If you suffered a concussion in a traffic collision, a Summerville car accident lawyer from Murphy Crantford Meehan, a law firm with a wealth of experience in handling such cases, can guide you through your legal options. After a concussion, you may face a higher risk of developing more severe brain conditions. While you recover, our team, with our extensive experience in handling such cases, will work to identify those responsible for your injury, hold them accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call a Summerville concussion lawyer at (843) 832-1120 for a free consultation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head (as found in a car accident) or a violent shaking of the head and body (as seen in “shaken baby syndrome”). Concussions are often referred to as mild injuries, but they can still have profound effects because they, by nature, disrupt brain functions. While concussions are often referred to as mild injuries, they can still be considered serious injuries due to their potential long-term effects on brain function.
Symptoms of a concussion may include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, balance issues, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some individuals may also experience changes in mood, such as irritability or anxiety. These symptoms can appear immediately after the injury or develop over several hours.
In most cases, concussion symptoms improve with rest and time, but for some, the effects can be long-lasting. Long-term effects of a concussion, which can be severe and life-altering, may include persistent headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and emotional instability. Multiple concussions over time can increase the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain condition associated with cognitive decline, memory loss, and mood changes, and often found in professional athletes like football players, basketball players, and hockey players.
Contact us now
(843) 376-4030
Car accidents often involve rapid deceleration or abrupt force. When an object strikes a vehicle, the occupant’s head may strike a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, causing direct trauma. Even without a direct hit, the force of the impact can cause the head to snap forward and backward (whiplash), resulting in the brain striking the inner walls of the skull. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the stretching or damaging of the brain tissue is what leads to the concussion.
The severity of the crash and factors like speed, angle of impact, and whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt can influence the likelihood of a concussion. Studies from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) highlight that even low-speed accidents can cause significant brain injuries. In some cases, the force of the impact can result in a catastrophic injury, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life.
Tractor Trailer collision
Boating Accident
Tractor Trailer collision
Single Car Collision
Premise Liability Case (Fall from broken chair)
Further studies by NINDS reveal what could happen if you don’t get immediate treatment for your concussion.
Without proper care, all the temporary symptoms from a concussion could become permanent, which may result in post-concussion syndrome. Untreated concussions also increase the risk of second impact syndrome, a potentially fatal condition if another injury occurs before recovery. Additionally, delayed treatment can hinder accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, prolonging recovery and increasing the likelihood of long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments. Failing to seek immediate treatment can also complicate your personal injury lawsuit, as it may be harder to prove the extent of your injuries.
If you suspect you’ve suffered a concussion after a car accident but don’t experience immediate symptoms, it’s essential to take precautionary steps to protect your health.
The most important time is the 24 to 48 hours after you believe you’ve suffered a concussion. If you experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, there’s a strong chance you’ve suffered a concussion.
It should go without saying, but seeking medical attention for your potential concussion is imperative. As you recover, you’ll need plenty of rest, as overexertion may exacerbate your condition.
Most importantly of all, if your concussion was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident, it’s wise to consult with a Summerville concussion attorney at Murphy Crantford Meehan. Our Summerville concussion lawyers can guide you through your legal options while helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your post-accident concussion.
Recovering from a concussion requires appropriate medical care and treatment, which can be costly. For example:
In short, the financial burden of post-concussion care is more than just the medical bills. Other indirect costs include lost wages, decreased earning potential, and pain and suffering. Fortunately, South Carolina law allows victims like you to seek compensation for this quality-of-life loss. Understanding the financial burden of post-concussion care is important in personal injury cases, as it helps in securing the necessary compensation.
Under South Carolina law, accident victims may recover compensation for injuries or conditions exacerbated by someone else’s negligence, even if they existed before the accident. This principle is known as the ‘eggshell’ rule, which means the at-fault party cannot avoid responsibility simply because the victim is more vulnerable to injury.
South Carolina also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning a court may reduce your compensation if it finds you are partially responsible for the accident. However, you may still recover damages if the other party is more at fault for the accident. This rule ensures that personal injury victims can still seek compensation even if they have pre-existing conditions.
To strengthen your case, the experienced concussion lawyers in Summerville from Murphy Crantford Meehan will demonstrate how the accident specifically worsened your pre-existing condition. To do this, we will consult a doctor or a medical expert to provide detailed records and testimony showing the difference between your condition before and after the accident.
Proving that a concussion was caused by a car accident requires a thorough legal and medical approach. Proving the cause of a concussion is a critical aspect of personal injury cases, requiring thorough legal and medical evidence.
The concussion attorneys in Summerville at Murphy Crantford Meehan will rely on several types of evidence to establish the connection between your injury and the accident, including:
One of the most substantial pieces of evidence you will need to prove your injuries is your medical records. These will establish the nature of your injuries and the impact of said injuries on your life. Medical records can also document other serious injuries, such as broken bones, that occurred during the accident.
Police reports are a key, reliable piece of evidence. Police are objective third parties. As such, their testimony about what happened could be useful in your case. Note that their reports are sometimes inadmissible at trial.
Medical experts, such as neurologists, can explain how the mechanics of the crash caused your concussion. Their testimony strengthens the argument that the accident directly resulted in your injury.
Evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements can show how the impact of the crash likely caused head trauma. For example, if your head struck the steering wheel or window, it supports the claim that the accident led to your concussion.
Your Summerville concussion lawyer will use your symptom timeline to demonstrate how your condition developed immediately after the crash, aligning with the event’s timing.
By combining medical evidence, expert opinions, and accident details, the Summerville car accident concussion attorneys at Murphy Crantford Meehan can build a compelling case that links your concussion to the car accident, securing the compensation you deserve.
Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life, are types of non-economic damages. Emotional distress is often a significant component of the suffering caused by a catastrophic injury. You may need medical documentation, psychological evaluations, and testimony from mental health professionals to strengthen your claim. An experienced Summerville car accident concussion attorney like the ones at Murphy Crantford Meehan can help demonstrate the emotional impact of your concussion and pursue fair compensation for your suffering alongside other damages.
Since 2015, Summerville attorneys William Crantford and Jerry Meehan, Jr. have been dedicated to helping Summerville residents recover from concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Our law firm can help you handle South Carolina’s complex legal system with expertise and care, giving you the individualized care you need so you can focus on the most essential thing: healing.
If a negligent driver caused your brain injury, contact Murphy Crantford Meehan for a free case evaluation. Contact us today at (843) 832-1120, and let us help you get the justice and the compensation you deserve.
Well-Respected
Murphy Crantford Meehan – striving to get justice for Our clients. we believe in a good and honest fight, and we will not stop at anything.
