Suppose you or a loved one was recently in a motor vehicle accident and diagnosed with a concussion. In that case, you are probably asking yourself questions like, How long does a concussion last after a car accident? And what do I do now?
A car crash concussion can be tricky. It is not as simple as watching a broken bone or cut heal to know when your concussion is gone. Because of this, understanding what a concussion is and concussion symptoms after a car accident is crucial. If you suffered a concussion after a car accident, you must seek appropriate medical care and legal advice.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we can help clarify your next steps and support you through the process.
How Long Does a Concussion Last After a Car Accident?
Most concussions following a car accident resolve within a few weeks, though some symptoms can linger for several months. If your symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you may have post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which can last for months or even years.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or bump to the head that causes the brain to move violently within the skull. Concussions are common in car and truck accident cases because the sudden jolt of the vehicle in the crash causes the head and neck to move abruptly, sometimes striking the window, seat, steering wheel, or other part of the car. Importantly, you do not actually have to hit your head to suffer a concussion. The sheer jerking movement is enough to cause injury to the brain within the skull.
Concussions from a car accident can vary in degrees of severity. They can be mild and resolve quickly on their own, or they can be severe with long-lasting effects. Concussions are a silent injury that is not visible, which can make them extremely dangerous if left undiagnosed and untreated. After any crash, it is essential to see a doctor immediately, even if the accident is minor.
What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Accident?
One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to be aware of the signs of a concussion. Sometimes, it is immediately apparent that a person suffered a head injury because of bleeding, loss of consciousness, or other obvious signs. However, often, brain injuries such as a concussion are not immediately apparent. If you begin to notice specific symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. Concussion symptoms can take hours and even days to appear.
These symptoms include:
- Headaches, especially if they are severe and persistent;
- Dizziness;
- Light-headedness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Feeling tired and drowsy;
- Sensitivity to bright light or loud noises;
- Memory loss or confusion; and
- Difficulty concentrating and brain fog.
If you or a loved one was recently in a car or truck accident and begins to develop any of these symptoms or feels not quite right, seek medical attention.
What to Do if You Suspect You Have a Concussion?
If you think a car crash caused your concussion, there are several steps you should take in the days following the crash.
Get Medical Attention
As soon as you suspect a head injury, go to your local emergency room or your primary doctor for a medical evaluation. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to confirm the concussion and its severity. It is essential to follow any medical advice and instructions to avoid further complications or worsening of the injury.
Document Your Injury
Whether at the scene or afterward, document what you can about your injury. Take pictures and videos if possible, and note any changes in your behavior, personality, mood, and physical health. Family members and friends may also notice changes that help establish the impact of the concussion.
Consult with an Experienced Accident Lawyer
You might not realize it yet, but if you suffered a head injury such as a concussion from a car accident, you should hire a Bronx truck accident attorney. You may have significant damages, including medical expenses and lost income, that are piling up. If someone else’s negligence caused the collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Meeting with a seasoned attorney early on can help you preserve your rights and legal options.
The sooner you seek medical and legal guidance, the better.
Damages in a Car Crash Concussion Case
Concussions often result in expenses and disruptions that extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit, making it crucial to understand the types of compensation that may be available for both short-term and long-term losses. In New York, individuals seeking compensation for a concussion sustained in a car accident may be entitled to two categories of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the direct financial losses resulting from the injury. These amounts are typically easier to calculate because they rely on concrete documentation such as medical bills, wage statements, repair invoices, and other receipts. Common examples include the cost of treatment, lost income, and expenses related to repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages compensate for the more personal, subjective impacts of a concussion, effects that do not come with a set price tag. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of daily activities, and other ways the injury has disrupted your quality of life. Because these losses vary from person to person, they can be more challenging to quantify.
In rare instances of particularly egregious behavior, a plaintiff may be awarded punitive damages as a means of punishing the defendant and deterring similar behavior.
New York Car Accident Concussion Lawyers
Since 1959, our attorneys at Greenspan & Greenspan have been helping injured New Yorkers navigate concussion claims and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you suffered a concussion from a motor vehicle accident and are unsure of what to do next, contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation. Let us help you today.
