In a car accident, a concussion is a serious injury.
Concussions are among the most common car accident injuries, classified as a type of traumatic brain injury with potentially significant and long-lasting consequences. It is vital for individuals who suffer concussions in car accidents to be aware of their rights and the available options.
That's where our Tampa car accident attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law step in. With years of experience helping concussion injury victims in Hillsborough County and across Florida's Gulf Coast, we are well-equipped to navigate the aftermath of serious accidents. Even if your case initially appears uncomplicated, it's not uncommon for concussion injury claims to develop into complex legal matters.
What is a concussion?
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI, is a form of brain injury characterized by damage to the brain. In the context of car accidents, concussions often occur due to the force generated by a collision.
Concussions can arise in different ways during car accidents. In some cases, a blow to the head causes a concussion, such as when a driver or front seat passenger's head impacts the dashboard or steering wheel.
However, in other instances, individuals may sustain a concussion without direct contact with any vehicle components. Instead, the abrupt stop of the vehicle during a crash can cause the brain to make contact with the inside of the skull, resulting in a concussion.
How common are car accident concussions?
Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) reveals that each year, approximately 1.7 million people in the United States sustain concussions. Among these incidents, an estimated 17 percent, on average, originate from car accidents. Consequently, this equates to approximately 289,000 people experiencing a concussion due to car accidents each year. To put it in perspective, this means a car accident-related concussion occurs approximately every 70 seconds, every single day.
How do I know if I have a concussion?
It's important to remember that concussion symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and they may not always appear immediately after an accident.
If you suspect you have sustained a concussion, seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis and proper care are crucial for recovery and ensuring your long-term well-being.
Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches can be a sign of a concussion.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feelings of nausea or actual vomiting may occur.
- Dizziness or Balance Issues: Experiencing unsteadiness or balance problems is common.
- Confusion: Feeling disoriented, foggy, or confused about events.
- Amnesia: Memory loss, particularly concerning the accident or the moments leading up to it.
- Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Heightened sensitivity to light and noise.
- Vision Disturbances: Blurred vision or seeing "stars."
- Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness or exhaustion.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep pattern disruptions, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Challenges in focusing or processing information.
How much can you claim for a concussion?
Expenses can quickly accumulate in concussion injury claims arising from car accidents. Therefore, it is essential that injury victims receive appropriate compensation for their accident-related costs. So, how much can you claim for your car accident concussion? The bottom line is that you should seek compensation for all your injury-related expenses, which may include:
- Medical Bills: Costs associated with hospitalization, diagnostic tests, doctor visits, and therapy.
- Medications: Expenses related to prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Rehabilitation: The cost of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation.
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to time away from work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress experienced.
- Future Medical Expenses: Anticipated costs for ongoing treatment or care.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the concussion leads to long-term or permanent work limitations.
Determining the exact value of your concussion claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the extent of the damages incurred. Seeking legal counsel from an experienced concussion injury lawyer can help you navigate the nuances of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How can a Tampa car accident attorney help?
If you or a loved one sustained a concussion in a car accident, it's critical to recognize the severe and potentially life-altering consequences that can follow. At Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa, FL, we understand the pain and financial burden such injuries bring. Our car accident lawyers are committed to fighting relentlessly to secure maximum compensation for crash victims.
Put your trust in a personal injury law firm that knows how to get results. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation. Our office is located on East 5th Avenue in Tampa, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or court verdict for you.