Guide to Hiring A Concussion Lawyer After A Car Accident

Concussions in car accidents are typically caused by a forceful impact that leads to rapid head movement, causing the brain to move within the skull. This sudden motion can result in a brain injury. 

Common causes of concussions in car accidents include:

• Whiplash: This is a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head that often occurs in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can cause the brain to collide with the interior of the skull.
• Direct impact to the head: This involves striking the head against parts of a car, such as the steering wheel, windows, or dashboard. It can also occur due to impact with loose items inside a car.
• Sudden deceleration: When a vehicle stops abruptly in a crash, the body may be restrained by seat belts, but the head might still jerk forward. This can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull.
• Airbag deployment: Although airbags are crucial for preventing more severe injuries, their rapid deployment can cause a concussion if the head is too close to the airbag at the moment of deployment.
• Roll-over accidents: In these accidents, occupants can be tossed around inside a vehicle. This can cause the head to hit various surfaces.
• Secondary collisions: After the initial crash, secondary impacts, such as being hit by another vehicle or striking a stationary object, can also lead to concussions.

Signs of a concussion can vary but typically include physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Some common physical signs to look out for are:

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness or “seeing stars”.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Sensitivity to light or noise.
• Feeling of being dazed or stunned.
• Balance problems or trouble walking.
• Fatigue or feeling tired.

Cognitive symptoms of a concussion include: 

• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog.
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event.
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information.
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.

Emotional and sleep concussion symptoms include:

• Irritability and other changes in personality.
• Sleep disturbances - sleeping more or less than usual.
• Depression or sadness.
• Nervousness or anxiety.

What does a mild concussion feel like?

A mild concussion can manifest a variety of symptoms, which may not be immediately apparent. This may include a persistent headache, sense of disorientation, concentration problems, and fatigue. With a mild concussion, symptoms often improve within a few days to a week.

Concussion symptoms may be an indicator, but you’ll need to see a doctor and get an official diagnosis. First, visit an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or your primary care physician as soon as possible. The sooner you get checked, the better.

Clearly explain the details of the car accident and any symptoms you're experiencing. Mention any blows to the head, loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, dizziness, or any other unusual feelings. A doctor will likely perform a thorough physical and neurological exam. This may include checking your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and memory.

While there’s no single test for a concussion, doctors may use various tests to help diagnose the injury. That includes:

• CT Scan or MRI to check for brain swelling or bleeding.
• Neuropsychological tests to assess memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
• Balance testing to evaluate postural stability.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms last for several weeks, months, or even longer. The exact cause of post-concussion syndrome isn’t completely known. However, it’s believed to be the result of structural brain damage or disruption of the neurotransmitter systems.

Determining the monetary value of a concussion claim can be complex. The average settlement for a concussion ranges from $20,000 to $80,000. However, it depends on your medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, severity and long-term impact, and liability and negligence.

The negligence laws in your state can also affect your settlement amount. If you’re in a state that uses the pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you’re partially at fault for a car accident up to 99%. However, your compensation would be reduced by how much fault you contributed to a crash. 

States that use the modified comparative negligence rule have a threshold that bars you from recovering damages. In most modified comparative negligence states, that threshold is 50% or 51%. As long as the percentage of fault is below the threshold, you can get compensation. 

It’s important to consult with a concussion lawyer after a car accident. They can tally up your damages, determine the true value of your claim, and fight for a fair settlement.

It’s important to have a strong legal advocate on your side when navigating a concussion claim. You could be faced with months of recovery and accumulating medical expenses as a result of your injury. Insurance companies often care more about reducing their costs than compensating you. 

When you have a Law.com Premier Concussion Lawyer in your corner, the insurance companies won’t be able to take advantage of you. They’ll fight to ensure that you’re fairly compensated, so you don’t end up paying out-of-pocket.

Hiring a Premier Attorney won’t cost you any upfront fees. Our verified attorneys only collect their pay if they win your case. To learn more, contact a lawyer near you and set up a free legal consultation.