303-919-7777 for a free consultation.