Concussions and South Carolina Car Wrecks

Woman in a medical office receiving an examination for a concussion or other head injury
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Concussions can occur in car wrecks due to the sudden and forceful movements of the head and brain during a collision. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a blow to the head or a jolt to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. In car accidents, several factors can contribute to the risk of sustaining a concussion:

  1. Rapid Deceleration: When a car comes to a sudden stop due to a collision, the occupants inside continue to move at the same speed until they are restrained by seatbelts, airbags, or the interior of the vehicle. This abrupt change in velocity can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to a concussion.
  2. Direct Impact: If the head strikes an object inside the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or headrest, it can result in a concussion. Even if there is no visible external injury, the brain can still be injured due to the force of the impact.
  3. Whiplash Effect: In rear-end collisions, occupants can experience a whiplash effect, where the head and neck are jerked backward and then forward suddenly. This rapid movement can cause the brain to twist and stretch within the skull, potentially leading to a concussion.
  4. Rotational Forces: Car accidents can also generate rotational forces that affect the brain's stability. When the head is rapidly rotated or twisted during a collision, it can cause injury to the brain tissue and result in a concussion.
  5. Secondary Collisions: In multi-vehicle accidents or rollovers, there may be multiple impacts and movements of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of head and brain injuries, including concussions.

It's important to note that the severity of a concussion can vary widely. Some individuals may experience only mild symptoms and recover quickly, while others may have more severe symptoms and require medical attention and rehabilitation. Seatbelt use, airbag deployment, and the design of the vehicle's safety features can all play a role in mitigating the risk of head injuries, including concussions, in car wrecks.

If you or someone you know is involved in a car accident and there is a suspicion of a concussion or head injury, it's essential to seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly. A qualified medical professional, such as a neurologist or other doctor, may be qualified to diagnose someone with post-concussion syndrome after a South Carolina car accident. Such a diagnosis will be based on the medical provider’s clinical assessment, which may depend on findings of headache, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, and delayed response.

If you sustained a concussion in a car accident and are looking to make a claim for pain and suffering, the attorneys at KD Trial Lawyers may be able to help. The experienced car accident attorneys at KD Trial Lawyers can review your case and help determine your options. You can contact us 24/7 by submitting a contact form online at www.spartanlaw.com, or by calling (864) 660-0465.

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