I Think I Suffered a Concussion in a Car Accident: What Should I Do?
Car accidents can cause catastrophic physical, emotional, and financial damages. Even seemingly minor crashes can have serious consequences, including head and brain injuries. Brain injuries do not always cause immediate symptoms. Unfortunately, these types of injuries are progressive and more harmful the longer they go untreated.
The car accident lawyers at Moody Law, P.A., who serve individuals from Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas, understand the potential damages of a brain injury, such as a concussion. Here, we discuss common concussion symptoms and what to do if you think you suffered a concussion in a car accident to minimize long-term damages and hold liable parties accountable for losses.
Signs of a Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury that can occur when the head is struck or jolted in a back-and-forth motion (causing the brain to move within the skull). Many think of a concussion as a minor injury, but it can cause long-term symptoms. Early treatment is vital to preventing concussion complications. Unfortunately, concussions frequently go untreated because people don’t always recognize the signs and symptoms of this brain injury.
Concussion symptoms may develop immediately after the injury or in the days and weeks afterward. Some of the most common signs of a concussion include:
- Prolonged or persistent headaches
- Vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, etc.)
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Balance issues
- Feeling foggy or hazy
- Issues with concentration or memory
- Nausea or vomiting
What to Do When You Experience Potential Concussion Symptoms
Car accident victims who experience potential concussion symptoms should report them to a medical professional and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Individuals who suffer a concussion often need to rest and recover for several days (or longer). Concussion victims should refrain from physical and mental activities while they heal. To promote a timely recovery, patients should explicitly follow doctor instructions, including when to return to school, work, or other activities, as well as what medications to take or avoid.
Should I Contact a Lawyer?
When a concussion is the result of a car accident caused by another person or party, we strongly advise injury victims to contact a lawyer. A concussion can cause significant economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
A knowledgeable brain injury lawyer, such as those at our Lakeland law firm, understands the impact of a concussion and is prepared to hold liable parties accountable for the full extent of damages.
Evidence to Support a Brain Injury Case
As with any other type of personal injury case, concussion victims need evidence to support a brain injury lawsuit. Our lawyers work alongside car accident recreationists and other experts to gather evidence such as:
- Pictures from the scene of the accident
- Witness statements
- Police report
- Medical records
- Medical bills
Contact Us
Individuals who suspect they are suffering a concussion after a car accident should seek medical treatment and take the necessary steps to hold liable parties accountable for resulting damages. To learn more about your legal options after an injury-causing car crash, contact Moody Law and schedule a legal consultation at your earliest convenience.
