Settlement for Concussion in Car Accident

Car accidents can leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Among the most common injuries, concussions are often overlooked or downplayed despite their potentially serious and long-lasting effects. If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident, understanding your rights and how to seek a fair settlement is crucial. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about settlements for concussions, including how they’re valued and how McCraw Law Group can help you pursue fair compensation.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a jolt to the body. Though they may seem less severe than other types of injuries, concussions can lead to lasting effects such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise. In some cases, individuals may experience long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties that affect their ability to work, socialize, and live independently.

While concussions are typically categorized as “mild,” the effects can be debilitating, and victims often experience symptoms for weeks, months, or even years following the accident.

How Concussions Are Caused in Car Accidents

In a car accident, concussions often occur when a person’s head is jolted, hit, or shaken. Common ways a concussion can happen include:

• Whiplash: A sudden, forceful movement of the head and neck can lead to a concussion, even if the head doesn’t directly impact the vehicle or another object.
• Direct Impact: Hitting the steering wheel, window, or dashboard during a collision can result in a concussion.
• Airbag Deployment: Although airbags are designed to protect drivers and passengers, they can also cause head trauma in certain situations.
• Rollover Accidents: In rollover accidents, the violent movements can cause the head to strike various surfaces inside the vehicle, leading to a concussion.

What to Do After a Concussion in a Car Accident

If you experience a concussion after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if symptoms appear mild, a healthcare professional can assess the extent of the injury and recommend a treatment plan. Delaying medical care can lead to complications and make it more difficult to prove your injury when pursuing a settlement.

Symptoms of a Concussion

After a car accident, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of a concussion early. These can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Memory loss or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Mood changes such as irritability or depression
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention and document the incident. Keep track of your symptoms as they may impact the value of your settlement.

Proving a Concussion for Your Settlement

A concussion is often a "silent" injury because there’s no outward sign of trauma, making it difficult to prove. To successfully pursue a settlement for a concussion, you must demonstrate the connection between the accident and the injury. Here are some key steps for proving a concussion claim:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The sooner you get medical treatment, the easier it will be to establish a link between the car accident and your concussion. Medical records will serve as critical evidence for your claim.
2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and how they impact your daily life. This will help establish the long-term effects of the concussion.
3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help gather medical records, speak with experts, and build a case that demonstrates the severity of your concussion.

Factors Affecting the Settlement for Concussion in Car Accident

The amount of compensation you can receive for a concussion in a car accident depends on several factors:

• Severity of the Concussion: The more severe and long-lasting the symptoms, the higher the potential settlement.
• Medical Expenses: Your treatment costs, including doctor visits, therapy, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation, will be factored into the settlement.
• Lost Wages: If your concussion prevents you from working, lost wages will be considered.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering resulting from the concussion.
• Long-Term Impact: In cases of long-term cognitive or physical impairment, settlements may be higher to account for future medical needs and loss of earning capacity.

Insurance and Concussion Settlements

When seeking a settlement for a concussion in a car accident, it’s important to understand the role of insurance. In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Here’s how they might approach a concussion claim:

• Delaying or Denying Payment: Insurance companies may attempt to delay or deny your claim by arguing that the concussion isn’t as severe as you claim.
• Offering a Low Settlement: The initial settlement offer might be far less than what you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Working with a skilled attorney ensures that your concussion claim is handled properly, and that you get the compensation you deserve.

How McCraw Law Group Can Help

At McCraw Law Group, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to help you pursue a fair settlement for your concussion. We understand the complexities of car accident cases, and we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. With offices across Texas, including McKinney, Frisco, Denton, Amarillo, Sulphur Springs, and Wylie, we’re here to assist you no matter where you are in the state.

If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact McCraw Law Group for a free consultation today, and let us help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from your injury.