Concussions can occur after car accidents, even if symptoms appear days later.
Car accidents often result in severe injuries, including concussions. But how do you know if you have a concussion? And how long does it take for concussion symptoms to appear after a car crash?
If you believe you have a concussion due to a car accident, it's important that you fully understand the legal options available to you. Otherwise, you might miss out on the financial compensation you deserve for your medical treatment and other injury-related expenses, which can add up quickly after a serious wreck.
An experienced car accident attorney can offer invaluable guidance, advocating for your rights and helping you navigate the complex legal process of obtaining the justice and accountability you deserve for your concussion. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, our dedicated legal team is here to help. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us today.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). When someone sustains a concussion, it's often due to the brain being moved suddenly inside the skull or the brain coming into contact with the skull itself.
Concussions are especially common in car accidents due to the speed and force of a collision. In fact, 17 percent of all concussions – roughly 289,000 out of 1.7 million concussions each year – are caused by motor vehicle accidents, according to head injury data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How do I know if I have a concussion?
There are many warning signs that you might have a concussion after a car accident. Concussion symptoms can include:
- Dizziness
- Frequent headaches
- Poor balance
- Nausea
- Memory lapses
- Slurred speech
- Sensitivity to noise and bright lights
How soon after a car accident do concussion symptoms appear?
Often concussion injury victims will notice symptoms soon after a car accident. By soon, we mean sometimes in as little as a few hours or days after a motor vehicle accident. That's why paying close attention to anything that seems out of the ordinary after your car accident is important. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms or feel like something is off. You can never be too careful with your health when you've been involved in a crash.
Are concussion symptoms sometimes delayed?
While many people experience concussion symptoms soon after an accident, delayed symptoms are common. Even if you feel fine immediately after your crash, don't be surprised if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience any other concussion symptoms days after your car accident. Again, you should see a doctor right away if you don't feel well and suspect you have a concussion.
How is a concussion diagnosed?
Some of the most common ways medical professionals diagnose a concussion include:
- Neurological Exam: During this examination, a doctor assesses the patient's nervous system to ensure its proper functionality. The evaluation often includes thoroughly examining a person's vision, hearing, balance, reflexes, and other neurological functions.
- Cognitive Tests: These assessments aim to gauge the normal functioning of an individual's brain. They evaluate a person's capacity to remember details, perform specific tasks, and recall information, offering valuable insights into their cognitive abilities.
- Imaging Tests: Utilizing advanced medical technology, imaging tests capture detailed images of the brain, aiding in the diagnosis of concussions. These tests encompass techniques such as X-rays, cranial computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, providing valuable visual data for medical evaluation.
Who's responsible for paying for my car accident concussion?
In Texas, the responsibility often falls upon the at-fault driver's insurance company to bear the burden of your injury-related expenses. This aligns with the state's at-fault car insurance system, where the driver – or, more accurately, their insurance provider – is obliged to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related costs.
This might sound simple. But in many cases, the at-fault driver's insurance company will do everything it can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. That's why it's critical that you have a lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights.
When to contact a car accident lawyer
If you sustained a concussion in a car crash in Texas, you have enough to worry about after your accident. You should be focused on your recovery, but the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve can be overwhelming.
Our Wichita Falls, Texas car accident lawyers at Hoover Rogers Law, LLP can help you every step of the way. We know the law. We understand how the legal system works. And most importantly, we're prepared to fight for the outcome your case deserves. In addition, you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. That's because we handle injury claims in Texas and Oklahoma on a contingency fee basis.
Put your trust in a law firm that will put your best interests first. Contact us and schedule a free consultation today.