You can suffer many types of injuries in a motor vehicle accident, with those to your head and brain among the most common. For example, if your head strikes the windshield or steering wheel, a concussion is possible.
The only way to know for sure if you have a concussion is to be examined by a medical professional. They can run a variety of tests, such as a CT scan and MRI, to better understand the extent of your injury.
Not only does this help determine if you have a concussion, but it can also help doctors rule out more serious brain injuries, such as bleeding and/or a skull fracture.
Your medical team will outline a treatment strategy to help you make a full recovery. This typically includes:
- Several days of rest, avoiding physical and mental exertion
- Avoiding television, video games, cellphones and computer screens
- Shortened workdays or school days
- The use of over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve concussion-related symptoms
As your health improves, you can gradually add more activities until you resume your normal life. It’s important that you don’t jump into this too soon, as too much activity can cause a relapse of symptoms.
In addition to filing an insurance claim, you should learn more about other ways to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and/or other responsible parties. A concussion can alter your life now and in the future, both in regard to your health and finances. You have legal rights as the victim in a car accident, so make sure you take the necessary steps to protect them.
