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Why Are Concussions From Car Accidents so Dangerous?

Key Takeaways

  • A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) ranging from mild to severe, but there is no such thing as a truly “mild” concussion.
  • Any concussion requires medical attention. Left untreated, it could cause serious physical and psychological problems. Some untreated concussions can be fatal.
  • Each subsequent concussion that a person suffers can cause worse damage. The “eggshell skull rule” allows people with past concussion injuries to recover compensation for their greater damages.

Concussion injuries are frighteningly common and can completely disrupt your life. What may start as a headache after a car accident can be much more serious.

We represented a client several years ago who was involved in a high-speed crash and suffered a severe concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was unconscious for several minutes after the crash, but when he regained consciousness, he felt physically fine. His serious concussion symptoms only began to appear several hours later. He was able to get medical care, and he is now receiving treatment for both physical and mental health effects.

If you have experienced anything like this, you may be able to pursue compensation. The seasoned car accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law are here to help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Call our law firm at 866-226-6833 or use our online contact form for a free consultation today.

What is a Concussion?

doctor examining a patient with a severe neck injury

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. There are five grades of concussions, ranging from mild to severe. However, it is important to understand that the term “mild” is relative. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can be serious, if not life-threatening.

The grades of concussions range from Grade 0 to Grade 4 and can be diagnosed by their symptoms. The amount of time it takes to recover from a concussion also depends largely on the grade. Grade 0 and 1 concussions usually allow a return to normal activities within a day, while Grade 3 or 4 concussions can take weeks or longer from which to recover.

Why Are Concussions So Dangerous?

What makes concussions so dangerous is that they often may seem mild, leading people to forgo medical care for their head injury. However, concussions can cause long-term complications and even be life-threatening. Symptoms from a concussion can take days or even weeks to appear, so it is vital that you be proactive any time you have a head injury.

Client Story:

We helped a client several years ago who suffered a TBI in a rollover accident. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was concerned about exposure to other people. He walked about a mile to home instead of getting in an ambulance. It took several hours for the severity of his injuries to become noticeable. He is still recovering from that head injury three years later.

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 69,000 traumatic brain injury (TBI) related deaths. Car accidents are responsible for 17% of TBI-related deaths. The only type of accident that caused more TBIs than car accidents was falls.

What Happens if a Concussion Goes Untreated?

The potential consequences of an untreated TBI or concussion injury can be debilitating and, in some cases, life-threatening:

  • Headaches
  • Mood changes
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Light or noise sensitivity
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes
  • Blood clots or bleeding in the brain

The CDC also states that ignoring the symptoms of a concussion can make the condition worse.

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Signs That You Have a Concussion From a Car Accident

Signs and symptoms of a concussion tend to appear not long after an injury, like a car crash. You may not realize how serious the injury is right away. Some symptoms may take hours, days, or even weeks to appear.

Because of this, you should continue to watch for signs of a concussion immediately after the car crash and several days after the accident. If your symptoms worsen, you should immediately head to the emergency room. At the hospital, doctors can perform imaging tests like a CT scan to check for brain damage.

First Few Minutes

At first, you might just experience some confusion or a headache.

First Few Hours

Symptoms that may appear an hour or more after a concussion include:

  • Memory loss, including of the accident itself
  • Drowsiness, possibly followed by loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Days Later

Additional symptoms might appear in the following days, such as:

  • Moodiness and marked personality changes
  • Seizures, ranging from mild tics to loss of bodily control
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
  • Headaches, especially combined with sensitivity to light or sound
  • Blurry vision and other loss of sensory control

When to Call Emergency Services Following a Concussion

Any of the signs and symptoms above are a reason to call for medical attention. If you notice more severe symptoms, it is essential to call emergency services immediately. These include:

  • Different-sized pupils
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or loss of feeling in limbs
  • Decreased coordination
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Nausea or repeated vomiting
  • Increasing confusion and restlessness

Sustained a Concussion After a Car Accident? Here’s What to Do

If you or a loved one is in a Michigan car accident and suffers symptoms of a concussion, it is important to take the proper steps. Get medical attention right away. Everything else is secondary.

