Car accidents can be scary, and unfortunately, they often result in injury. One of the most common injuries associated with car accidents is a concussion. If you believe you or someone else has sustained a concussion in the accident, it is extremely important that you follow the necessary steps to ensure proper care and treatment while also exploring any legal options available to you.
To discuss your options and get help through the legal process call our Decatur car accident attorneys today at 678-251-9309 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that usually occurs after an impact on the head, such as during an automobile accident. The most common sign of a concussion, for most accident victims, is loss of consciousness, although other symptoms may also be present. These can include blurry vision, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion or disorientation, brain fog, fatigue, irritability, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Research indicates that in 2019, an estimated 223,135 hospitalizations resulting from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were reported in the United States. In 2020, the number of TBI-related deaths rose to 64,362. This alarming figure is a clear indication that the occurrence of TBIs is on the rise in society.
Concussion Symptoms to Look for After a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident and suspect that you may have suffered a mild concussion, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Common symptoms of a concussion after a motor vehicle crash include light sensitivity, blurred vision, headaches, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, irritability or anxiety, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, and loss of balance problems.
If any of these concussion symptoms or other physical symptoms (e.g., brain swelling) persist for more than a few days or worsen over time, it is advisable to contact your doctor or seek medical care as soon as possible.
Severe Concussion Symptoms
A severe concussion is defined as a head injury that results in a loss of consciousness for more than five minutes or causes a person to experience confusion, disorientation, or impaired mental function for more than 24 hours.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a motor vehicle accident, you should seek medical care right away. Additionally, if your doctor suspects that you may have suffered a concussion, they may order imaging tests, such as an MRI scan, to further evaluate your brain function.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that can occur after a person has suffered a concussion or other type of mild traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms typically develop within one week of the initial injury and may include dizziness, headaches, cognitive difficulties (trouble concentrating or remembering new information), emotional changes (anxiety and depression), sleep disturbances, noise sensitivities, and physical fatigue.
What to Do if You Have Signs of Concussion After a Car Accident?
It might seem obvious, but after you have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is crucial to take the right steps in order to receive proper care and treatment.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
If you experience any of the symptoms of a concussion after being in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will likely perform an evaluation and diagnostic tests to determine if you have suffered a concussion or other head injury.
If a concussion is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend that you rest until the symptoms have gone away, avoiding strenuous physical and mental activities. It is also important to keep an eye out for any changes in symptoms or additional warning signs, such as memory issues "memory loss", speech difficulties, slurred speech, a sudden impact syndrome (sudden dizziness/loss of consciousness), dilated pupils, double vision, light sensitivity or pupil size changes.
Know the Risks of the Injury
it is important to be aware of the risks associated with a concussion injury. A severe concussion can cause permanent brain damage or even death if left untreated, so it is best to avoid any type of physical activity until your medical professional has given you the go-ahead to return to them.
Similarly, those who have suffered a mild brain injury may be at risk for post-concussion syndrome, which can cause long-term symptoms and impairments. Thus, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention immediately after any car accident—even if you don’t think you have sustained a head injury.
Prepare all Necessary Documents or Records
Get all paperwork and legal documents prepared. It is important to keep records of all medical appointments, diagnostic tests, treatments, and other related paperwork in case you need to seek legal action or make a claim for compensation. The more documentation you have the better prepared you will be if you need to take legal action after your accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Also, you should contact your insurance company to file an auto accident claim. Be sure to document all medical appointments, diagnostic tests, and treatments you receive related to the concussion or other head injury. This can help ensure that your medical bills are covered by the at-fault party's insurance company. You will need all you can get during the recovery period.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a concussion due to a motor vehicle crash, it is important to have a consultation with an injury attorney. An experienced accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights when it comes to filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney may also be able to assist with the collection of medical bills, negotiation with your insurance company, and handling any legal action related to the accident.
How to File a Claim if You Get a Concussion From a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident and suffered a concussion or other head injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and other expenses related to the accident. To file an injury claim in Georgia, contact the at-fault party's auto insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely require proof of your injury, such as medical records or a diagnosis from a doctor.
In addition to filing an insurance claim, you may also be able to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights when it comes to filing a lawsuit or making an insurance claim.
Depending on the severity of your injury and other factors, you may be able to receive a settlement or judgment that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the accident.
Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Claim?
If you have sustained a concussion or other severe head injury due to someone else's negligence in a car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights when it comes to filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party's insurance company, or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Depending on the severity of your concussion, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the accident.
Contact Marks Law Group Today!
At Marks Law Group, our experienced brain injury attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights if you have sustained a concussion due to a motor vehicle collision.
We will help you determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. Here's a contact to call 678-251-9309 for a free consultation.