Do I Have a Concussion From My Car Accident?

Concussions, a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), are the most common of all brain injuries to happen during a car accident. Concussions can vary from mild to severe and are one of the highest leading causes of TBI-related hospital visits and death. It is important to be able to recognize and understand the symptoms and consequences of concussion, so you can be sure to get the attention you need quickly after your accident.

Will Adams Law Firm recognizes how serious concussions can be to those who suffer them during car accidents, and our experienced team of Katy, Texas car accident lawyers are here to help. In this article, we will cover what a concussion is, the symptoms, and what you should do after you receive one from experiencing a car crash.

Concussions: A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Head injuries are common in car accidents, especially seemingly “minor” car accidents, like after getting rear-ended. What many people don’t realize is that a concussion is actually a mild traumatic brain injury. They’re that is caused by a blow to the head, which causes the brain to hit against the sides of your skull. The sudden impact causes the brain to be violently shaken inside the skull, which can cause bruising, bleeding, and tearing of nerve fibers.

Although it is common for people who suffer concussions to lose consciousness after the initial blow, a loss of consciousness is not necessarily a requirement for a concussion. Mild concussions often don’t cause a loss of consciousness and can still lead to long-term consequences if not addressed.

Symptoms of a Concussion

The symptoms of a concussion can vary, depending on how serious of a concussion you have experienced. Concussion symptoms do not always appear immediately after experiencing a head injury, even in car accidents. Many concussions symptoms aren’t obvious until hours or days after the head injury occurs.

If you or someone you love have experienced head injuries after a car crash, understand the most common symptoms of a concussion.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Crash

• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss of before or after the accident
• Headaches or worsening of migraines
• Trouble sleeping and fatigue
• Nausea
• Mood changes and irritability
• Disorientation and confusion
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of coordination
• Out of the ordinary behavior
• Blurry vision

Persistent Symptoms Could Be a Sign of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a condition that occurs when concussion symptoms last longer than the normal recovery time. Typically, Post-Concussion Syndrome takes about two weeks to recover from concussion symptoms. However, if symptoms last longer than a month or two, then you doctor may diagnose you with PCS. PCS is not uncommon, so it is important to be aware of your symptoms and communicate with your doctor often about your condition.

What to Do After Suffering a Brain Injury or Concussion After a Car Crash

Serious motor vehicle accidents can be disorienting and stressful, which can leave you unsure of what to do next. It is important that you act quickly and safely after your serious car accident to ensure your health and safety.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not show symptoms right away, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to see if you have a mild brain injury. When you’re in the emergency room or urgent care, insist on receiving tests to identify a potential concussion. Your primary care physician can run more in-depth tests such as MRIs or CT scans to see if you have experienced a brain injury.

Gather Evidence of Your Car Accident and Concussion Injuries

Having as much documentation as possible will not only help to strengthen your insurance claim, your injury case as well.

If safe to do so, take photos of your accident from many angles. Take down the name and contact information of the other people involved in the crash. Call the police and ask for a copy of their police report. Also, be sure to get documentation from any emergency room visits, doctor’s diagnoses, or other medical treatment.

The insurance company will require you to prove a causal relationship between your car accident and your traumatic brain injury, so make sure you get proof of that connection from your doctor. This includes medical records, medical bills, and other notes. If you need help gathering these documents, your attorney can help you collect them.

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Insurance companies will want to see proof that you are actively following your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan to grant your insurance claim. Not following your plan could be detrimental to your health and your case.

File a Claim With the Relevant Insurance Companies

Filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company is one way many injured people choose to recover financial compensation after a crash. However, because Texas is a no-fault state, you also have the option to file a claim with your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy, as well as any other parties that may have played a role in the crash, such as the manufacturer of defective brakes, or the property management company who failed to maintain a parking lot.

Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a car accident lawyer, like the team at Will Adams Law Firm, can help you navigate life after a crash. We know how to identify every source of compensation, so you don’t have to worry about paying for someone else’s mistake. Additionally, our team of experienced attorneys knows how to calculate the value of the evidence you’ve gathered so you can demand a fair settlement, can help to organize your medical bills, and navigate you through the claims process. With a legal team on your side, you can trust that someone will stand up for you and demand accountability and fair treatment.

If you or someone you love has been injured or suffered a concussion, our team is ready to hear from you. We offer complimentary consultations so you can share your story and learn about your options for free, and at no risk to you.