  • See a doctor: A medical professional can diagnose your injury and determine the best treatment.
  • Document your injuries: Take pictures of your injuries and write down some notes about how you are feeling.
  • Talk to a Michigan car accident lawyer: Seek legal advice as soon as possible from a personal injury lawyer who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
  • File for no-fault benefits: After you talk to a lawyer, they can help you submit an injury claim to your insurance company.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Concussion Victims

After a car accident in Michigan, you can recover damages to compensate for your losses, including:

  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earnings or loss of earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases

You may also be able to recover non-economic damages, which provide compensation for the impact of a car accident on your quality of life. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, or disfigurement.

You deserve an experienced, compassionate lawyer to fight for you.

The Eggshell Skull Rule

In personal injury law, the eggshell skull rule states that “you take the victim as you find him,” meaning that a defendant cannot claim that a victim was more susceptible than average to certain injuries to reduce their liability. The rule gets its name from the way every subsequent concussion is worse and does more damage to the brain. A person who has had multiple concussions is likely to suffer worse injuries than someone who has never had a concussion before. A defendant would be liable for the victim’s concussion injuries, whether it’s their first or their fifth.

Several years ago, we represented a veteran who had suffered multiple concussions in the military. He was involved in a car crash that seemed minor at first, except that it was his fifth or sixth concussion. This caused him to need far more medical treatment than other people might have needed. Under the eggshell skull rule, he was entitled to compensation for all of those medical bills.

Related Article: Michigan Personal Injury Protection Guide

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law has years of experience advocating for accident victims in Michigan. Recent successes include a $3.45 million settlement for a truck accident in Genesee County and a $1.74 million settlement for a car crash in Calhoun County.

Like most personal injury law firms, Matz Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not charge a fee unless and until we recover money for a client. Our fee is a percentage of the amount we recover. Most firms take one-third, but we only charge a 22% contingency fee.

To put that difference in perspective, suppose a car accident case resulted in a $450,000 settlement:

  • Most firms would collect a one-third contingency fee of $150,000, leaving $300,000 for the client.
  • We would collect 22%, or $99,000, leaving $351,000 for the client.
  • Working with Matz on this case means an additional $51,000 in the client’s pocket.

Testimonials

“If you’re looking for an attorney to handle your automobile accident/injury claims, then I highly recommend Steve Matz and his team! When I fractured my skull, he helped me settle my bodily injury claim in a timely manner! He was very attentive, professional, and cordial. It was easy to reach him if I had any questions.” — Alicia C.

“Following a near head-on collision that left my wife with serious injuries to her leg and a head injury from the airbag that caused “instant onset dementia,” she has been deteriorating and needs constant supervision. Hats off to Steve Matz and all the work he and his firm have done to secure the compensation needed from the insurance company to facilitate her care. Without his tireless help, I don’t know where we would be today. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law and, if needed, would definitely utilize them again.” — Thomas C.

Peace of Mind for Concussion Victims

If you have sustained a serious head injury caused by another person’s careless behavior, you deserve to be compensated for all of your economic and non-economic damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may not be in the right frame of mind to deal with the insurance company. The compassionate car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law can handle your case and fight for your rights.

We are here for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. There is no disclaimer or obligation. Just call us at 866-226-6833 or use our online contact form to speak with a member of our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Drive With a Concussion?

Driving with a concussion is not recommended. Symptoms of a concussion can persist for days after an accident, even if you receive medical attention. Dizziness, blurred vision, and either common symptoms can interfere with the ability to drive safely.

How Long Does it Take to See Concussion Symptoms?

Some concussion symptoms appear immediately. Others may take days to manifest symptoms.

Are Mild Concussions Serious?

There is no such thing as a mild concussion. You should treat any concussion like a TBI and seek immediate medical attention.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Concussion?

Most concussions take a week to 10 days to fade. Those who have more severe concussions or who get post-concussion syndrome can sometimes require weeks or even months of recovery time. When recovering from a concussion, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders. Limiting screen time, avoiding bright lights, staying away from loud noise, and other recommended measures can help you avoid serious side effects and post-concussion syndrome.

Can You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?

It is possible to get a concussion without any direct contact to the head, especially in a car accident. This is called “secondary trauma.”

Anything that causes your brain to rattle or change shape can result in a concussion. You can even be protected by a seatbelt and still suffer a concussion. Whiplash, for example, where your head whips forward and stops suddenly, is a common injury to the neck and spine after motor vehicle crashes, but it can also cause a concussion. Even sudden deceleration can cause your brain to rattle around and result in a concussion.

Related Article: Understanding Whiplash And TMJ After a Car Accident