A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury and is one of the most common crash-related injuries. It can happen during a collision when your head makes contact with the windshield or dashboard. It can also occur due to violent shaking of the head during a high-impact crash or rollover. One of the biggest mistakes people make when sustaining a concussion after a car accident is thinking they can just "walk it off."
A car accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve
The truth is that concussions can worsen and cause serious complications if left untreated. That's why it's critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel perfectly fine. If you're worried about the cost of medical bills and missing work, you should also know your potential legal options. An experienced Cleveland car accident attorney from Merriman Legal, LLC can help you recover the full extent of your damages.
Common concussion symptoms
Many concussion symptoms take hours or days to develop after a crash. They can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of your head injury. The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Mood swings
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Slurred speech
- Feeling anxious or depressed
Concussion diagnosis
Diagnosing a concussion after a car accident is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. A doctor will perform several procedures, including:
- An evaluation of your symptoms and medical history.
- A physical examination of your balance, coordination, reflexes, and sensory responses.
- Cognitive assessments on memory, attention, concentration, and problem-solving.
- Imaging such as a CT scan or MRI.
- Ongoing observation and monitoring under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
A concussion is not the type of injury you want to leave untreated. Getting prompt medical attention allows you to address the injury early on. Plus, the medical record can strengthen your claim and provide evidence that your concussion was crash-related.
Treatments for a concussion after a car accident
Recovering from a car accident concussion takes time. It's critical that you follow your doctor's recommendations and attend all medical appointments. The typical treatment for a concussion includes:
- Proper rest: Avoid physical and mentally demanding activities that could prolong your symptoms. Also, limit screen time and use of electronics.
- Gradual return to activities: Once your symptoms start to improve, you may gradually return to normal activities. However, it's important to take it slow.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
- Physical therapy: You may need physical therapy to regain balance and coordination.
- Cognitive therapy: Cognitive therapy may be recommended to help with memory and concentration.
- Follow-up appointments: Your doctor may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Concussion recovery time
The time it takes to recover from a concussion can vary. Concussion recovery time often depends on the severity of your injury and overall health. It typically takes about one to four weeks to recover from a concussion after a car accident.
However, concussion symptoms can last for several months and even years. This is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which occurs when concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected period. Many people with PCS experience prolonged headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating.
PCS can impact your quality of life and require ongoing medical treatment and support. Common PCS risk factors include:
- A severe concussion
- History of concussions
- History of mood disorders, anxiety, and depression
- Having a learning disorder or seizure disorder
Understanding concussion car accident settlements
Obtaining a concussion settlement isn't as simple as it sounds. The at-fault driver's insurance company may attempt to deny your claim or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. However, it's important not to accept a settlement without first speaking to a lawyer. A car accident attorney can determine the true value of your concussion injury claim by tallying up your:
- Medical costs
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle and property damage
- Punitive damages, in certain cases
Your attorney will also need to investigate your crash and establish that negligence occurred. This includes obtaining the police report, speaking to witnesses, and collecting evidence from the crash scene. Your lawyer will use this evidence to build a strong case based on fact, maximize your settlement, and ensure that you're fully compensated for your losses.
Contact a Cleveland attorney if you suffered a concussion after a car accident
The Cleveland car accident lawyers at Merriman Legal, LLC understand the impact a crash-related concussion can have on your life. We won't let the insurance companies take advantage of you. In addition, we don't charge any upfront fees for our services. That's because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Don't wait to get the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us online and schedule a free consultation. We'll be glad to answer any questions you have and help you explore your legal options.
