A concussion is one of the most common types of car accident injuries, and yet, many people are unaware that they have one in the hours or days after the collision. Even a mild concussion can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more. The experienced personal injury lawyers of Weinstein Legal always recommend getting a full medical examination after you’ve been in an accident, particularly if you were jolted or your head was struck during the accident.
If you’ve suffered a concussion, you may be entitled to damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Call Weinstein Legal today for a free consultation.
What Is a Concussion?
The brain does not rest snuggly against the inside of the skull. It “floats” in a pocket of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Because the brain consists of tightly packed neural tissue and fluids, a sudden jolt or blow to the head can cause all or part of the brain to move around in the CSF within its casing. This is a concussion, which is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by this action. Even with modern instrumentation, a concussion can be difficult to detect, but whether detected or undetected, a concussion may alter the way your brain operates. Additionally, concussions can have a cumulative effect if you experience more than one throughout your lifetime. If the doctors suspect you have a concussion, they may require you to stay for overnight observation.
Causes and Symptoms in Car Accidents
The reason that concussions are so prevalent in motor vehicle accidents is that there are so many ways to impact the head during a collision. But you don’t necessarily have to impact your head to suffer a concussion. The same types of impacts that result in whiplash can also cause a concussion. The sudden rocking of the head back and forth means that the brain is also moving the same way. Concussions may be even more prevalent in motorcycle accidents. While a helmet can offer a rider some protection, the brain is still vulnerable to concussions.
The following are some of the common symptoms associated with concussions:
- Pressure in the head or a headache
- Short-term memory loss
- Feeling dazed or stunned
- Confusion
- Lack of fine motor skills
- Fainting or unconsciousness
- Mood or personality change
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Sluggishness
Even if you aren’t experiencing the symptoms of a concussion, if you’ve struck your head or suffered a jolt, allow rescue workers to examine you. Even if they don’t transport you to the hospital, follow up with your own doctor.
Legal Action for Accident Victims
The first thing that many individuals who have been involved in moderate or serious accidents do is to contact the insurance company. This may seem like the appropriate action, especially if you’ve only been involved in minor fender benders in the past. Accidents with injuries are different, though. Sometimes within the first 24 hours, an insurance adjuster may contact you with a settlement offer. The money may seem fair, but since you don’t really know how much your medical bills will be, there’s no way of really knowing whether it’s a fair settlement and usually, it isn’t. In order to accept the fast cash, you have to sign a waiver of liability, which means that you won’t be able to file further claims or sue the responsible party if the settlement money runs out.
On the other hand, you can contact the legal team at Weinstein Legal. Because Weinstein Legal works on a contingency basis, you will not have to pay out of pocket. Within minutes of contacting our office, you can receive professional legal advice from one of the top personal injury lawyers in Broward, Palm Beach, and Orange counties. Call today for immediate representation.
What to Do If You’re in a Serious Accident
The steps you take in the immediate moments after an accident can have a substantial impact on your case. It’s important to remember that if you do have a concussion, you may be confused and disoriented. Your safety is of paramount importance, so do not take any unnecessary chances.
- Get to a place of safety. If you have to exit your vehicle, make sure you’re not stepping out into traffic.
- Check on your injuries and the injuries of any passengers.
- Call 911 and provide your location, vehicle description, and a description of the injuries.
- If possible, take photos or videos of the cars, the street, street signs, and any injuries.
- Ask possible witnesses to remain at the scene or ask for their contact information.
- Allow paramedics to examine your injuries. If necessary, allow them to transport you to the hospital.
- Call the personal injury attorneys Weinstein Legal at your earliest convenience.
When to Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer in South & Central Florida
Hiring a personal injury lawyer at the earliest opportunity is essential. Once you begin receiving medical care, the bills are going to start mounting quickly. The Weinstein Legal team can help you avoid having your bills sent for collections or for being denied. In addition, the legal team will begin gathering police reports, medical records, and witness testimony while you work on your physical recovery.
The Statute of Limitations
Florida law allows four years from the date of the accident to bring forward a legal action. However, it’s important that you contact Weinstein Legal as early as possible. Physical evidence can be lost over time, and witnesses can move away. The sooner that Weinstein Legal can begin marshaling resources and preparing your case, the sooner you can receive your settlement.
Concussion Injury Representation in Palm Beach, Orange, and Broward County
Weinstein Legal maintains offices in Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, representing clients throughout South and Central Florida.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need legal representation. Weinstein Legal works on a contingency basis, which means that they collect fees from the proceeds of the settlement or jury award. You don’t have to pay out of pocket for top-tier advice. Call Weinstein Legal today.