Did you know that concussions due to car accidents tend to impact many residents of Williamsport every year? When a car accident occurs, victims often emphasise visible injuries like lacerations or broken bones. But concussions or serious head injuries can be hidden threats that demand equal and immediate attention.
According to top Williamsport car accident lawyers who help their clients secure economic and non-economic damages successfully, concussions are a specific kind of traumatic brain injury, or TBI. They can lead to life-altering conditions if taken lightly. Hence, it becomes crucial to understand the different signs of concussion and the various legal actions one needs to undertake to secure fair compensation.
What are the symptoms?
Pennsylvania saw 1129 traffic fatalities in 2020 and 1230 in 2021. Again, there were more than 115,938 reported traffic crashes in 2022 in Pennsylvania. These crashes claimed the lives of 1179 people and injured another 67,012 people.
Car accidents contribute about 14% of the aggregate TBI cases in the US. They are the top cause of TBI-related deaths among children and young adults. Hence, it is critical to recognise the various symptoms of a concussion from a car accident.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms of a concussion after a car accident.
- Loss of consciousness during or after the car accident
- Memory loss, like being unable to recall events prior to or after the incident
- Severe headaches after an accident or in the hours or days afterward
- Dizziness or disorientation, like facing challenges in maintaining your balance, standing, or walking steadily
- Vision issues, like blurred vision, double vision, or struggling to focus on certain objects
- Difficulties with attention and concentration
- Sleep disturbances like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Mood changes like irritability, mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Seeing stars or having ringing in the ears
- Occasional seizures
- Irritation due to noise or light
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, hazy, or groggy
- Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
Generally, these symptoms subside within a few weeks to a month after the car accident. However, it is crucial to seek medical care if the symptoms persist.
Effective guidelines for victims to follow
- Seek medical evaluation. Make sure to see a doctor for a checkup even if the symptoms after the car accident seem mild to moderate. A medical professional can easily diagnose the concussion and offer a record of the injury. This is especially important if you are planning to file legal claims. In such a scenario, the medical reports will serve as vital evidence to prove the severity and the impact of your injuries.
- Document everything. It is essential to maintain detailed records of all your medical treatments. This incorporates visits to the hospital, tests, and prescribed medications. Additionally, be sure to preserve all medical bills related to the treatment.
- Report injuries. Make sure to inform your health insurance or car insurance company about your brain injury. This will ensure that your injury is on the record and can be addressed in the claim.
- File a car accident claim. The accident may occur due to the carelessness of any other party. In such a scenario, you will get compensation for all medical expenses or personal suffering. But the car accident claim should prove that the other party was at fault and you are suffering due to their negligence.
- Do not sign anything. Make sure not to sign any releases, settlements, or waivers associated with your car crash. Do not sign any documents provided to you by your or the at-fault party’s auto insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced attorney who is looking out for you.
Wrapping up
Addressing a concussion after a car accident demands immediate medical attention and legal action. Go through this post, determine the symptoms of concussion, seek medical attention, and implement the legal steps mentioned above. It is only by comprehending these legal aspects that you can steer through the complications of a car accident claim and focus on your recovery.
Jeffrey Grant, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
