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Road accidents disable and injure about 2.35 million people annually countrywide. A significant number of these individuals suffer from car accident concussions. While vehicles have safety features like headrests and airbags to protect one’s neck and head. Head injuries like concussions are still common after car accidents.
A concussion after a car collision can be a severe and common injury for Florida auto accident victims. A concussion is frequently undiagnosed as people fail to recognize its symptoms. It can be fatal or cause lifelong problems if left untreated. You may also miss the compensation an attorney can help you get.
What Is a Car Accident Concussion?
A car accident concussion is an injury you can experience after a physical blow to your head during an auto accident. You can also experience a concussion after an unexpected back and forth movement of your head.
Concussions are a subgroup of TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). TBI is one of two categories of brain injury, with the other being ABIs (acquired brain injuries). TBIs cause about 4,590 deaths every month, and a concussion can make you lose your normal brain functioning temporarily.
Car accident concussions are often not life-threatening. However, they can cause severe health issues. It’s best to seek medical treatment after an accident, even when you think you just had a “mild brain injury.” While most people recover from car accident concussions without many side effects, ignoring the warning signs can cause serious brain injuries. Talk to an attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation.
What Causes a Concussion?
Spinal fluid surrounds your brain, and it protects it from bumping against your skull’s hard bones. Your brain can bounce around when your head slams against a hard surface, such as a steering wheel, the back of a seat, or a windshield. This jostling can cause your brain, a soft tissue, to bleed, tear, or bruise.
You may suffer from three types of concussions. They are:
- Grade 1: You don’t lose consciousness, and you may suffer a temporary memory loss for about 30 minutes.
- Grade 2: You lose consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. You may also suffer memory loss for about 24 hours.
- Grade 3: You lose consciousness for over five minutes. You may also suffer memory loss for two or more days.
Symptoms of a Concussion
You may have a concussion if you experience these symptoms after a car collision:
« Loss of memory of the events leading to the collision
« Loss of memory of the occurrences after the accident
« Forgetfulness
« Appearing stunned or dazed
« Confusion
« Slow to answer questions
« Moves or walks clumsily
« Changes in behavior, mood, or personality
What To Do When You Notice Signs of a Car Accident Concussion
Follow these steps after suffering from a car accident concussion:
- Get examined immediately to get the essential diagnostic evaluations and medical treatment.
- Have early medical documentation showing your injuries and their relationship to the accident.
- Talk to an experienced attorney to understand your rights and the next steps.
- Don’t sign any releases, settlements, or waivers before consulting an attorney.
The Legal Aspect of Concussions in Car Wrecks
You could get a call from the other driver’s insurance party asking you to sign a claims release if the concussion happened because of an accident. They can entice you with cash to sign the forms. Don’t sign them before undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation. Signing the release forms waives your rights to pursue a compensation claim. You’ll treat yourself out-of-pocket if you waive your rights before knowing the extent of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Car Accident Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?
These symptoms can show up days, weeks, or months after the collision.
Is A Car Accident Concussion Treatable?
A doctor can recommend treatments, such as therapy, surgery, or OTC painkillers.
Can One Sue for a Car Accident Concussion?
You can sue your auto insurance company if it refuses to pay or delays No-Fault benefits you’re entitled to after a car collision concussion. You may also sue the at-fault driver for accident-related injuries, expenses, and losses.
Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers has decades of experience helping accident victims in Florida. Contact us to discover your rights and protect your interests if you have a car accident concussion.