What to Know After a Concussion in a Car Accident
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. These injuries can have an enormous effect on a patient’s mobility, speech, memory, and more.
With this in mind, it is important to know the symptoms of a concussion and other brain injuries after an accident and what to do if you or a loved one experience them. Keep reading to learn more from the Gainesville brain injury attorneys at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano P.A.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. The most common signs and symptoms of a concussion after a car accident include:
Mild concussion:
- Headaches
- Vomiting/nausea
- Difficulty speaking
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Changes to your sense of taste or smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Changes to your sleep habits
- Memory trouble
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or other changes to mood or personality
Severe concussion:
- Loss of consciousness for a few minutes or longer
- Persistent, intense headaches
- Seizures/convulsions
- Intense vomiting or nausea
- Dilated pupils in one or both eyes
- Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
- Numbness/weakness in the fingers or toes
- Loss of coordination, especially when moving
- Deep confusion
- Feeling combative or agitated without cause
- Slurred speech
- Coma
Signs of a concussion in young children:
- Persistent crying with an inability to be consoled
- Unusual irritation
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Seizures
- Depression
- Changes in eating or nursing habits
- Drowsiness
- Inability to pay attention
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
What to Do After a Concussion in a Car Accident
If you exhibit symptoms of a concussion after an accident, you should:
- See a doctor immediately – Timely treatment can make a big difference in your prognosis, so see a doctor as soon as you can after the crash. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment.
- Keep track of all your medical records – Your medical records are a key piece of evidence in a personal injury claim, so make sure to hold on to all records related to your injury and treatment.
- Save any other evidence from the accident – If you have photos from the crash scene, a police report, or other evidence of the accident, maintain this evidence for your personal injury case.
- Talk to a lawyer – A concussion can be expensive to treat and significantly impact your quality of life and your ability to do your job. If you have suffered a head injury after a car accident, a concussion accident attorney can help you claim compensation for your injuries.
How to Make a Car Accident Claim
Because of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, you have to meet certain requirements before you can file a personal injury lawsuit after being injured in a car accident. For example, you must seek treatment within 14 days to maintain your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Insurance companies often undervalue mild TBI or concussion cases. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible so they can start building your case. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and expedite the process of receiving payments through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance policy. Securing the full value of your claim often requires having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.
Injured? Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano Can Help
Have you suffered a concussion after a car accident in Florida? Contact Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano P.A. today for a free consultation with a Gainesville car accident lawyer who can explain your legal options. We have tried these cases successfully to verdict. Let us show you how we can help.