Concussions After Car Accident
Concussions following a car accident are a common injury in car accidents in Boston and surrounding areas. It is often not diagnosed because even medical professionals fail to recognize the symptoms and signs. If left untreated, it can cause death or permanent disabilities.
People often fail to check if someone has sustained a concussion from a car accident, even if they do not lose consciousness. This is a dangerous conclusion, as there are other symptoms and signs that can alert the person injured and/or their family to this injury. These signs include headaches, confusion, slurred words, and energy loss.
It is risky to miss a concussion diagnosis because it can lead to a potentially fatal collection of blood between your skull and brain. This is known as a hemomatoma and can cause brain damage. Unfortunately, some injuries can be permanent, and the victim may never recover the cognitive function they had before the accident.
Any brain injury could have a long-lasting impact on your livelihood and health. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after any accident.
Signs of Concussion following a car accident?
A Concussion is a brain injury that results from a car accident. It could be caused by a blow, strike or jolt to your head during an auto accident. It could also be caused by the sudden impact of the crash or the violent shaking of your head. You do not always have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion in a car accident.
What to do if you have a concussion after a car accident.
These steps will help you if you have suffered a concussion from a car accident.
- You should get checked immediately. The sooner someone receives the correct diagnostic tests and medical treatment for this injury, the better their chances of a full recovery. As an injury lawyer, it is important that people get medical attention as soon as possible. This will allow them to get back on track to full recovery and good health. Your doctor should be able to diagnose a more serious injury if you sustain a concussion from a car accident.
- If you are suffering from this injury, seek medical attention and a referral to the right diagnostic imaging. Your doctor cannot treat you unless he or she understands the cause of your symptoms. The appropriate diagnostic testing will allow your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you, as well as make appropriate referrals.
- It is always easier to avoid problems with your insurance company by submitting early documentation. A medical report, whether it is in the emergency room or with your family doctor as soon as possible, can prove that the accident caused the injury to a No-Fault or health insurance company. You can avoid problems when insurance companies deny a causal relationship or refuse to pay for treatment if it turns out to be more severe. Your insurance company will likely pay more for your medical care if you provide medical documentation and early treatment. Having a car accident lawyer experienced in handling traumatic brain injury claims in Massachusetts by your side will endure maximum recovery for your injury.
- An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer will be able to get a fair and full settlement for your injuries if there is a clear and measurable temporal relationship between the collision and treatment documentation. Long gaps in medical documentation and delays in treatment will hinder your ability to recover faster. It can also make it difficult for your lawyer to convince a reluctant insurer to cover your treatment. Finally, it can make it more difficult to obtain a fair and just legal settlement for your injuries.
- Do not try to “toughen it out”. This is a serious injury. If you do not seek immediate medical attention, it can result in permanent disability and pain. As an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer, there have been many cases where people didn’t feel the need to “complain” and then within days or weeks their thought of a minor injury or something that would disappear became more severe.
- Ask for an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney near Boston to assist you or your loved ones injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Many experienced car accident lawyers have assisted people with concussions following a car accident. You will always be informed about your insurance company’s responsibility to pay, as well as what wage loss and medical assistance you are entitled to. A traumatic brain injury attorney can help you review your medical records and the treatment you are receiving. This will help to ensure that bills are paid. It also helps you to assess how much your case may be worth if you have suffered from pain or disability due to negligence or carelessness of another driver.
- Do not sign any settlements or releases relating to your motor vehicle accident: You should not sign any settlements or waivers presented by your auto insurance company, your at-fault driver’s insurance company or any other insurance companies.
How do I make a concussion claim after a car accident.
You can file a claim with your auto insurance provider. You should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer first to help you through the process. Sometimes it is possible to settle with the insurance companies without having to go to trial.
Can you sue after a car accident for concussion?
Yes.
You may also be able sue the at fault driver for economic damages such as lost wages and excess future medical bills.
What causes concussions after a car accident?
Concussions can occur after an accident. It can even occur if there has been no impact to the head. The extreme force of the impact can cause the head whip violently forwards and backwards.
This is a brain injury that occurs when the brain strikes the skull’s interior. The brain can be injured by either a blow to its head or whipping action that results in rear-end collisions.
This can lead to brain damage or bruises. This can cause bleeding around the brain. The skull will fill with blood, putting pressure on the brain. This condition can be fatal if left untreated.
Concussion signs after a car accident
Below are some signs and behaviors to look out for if a family member or loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle accident.
- Memory loss of events before the crash
- Memory loss following the crash
- Appearing confused or stunned
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Moves or walks clumsily
- Answering questions takes too long
- Changes in mood, behavior, and personality
Symptoms
If you or a loved-one was hurt in a motor vehicle accident and you or the loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention to determine if you or the loved one have suffered from this injury.
- Perception loss
- Headache (especially if it keeps getting worse and doesn’t get better)
- Your head is under pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Vision blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Noise sensitivity
- Feeling lethargic
- Unskilled thinking
- Are you confused?
- Inability to focus
- Memory loss
- Feeling depressed
- Drowsiness
- Inability to get up
- Slurred speech
- Numbness
- Reduced coordination
- Unusual behavior
Diagnosing a Concussion After a Car Accident
Your doctor may use the following steps to diagnose and test for this type of injury:
- Asking questions about your injury
- Asking questions about your symptoms
- Conducting a physical exam
- To monitor brain waves, order an MRI scan, CT scanner or an electroencephalogram
- Neuropsychological and/or cognitive tests administered
- Conduct an eye test to determine if there are any changes in the pupil size, eye movements, or light sensitivities.
An experienced Boston concussion attorney will be able to help ensure that your injuries are properly and accurately represented to the insurance company.
How long does concussion last following a car accident?
The length of a concussion after a car accident will depend on the severity of the injury, the course of treatment chosen, and the body’s reaction to the treatment. Some people experience it for days, while others may last several months. Others experience long-lasting effects.
Research shows that approximately one in 10 survivors of this injury suffer from permanent cognitive impairments or emotional trauma.
Are you suffering from a concussion following a car accident? Scalli Murphy Personal Injury Law is the first place to call.
To speak with an experienced Boston concussion lawyer if you have been in a car accident, please call us at 617-387-7000 anytime, 24/7. To speak with an experienced accident attorneys about card accident cases, visit our contact page.