Nearly one half million auto accidents were reported in California in 2016, over 12% of all of the accidents reported in the United States. These accidents resulted in nearly 300,000 injuries, the most common types being whiplash, spinal cord injuries, shoulder injuries, and concussions.
A concussion is defined as a traumatic injury to the brain caused by a violent blow, shaking, or spinning of the head. In auto accidents, concussions often happen when a driver’s or passenger’s head collides with the windshield, another window, a car seat, or even an airbag. Objects can be thrown around inside the vehicle, and objects may be thrown into the vehicle. Concussions are not uncommon after whiplash injuries when the brain collides with the inside of the skull.
Concussion injuries are marked by a set of common symptoms, including loss of consciousness, disorientation, nausea or vomiting, and headaches.
How do I Prevent Concussions?
Even with the most careful behavior, you may find yourself in a car crash, as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist. You cannot control the behavior of the intoxicated or distracted drivers around you, but you can steps to lessen the chances of concussion,. Wearing a seatbelt is not only the best way to prevent serious injuries in an auto accident, but it is also required by law. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle can protect your head in an accident. As a pedestrian, avoiding cell phone use while crossing streets, and crossing only at designated crossing areas, are the best preventative measures.
Failure to take required or appropriate steps to protect yourself from injury may even affect your ability to receive full compensation for your injuries under California’s comparative negligence law.
Can I Get Compensation For Concussion Injuries?
After a concussion, the most common treatment is rest. Since a second concussion after the first injury can be especially dangerous, concussion victims are advised to avoid any strenuous activity for a few days, or until their symptoms resolve. That might mean losing some time at work, avoiding sports, or postponing travel plans.
About ten percent of concussion sufferers experience symptoms that linger for months or even years after the accident. Some concussion victims have recurring headaches that never completely disappear. Headaches are often accompanied by heightened sensitivity to light and sound, making a lot of work activities, and many of the activities of daily life, difficult or impossible.
Post-concussion headaches can range in severity from mildly annoying to debilitating. The physiological mechanism that causes post-concussion headaches is not completely understood, but the condition is well documented. Because headaches are mostly subjective, proving damages for accident victims suffering from post-concussion headaches can be difficult and complex. You will need the assistance of an experienced Escondido accident lawyer to get fair compensation for post-concussion headaches.
Some of the consequences of post-concussion headaches and light/sound sensitivity might be:
- Inability to work
- Inability to concentrate at school
- Disruption of family life
- Disruption of relationships
- Curtailment of recreational activities
- Inability to go outdoors during daylight hours
- These symptoms can affect every aspect of your life.
How to Deal With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and one of the ways to maximize profits is to reduce the amounts they pay out in claims. Insurance adjusters may want to offer you a quick settlement after an accident. When you are out of work and having trouble paying your bills, the offer of a quick settlement will be tempting. Before settling for less than you deserve, talk to one of our accident specialists.
The Sargent Law Firm represents accident victims in the Escondido area, and our attorneys have a reputation with local insurance companies and the law firms that represent them. They know that we will fight for a fair settlement for post-concussion headache sufferers, or go to court if necessary. We offer free case evaluations, and will not charge a fee unless we settle or win your case. Set up a consultation with one of our accident attorneys by calling 760-291-8866.