If you’ve been involved in a car accident that resulted in a head injury, chances are you may be left dealing with multiple complications such as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). While some symptoms show up immediately after the incident, other delayed effects of PCS might not surface until weeks or months later.
Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure you’re getting the best care and support needed on your path to recovery and that you’re able to protect your rights as an accident victim. People who suffer from post-concussion syndrome (PCS) after a collision are more likely to experience difficulties – it shouldn’t fall solely upon you to shoulder the financial burden; you deserve compensation for your injuries.
During Brain Injury Awareness Month, let’s take a look at the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, how brain injuries affect accident victims, and what you can do to recover compensation after an accident.
Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to know what symptoms are normal and which ones may indicate a further medical issue. One particularly concerning ailment that could result from trauma or an injury is post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a debilitating condition that can have long-term effects if left untreated.
PCS occurs when the different symptoms of a mild brain injury, or concussion injury, do not resolve after the typical one- to two-month recovery period. When the post concussive symptoms last longer, this may be a sign of PCS.
PCS is a fairly common complication after a traumatic brain injury. PCS symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability or change in mood
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Severe anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Light and noise sensitivity
If you suffered a head injury after an auto accident and are experiencing symptoms of PCS, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. A personal injury claim can help alleviate the stress of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out to a personal injury attorney to understand your rights as an accident victim before talking to the insurance company.
Ways Brain Injuries Affect Accident Victims
PCS can be a disruptive factor in many aspects of life, ranging from personal relationships to professional success. Sufferers may have difficulty concentrating and staying on task due to their cognitive symptoms. Some victims may not be able to work at all after a brain injury and may face financial challenges as a result.
Brain injury victims may also experience behavioral changes that could threaten interpersonal relationships. PCS specifically can have profound effects on your mental and emotional health, resulting in significant changes to the way you interact with those around you.
These symptoms often lead to feelings of isolation from friends and family, or personality shifts that alienate them further still. If unchecked, this downward spiral could cause depression as well as anxiety – compounding already difficult circumstances even more so.
Don’t let the effects of a brain injury completely overtake your personal and professional life. If you are suffering from a brain injury after an accident, an experienced personal injury law firm can help you recover compensation while you focus on your health and wellness.
What to Do After a Head Injury Car Accident
After a car accident, it is important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your personal injury claim. Even if you feel you are okay after an accident and aren’t experiencing immediate brain injury symptoms, it’s important to protect your rights. You may have injuries that present themselves in days, rather than immediately following a collision.
If you are in an accident, here are steps to take to protect your rights:
- Call 911: Even if the accident appears to be minor, call emergency services. Wait for the police and the emergency medical team to arrive. The police will file an accident report and help document the scene.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Some injuries – particularly brain injuries – may not be immediately noticeable. Let the EMT examine you for injuries and provide medical care or go to the emergency room. Follow up with your personal physician, too. Medical documentation is key when filing a personal injury claim.
- Document the Scene: If possible, talk to witnesses of the accident, get their contact information, and gather evidence. Take photos of the vehicles involved and gather as much evidence as possible.
- Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm: The right personal injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help accident victims deal with the aftermath of an accident. Having a team on your side helps you recover compensation to alleviate the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Seeking legal advice from a personal injury law firm with proven success can help ensure that you receive proper compensation for all damages that resulted from the accident.
Brain injuries are one of the most severe kinds of injuries after an accident. Don’t wait to seek medical attention or get an attorney on your side! Contact us today for a free consultation.
Brain Injury Accident Attorneys in Lancaster, Pa.
At GLS Injury Law, you can count on our decades of experience and hundreds of successfully resolved head injury claims by our leading injury accident attorneys to give your case the attention it deserves. We understand that each claim is unique, so we take an in-depth approach when calculating financial damages for victims’ immediate and long-term needs – from accurately assessing injuries and pain & suffering levels to understanding how these factors may affect future earning capacity or quality of life.
Contact our team today for a free, no obligation case evaluation. We can help you understand your rights as an accident victim and discuss your options in a personal injury case. Brain injuries can result in life-altering consequences, and you are entitled to compensation. We can meet you at our office, your home, or the hospital. Don’t talk to the insurance company before talking to us! Call today at 717-394-3004 or reach out to us online.
