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Is It Dangerous to Drive after a Concussion?

A concussion is a potentially serious head injury that could occur at just about any time and in a variety of ways. A slip and fall incident, car accident, sports injury, or a wide range of other potential causes could cause you to suffer a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Whenever you suffer a blow to the head that knocks you out, you most likely have suffered a concussion. But most of the about 1.4 million concussions that Americans annually suffer do not render the victim unconscious. Any violent shaking of the head or upper body could cause a concussion as well.

The Mayo Clinic says falls account for most of the concussions that people suffer. Most people recover fully following a concussion. However, the effects and healing process can vary greatly from one person to the next. Confusion and a lack of focus are two common side effects of concussions and are good examples of why it could be dangerous to drive after suffering a concussion. 

How a Concussion Might Affect Your Driving Abilities

Researchers at the University of Georgia recently studied the effects of concussions on people’s driving abilities. They compared the driving of 14 people who suffered concussion injuries with the driving of 14 people who did not suffer a concussion. Those who had suffered concussions were evaluated within 48 hours of the disappearance of their respective concussion symptoms.

The preliminary study showed that motorists who suffered concussions had slower reaction times than those who did not suffer a concussion. The average reaction time for concussion victims was about one second slower than those who did not suffer a concussion. Although that time interval is very short, it could have a significant impact when confronted with driving situations that require split-second decisions to prevent accidents. 

The study’s sample size is too small to apply any generalized results to the nation’s driving population. However, the study does show the potential effects that a concussion could have on people’s driving ability even after the concussion symptoms go away. The study also affirms the potential dangers of driving immediately following the onset of a concussion injury and while still feeling the side effects that often accompany a concussion. 

Common TBI Injury Symptoms that Affect Driving

A concussion could negatively affect your driving ability if you resume driving too soon. That is especially true if you are experiencing some of the common symptoms of TBI injuries that clearly could impact your driving. Blurry vision, fatigue, drowsiness, and dizzy spells are common symptoms that could occur soon after suffering a concussion. 

Other common symptoms that could affect driving include general confusion, a fog-like feeling, headaches, and a ringing sound in the ears. Those symptoms and others could occur individually or in combination with other concussion symptoms. When that occurs, the potential for a car accident rises. 

Concussions and TBI injuries clearly impact driving ability. That is why it is important to avoid driving while recovering from a concussion and especially while dealing with its symptoms. But many drivers still get behind the wheel and head out onto public roads despite increased risks. 

Media Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Help to Build Strong Cases     

If you are in an accident caused by a driver who recently suffered a concussion, you could have a good claim for liability damages. The experienced Media car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello help accident victims to present strong cases to hold drivers accountable for causing accidents. Our legal team will investigate the cause of your accident and fight to secure the compensation for which you are entitled. Learn more at a free consultation by filling out an online registration form or calling (610) 892-4940. Our office is in Media, Pennsylvania. We represent clients in Media, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, West Chester, and throughout Pennsylvania.

Contact the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation with attorney Deborah M. Truscello, Esq., call or fill out the form below. 

From our office located in Media, PA we serve the surrounding areas of

  • Bucks County
  • Chester County
  • Delaware County
  • Montgomery County
  • Philadelphia County
Including but not limited to
  • Allentown
  • Lancaster
  • Reading
  • West Chester

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For Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases, we have a contingency fee based on a percentage of what we obtain for you. We will not charge you any fee unless and until we settle your case, prevent the loss of your benefits or obtain benefits for you. 

For Family Law clients, we understand that financial difficulties often accompany divorce and other family law issues. Ask us about our reasonable and competitive hourly rates for your situation. 

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testimonials

Why Clients Choose Deborah

Heather A
2023-03-01
I have known Deb for years now and it all started in 2009 when I got hurt and needed legal help with my workers comp. I randomly chose Deb because of the things I read on her website and I liked that she had a take charge attitude about just about everything. She out-lawyered someone and got me more in a settlement for that and then also worked with me on another case and won that one as well for me. If you get to know Deb and her personal story, you will get to know an amazing single mom who has had her own struggles and has come out so much stronger. She will fight for you if you do your part as a client and follow her guidance. I have now used two women lawyers in Media and three men and I actually found the two women far more effective and both won my cases that the men lost. Without Deb and my other lawyer winning the cases for me that they did - I could have found myself disabled for good with no money to pay for the life I live because I can’t work now. I credit my ability to be able to eat and have transportation and all. I couldn’t be more grateful for their hard work they did for me. Deb has won two of my cases and I would absolutely refer others to her for the same kinds of cases and I would use her again if I ever needed her help again!
Daveen Carpenter
2019-10-08
Deborah's team went above and beyond to get my case settled quickly. I am forever grateful
Rebecca Porter
2019-09-24
If you ever need a worker’s compensation attorney, I highly suggest using Deborah Truscello. I had a work accident injury and was referred to Deborah. She was with me every step of the way, with this long-drawn-out process. She was there any time I had questions or needed advice on my rehabilitation. Now my case is settled. I am very happy how things turned out and I owe it all to her. I can't thank her enough. I will use her again if I ever need too.
Jackson Jones
2019-09-01
Deborah is an excellent lawyer. She was professional, knowledgeable, and made me and my case feel important. She was always accessible and answered all of my questions. I would definitely recommend Debbie to anyone injured at work and in need of legal services.
K M
2019-05-18
I am a client of Deborah Truscello and also a woman of color. Deborah Truscello is not a bigot nor is she a racist. I hired Ms. Truscello back in 2016 for a very nasty custody case against a crazy man who has a history of dragging all his children through the court system. Ms. Truscello has been nothing but professional and well organized. She is very reliable and always available. I could contact her any time of the day or night and she is always responsive to my text messages, calls, and emails. If you are considering hiring her as your attorney I highly recommend you schedule a consultation and see for yourself you will not be disappointed.
Andrew Kriegh
2018-08-17
Amazing law firm, they have helped me so much and enlightened me to the options I have, and to the right doctors who are still treating my issues... Very professional and very great people glad to have her in my team!!
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