What a concussion is
A concussion happens when a sudden movement makes the brain bounce around or twist inside the skull. That can change how the brain works for a while.
Only a doctor can tell you if you have one. Tell them about the crash, even if you think you feel fine.
Common signs to watch for
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy or having balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting, mostly early on
- Being bothered by light or noise
- Vision problems
- Feeling tired, foggy or slowed down
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Feeling anxious, irritable or sad
- Sleeping more or less than usual, or trouble falling asleep
The 3-Point Claim Check
- 1
An injury
You were hurt, even if it didn't seem serious at first.
- 2
Someone else at fault
Another driver or company caused the crash.
- 3
Insurance coverage
There's a policy that may cover what happened.
Danger signs that need emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you notice any of these after a crash.
- A headache that gets worse and doesn't go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Passing out, getting more and more drowsy, or being hard to wake
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness or poor coordination
- Growing confusion, restlessness or unusual behavior
- Not recognizing people or places
- One pupil larger than the other, or double vision
Why your medical records matter
Many concussion signs are things only you can feel, like headaches, fogginess or trouble sleeping. That makes your medical records very important. A doctor's notes describe your symptoms, the tests they did and the plan they gave you.
It can also help to ask a family member to write down changes they notice, like mood swings or forgetfulness. Follow up visits show whether things are getting better and how long the symptoms lasted.
What a concussion claim can include
- Emergency care, doctor visits and any scans or tests
- Care from specialists or therapists if your doctor sends you
- Pay you lost while you needed to rest or work fewer hours
- Ongoing care if symptoms last longer than expected
- How the injury affects your memory, mood, sleep and daily routine
What to keep a record of
- A daily symptom log with headaches, sleep and mood
- Times you had trouble at work, like missing details or needing breaks
- Every appointment, test and prescription
- Notes from family or friends about changes they've seen
- Your doctor's advice about rest, driving or going back to work