Some of the most common injuries drivers and passengers sustain in car accidents are head and neck injuries such as concussions and whiplash. A concussion after a car accident can range from mild to severe, and while most generally result in temporary side effects, there can occasionally be complications. You should always seek immediate medical care following a head injury, even if you don’t initially experience any symptoms.

A concussion from car accidents is not always immediately apparent, and even when symptoms do appear, many individuals don’t consider them severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. However, while most of these types of head injuries are not life-threatening, avoiding medical attention can negatively impact a personal injury claim should you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries. Furthermore, if you have a more severe concussion, immediate medical treatment may be necessary to avoid worsening symptoms and complications.

If you suspect you have suffered a concussion from a car accident, you should see a doctor and consult a personal injury lawyer. Even if you are unsure what actions you want to take, an attorney can evaluate your case and offer you their expert advice on what you should do next to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries.

How Concussions Occur in Car Accidents

Concussions that occur in car accidents are typically considered secondary impact injuries. The primary impact is when your car collides with another vehicle or an object, and the force of that impact is what propels your body, resulting in a secondary impact that causes the concussion.

Secondary impacts that result in concussion can occur when:

• A driver hits their head on the steering wheel, against the seat, door, or window, or an airbag.
• A passenger hits their head on the dashboard, against the seat, or a window or door.
• A loose object strikes a driver or passenger’s head.
• Two passengers bump heads.
• The driver or passenger is propelled from the vehicle and hits their head on the ground or against another vehicle or object.

Signs You Suffered a Concussion in a Car Accident

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some symptoms may be immediately apparent and go away within hours, while other symptoms can take time to appear and can last days, weeks, or even months.

The most common symptoms of concussions can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tinnitus
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Mild amnesia and forgetfulness
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Delayed responses
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to light
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of taste and smell

Complications following a concussion can include:

• Chronic headaches that won’t go away
• Vertigo
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Further brain injuries
• Second impact syndrome

Seeking Compensation For a Concussion After a Car Accident

If you have suffered a concussion from a car accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, you have a right to hold them accountable and pursue compensation. Damages awarded to injured victims can help cover things such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and more.

To ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve, you should work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Though it is your legal right to pursue compensation, it is not uncommon for guilty parties or their insurance companies to deny fault in an attempt to reduce claim amounts. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and ensure all guilty parties are held accountable and pay you appropriately.

Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery — Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has sustained a concussion from a car accident, contact the motor vehicle accident recovery experts at Poynter & Bucheri. Our fee is only 25% compared to the higher 40% rates with other attorneys. We will ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate — one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away.

Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.