Have you suffered a concussion from a car accident someone else caused? These injuries may seem “minor” compared to some other, more visible car accident injuries. However, their effects can be long-lasting and life-changing. Concussions are common, even in low-speed collisions, and their severity is too often underestimated.
You may have a valid claim to compensation for your injuries. But before pursuing your brain injury case, it’s essential to understand how these claims work and what legal help you have available.
Seek Prompt Medical Treatment
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from some sort of a blow to the head.
Typical concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches, dizziness, or nausea
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Cognitive changes
- Changes in sleep patterns
Seeking prompt medical attention can potentially catch this invisible but serious injury while creating medical documentation linking your concussion to the collision.
Severity of the Concussion
A “mild” concussion may resolve in a few weeks, while more severe ones can lead to post-concussion syndrome, with symptoms lasting months or years. The more impactful the injury and the longer the recovery, the higher the payout may be.
When a Concussion Becomes an Emergency
If any of the following happens, call 911 or get the victim immediately to the hospital:
- Inability to wake up or extreme drowsiness.
- Worsening headache or persistent vomiting.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior (agitation, restlessness).
- One pupil larger than the other.
How a Concussion Happens
The brain is suspended in fluid inside the skull. If the head starts or stops suddenly, the brain “collides” with the inside of the skull. That collision with the inside of the skull can damage brain cells and disrupt the delicate nerve connections within the brain.
Medical Treatment and Prognosis
It is important to follow your doctors’ instructions carefully in order to give yourself the best chance of full recovery. Concussion treatment usually focuses on rest (physical and cognitive) initially, followed by a gradual return to activity, including light exercise like walking, to speed recovery, guided by symptoms. Key steps involve good sleep, nutrition, limiting screen time/concentration, avoiding alcohol/ibuprofen initially for headaches, and working with a doctor for personalized return-to-play/work plans.
Effects on Daily Life
If your concussion interferes with your ability to work, study, care for your family, or enjoy hobbies, it may raise the value of your claim. These impacts must be carefully documented through pain journals and testimony from medical professionals and family members.
Types of Compensation Available for a Concussion from a Car Accident
Compensation after a car accident can account for your financial losses, as well as your physical and emotional suffering. While every case has different circumstances, compensation for a concussion injury may include:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance services, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, medication, physical and cognitive therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical bills related to the accident
- Lost wages for missed time at work while you’re recovering or getting treatment
- Reduced earning capacity if cognitive or physical limitations caused by your concussion affect your ability to earn a living
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and mental anguish you’ve suffered as a result of the accident and your head injuries
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive effects of your brain injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Maximize Your Concussion Compensation
Handling a concussion claim requires not only legal skill and medical knowledge, but persistence and strong negotiating skills. The attorneys at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks offer all of this and more. We can help you by:
- Reviewing your case – We will sit down with you to discuss the details of the accident, review any evidence, and inform you of your legal options.
- Gathering evidence – Our team obtains police reports, reviews medical records, interviews witnesses, seeks surveillance footage, and works with experts to build the strongest case possible.
- Calculating your compensation – We consult financial and medical experts to determine the full extent and impact of your injuries on your life and finances when calculating for maximum compensation.
- Negotiating with insurers – When it comes time to negotiate a fair settlement, we’ll advocate aggressively for your best interests.
- Representing you in court – If insurers won’t offer the settlement you deserve, we can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your claim to court.
Get in Touch with Our Car Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Case
After suffering a concussion in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with serious physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects. The last thing you need is to have the stress and work involved with pursuing a personal injury claim on your shoulders. You deserve fair compensation for what you have suffered and your concussion’s long-term effects – and an experienced car accident attorney can help you demand it.
The team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. has over 90 years of combined experience protecting the rights of North Carolina car accident victims. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients, many of whom have offered kind words about the personalized care and attention we provide, such as this one:
“This was my first time using an attorney for an accident. I’m glad I chose Attorney David Vtipil to represent me. Along with his secretary Carmella, and the rest of Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Bank…They made the process clear, and workless. They kept me informed through the case and, were very professional. Thank you all so much!”—Wanda Phillips
If you’ve sustained a concussion after a car accident, we’re prepared to fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
About the Author
Joseph R. Baznik
Joseph Baznik is an attorney at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks P.A. who specializes in workers' compensation and personal injury. Joseph speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He is licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
