Concussions are among the most common car accident injuries.
Concussions are common injuries resulting from car accidents that can have physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the victim and their loved ones.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in New Mexico can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you were injured due to someone else's negligence and need to seek compensation for your losses.
If you or someone you care about sustained a concussion in a crash, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you demand justice and accountability so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when an external force, such as a blow to the head or a sudden jolt, disrupts the brain's normal functioning. Despite being classified as "mild" TBIs, there's nothing mild about them. Concussions should be taken seriously due to their potential immediate and long-term effects on cognitive and neurological functions.
Signs of a concussion after a car accident
Concussion symptoms may not always manifest immediately, and they can sometimes appear hours or even days after the accident. That's why it's important to seek medical attention following your car accident, so you know the extent of your injuries and can get the necessary treatment. Common warning signs of a concussion include:
- Loss of consciousness: Losing consciousness after a car accident is a clear sign that a concussion may have occurred. When the force of the impact causes you to pass out, it's a strong indicator of head trauma, even if you only pass out for a few seconds.
- Nausea and dizziness: Feeling nauseous or dizzy can be a strong indication of a concussion. Vomiting more than once after the accident should raise concern, as well as feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Confusion: Concussions often lead to cognitive symptoms such as confusion. If you find yourself confused about the date, unable to recall specific events, or having difficulty concentrating on tasks, these are signs of a concussion.
- Sensitivity to light and sounds: The impact of a car accident can disrupt the brain's sensory areas, like seeing and hearing. You may find your eyes may be sensitive to light. When it comes to your hearing, normal sounds may feel excessively loud and cause discomfort. These sensations are often signs of a potential concussion.
- Mood changes: Pay attention to changes in your emotional state. If you notice that you're more easily angered, irritable, listless, anxious, or depressed for no apparent reason, it could be linked to a concussion.
- Problems with sleep: Disruptions in your normal sleep patterns can also be a sign of a concussion. This could include sleeping more than usual, sleeping less than usual, or having difficulty falling asleep.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches or headaches that worsen over time should raise concern as a sign of a concussion.
- Seizures: While relatively rare, seizures may occur in severe cases of concussions.
Seeking compensation for a concussion after a car accident
When you sustain a concussion in a car accident, it can lead to significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term consequences. Seeking compensation for your concussion is essential to cover these expenses and ensure your financial stability as you recover.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to limit or deny your concussion claim to minimize their liability. Some common tactics they use include disputing the severity of your injury, questioning the cause, or arguing that your concussion was a pre-existing condition.
This is why it's in your interest to consult a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help assess the value of your claim, deal with the insurance company, and work to maximize your compensation.
Protect your rights with a New Mexico car accident attorney
At Szantho Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face after a traumatic accident. Our New Mexico car accident attorneys are here to support you every step of the way and demand accountability for your concussion.
Schedule a free consultation with our law firm to learn more about your potential legal options. There are no obligations, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means it costs you nothing to retain our services, and there are no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. We have offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.