How to pursue a car accident claim after sustaining a concussion

A traumatic brain injury caused by a collision can change someone's life in an instant. Some crash victims are able to make a full recovery within months. Some aren't so lucky. The damage caused by a TBI can be long-lasting, even permanent.

That's because the brain is one of the most vital parts of the human body. It is extremely sensitive to trauma, however. When the neurons in the brain are damaged due to TBI, cognitive functioning, speech, mood, and some physical functions can be impacted.

Concussion symptoms to watch out for

Concussions account for the majority of crash-related TBIs. They can be caused by blunt force trauma, violent shaking of the head and even whiplash. Concussion symptoms often include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo and dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Irritability or mood changes
• Loss of memory
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Slurred speech

Some people who sustain concussions experience these symptoms for several months. That can make it difficult to function, work and perform daily tasks.

Concussions are often diagnosed by a doctor. They can perform an MRI or CT scan to look for abnormalities in the brain.

Sometimes, no abnormalities show up during scans. Concussion victims can still experience these symptoms. This is when concussion patients must be referred to a neurologist. A neurologist can conduct a cognitive evaluation.

What should I do if I sustained a concussion in a crash?

If you sustained a concussion in a crash, it's important that you take the following courses of action in order to pursue a strong legal claim:

• See a doctor immediately: You should always see a doctor after being involved in a crash, even if you don't feel like you sustained an injury. TBIs are nothing to take lightly. Failure to get a TBI promptly treated could cause your condition to get worse.
  Listen to your doctor. Your doctor my tell you that you need to take time off from work or stay away from doing certain activities. In order to recover from your TBI, it's important that you listen to your doctor.
• Speak to an experienced attorney: When pursuing a car accident claim, you will likely be contacted by the at-fault driver's insurance company. The insurance company may try to downplay the extent of your injuries and use anything you say against you. That's why it's critical that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney who can place an accurate value on your claim and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Contact a West Virginia attorney if you were hurt in a crash

If you sustained a TBI in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, the attorneys at Retch Law Offices can help. Our law firm serves clients in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Our attorneys will leave no stone unturned when investigating your crash, compiling important documents (including your medical evaluation), and negotiating for a fair and complete settlement on your behalf.

To schedule your free and confidential case evaluation, simply fill out our online contact form.