Concussions are a common outcome of car accidents in Maine.
One of the most common and serious injuries resulting from car accidents is a concussion, which is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions frequently occur in car crashes due to the powerful forces involved in the collision. For example, during a rear-end accident, a person's brain may rapidly move forward, while in a head-on collision, the brain can impact the skull directly.
While this might seem apparent, it's crucial to understand how to recognize a concussion. What are the typical symptoms of a concussion, and how do medical professionals diagnose it? Our Portland, Maine car accident attorneys at Jabar LaLiberty, LLC are here to provide answers to these questions and offer valuable information below.
How common are car accident concussions?
Every 70 seconds, someone sustains a concussion in a car accident somewhere in the country, according to head injury data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s roughly 289,000 car accident concussions each year.
Here’s another number to consider. Of the 1.7 million concussions each year, 17 percent occur due to motor vehicle accidents, making concussions one of the most common car accident injuries.
How do I know if I have a concussion?
After a car accident, it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms or warning signs of a concussion, including:
- Frequent headaches.
- Poor balance or dizziness.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Short-term memory lapses.
- Changes in mood or behavior.
Concussion symptoms can cover a wide range. So, even if you don’t experience all these symptoms, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a concussion. Pay close attention to any possible concussion symptoms after your car accident. And see a doctor as soon as possible.
Are concussion symptoms sometimes delayed?
Yes. This is one of the reasons why concussions can be so confusing for many people. Immediately after a car accident, someone might feel fine. However, a few days later, they may experience concussion symptoms.
Whenever you notice such symptoms, immediately contact your doctor and tell them what’s wrong. Concussion symptoms can sometimes turn out to be an even more serious traumatic brain injury or possibly even a potentially life-threatening injury.
What medical tests can diagnose a concussion?
In general, there are three types of tests doctors often use to diagnose whether someone has a concussion:
- Imaging tests – These types of tests take images of the brain. The most common brain imaging tests include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, and cranial computerized tomography (CT) scans.
- Neurological tests – These medical tests measure whether someone’s nervous system is functioning properly. Neurological exams often focus on a person’s hearing, reflexes, balance, vision, and other neurological functions.
- Cognitive tests – These tests measure someone’s brain functions and often include tasks designed to determine if someone can perform certain tasks, remember certain details, or recall information.
There’s another reason why you should have a doctor examine you and perform such diagnostic tests. By doing so, you will have a record of your injury. This is very important since an insurance company may challenge the severity of your injury if you wait too long to seek medical attention.
How much is my concussion injury claim worth?
There’s no set dollar amount for car accident concussion claims. Each case is different. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your injury-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Medical Bills: This includes the cost of immediate medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments related to your concussion.
- Lost Wages: If your concussion prevents you from working, you should be compensated for the income you've lost. This includes not only your current lost wages but also any future earnings that may be affected due to your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from your concussion.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: If your concussion requires ongoing therapy or rehabilitation, these expenses should be covered as well.
- Home Modifications: In severe cases where your concussion results in long-term disabilities, you might need to make modifications to your home to accommodate your needs. These costs should also be factored into your claim.
- Transportation Costs: Any additional expenses related to transportation for medical appointments or other necessities should be included.
Protect your rights with Maine car accident lawyer
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the complex legal process of recovering compensation for a concussion.
Our experienced attorneys understand the nuances of car accident cases in Maine. We will work diligently to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit, we will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Don't let the aftermath of a car accident overwhelm you. Contact our Maine car accident lawyers at Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, and let us provide you with the legal support and representation you deserve.