Concussions are common injuries sustained in a car accident. They are serious brain injuries. A concussion is so serious that it’s considered a “traumatic brain injury.”
Most concussion symptoms will resolve with rest and time. But, with more serious injuries, if left untreated, a concussion can have serious long-term consequences. For example, a person with a concussion who doesn’t get treated could suffer permanent brain damage.
Here are the signs to look for if you think you had a concussion in a car accident. Look out for these symptoms and be sure to get medical care immediately after the accident.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a blow to the head or violent shaking of the brain. This is why concussions and TBIs are so common in car accidents. The impact of the crash can aggressively shake victims and jolt them back and forth. When this happens, the brain hits the skull, resulting in a brain injury.
What Are Common Warning Signs of a Concussion?
If you sustained a concussion in a car accident, there are some tell-tale warnings to look out for. Educating yourself about these symptoms can help you identify them right away and prevent further brain damage after a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Feeling light-headed
- Inability to concentrate or remember things
- Unable to speak clearly, slurred speech
- Amnesia, sometimes no recollection of the accident, or trouble forming new memories
- Confusion
If you feel off after hitting your head or experience any of the above symptoms after a motor collision, see a doctor right away. Likewise, you should still see a doctor if you hit your head and are unsure if you’re injured or had a concussion.
Even if you are only experiencing a light headache after the accident, take it seriously. If necessary, go to the emergency room. Again, if you sustain a head injury and fail to get proper medical assessment and care, your injury could worsen.
Rather than worrying about medical bills, prioritize your health. For example, if you had a concussion after a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you might be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries later. So, don’t delay medical attention after the accident.
How Do I Know if I Have a Serious or Mild Head Injury?
It can be hard to differentiate between a mild or severe concussion. The average person does not know how to tell the difference. We don’t have medical training to look for specific differences; even then, the symptoms can be very similar.
That’s why getting medical attention is critical if you believe you might have a concussion or other head injury. When you see a doctor, they will likely perform one or several tests to assess your symptoms. Then, they will diagnose your injury and prescribe a treatment plan.
Common imaging tools that doctors use to test for a concussion include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- X-ray
- Cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan
The doctor might also want to administer neurological exams wherein they evaluate your vision, speech, hearing, and other physical abilities.
Lastly, your doctor may need to assess your cognitive abilities to test for a brain injury. For example, having trouble concentrating or remembering information could be a sign of a brain injury.
What Treatment Do I Need for a Concussion?
Physicians often keep patients overnight if they believe the patient has a concussion. That’s because they need to observe the patient for at least 24 hours to ensure their symptoms don’t worsen.
Or, if your doctor lets you go home, you will still need to keep a close watch on your symptoms. If you start to experience any of the concussion symptoms after returning home, you might need to go back to the hospital.
Treating a concussion starts with plenty of rest. In the first 48 hours after the accident, people with a concussion are advised against any strenuous physical or mental activity. They also should refrain from watching TV or looking at their phone too much as this can strain the eyes and worsen the injury symptoms.
After the first 48 hours, doctors might suggest gradually introducing moderate physical and mental activities. This is all relative to the injury victim and what they feel comfortable doing. Each person’s case will be different based on how badly they were injured and whether they sustained other injuries.
Additionally, a concussion can have varying degrees of effect on different people. Therefore, following a concussion, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders exactly as prescribed.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth After a Concussion?
Every injury claim will have unique circumstances and therefore have its own value. There’s no rulebook or formula for calculating an exact dollar amount for a personal injury claim.
They can be worth a few thousand dollars or a few hundred thousand dollars. An attorney can help you identify all damages you can recover and a fair value for your claim. Enlisting the help of a legal professional is the best way to guarantee you get the maximum compensation possible for your claim. This is especially true if you live in Colorado and another negligent driver caused the accident and your injuries.
You could recover damage compensation for the following:
- Car Repair costs
- Car replacement cost
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs if you need long-term treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced quality of life
- And more
Do I Need to Hire a Denver Car Accident Lawyer?
If you sustained injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, it’s best to hire a lawyer. You might assume that since the other party was obviously at fault, their insurance will automatically pay for your damages.
However, that is not always the case. Car accident claims are often complicated and require negotiation with the insurance companies to reach a desirable agreement. Or, if the at-fault driver tries to deny fault, their insurance company might deny your claim. Whatever the case, insurance companies usually offer lowball settlement offers and do whatever they can to pay you the minimum amount possible.
Contact a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have an experienced attorney, you have a better shot at a successful case outcome. Rather than simply accepting the insurance company’s first and usually unfair settlement offer, your attorney can negotiate a higher amount.
If the at-fault party refuses to cooperate or settle, we can take your case to court or other legal action on your behalf.
We offer a free initial consultation, so call us today.
