Car Accident Concussion Lawyer in Charleston

After a concussion, you may have problems focusing, sleeping, or balancing. The headaches and vision problems can hinder you from working or enjoying your favorite pastimes, and you may be at higher risk for developing other, more severe brain conditions.

If a negligent driver or another party caused your concussion, the Charleston car accident concussion lawyers of Murphy Crantford Meehan could guide you through your legal options. While you recover, we’ll work to determine who’s responsible, hold them accountable, and fight for maximal, fair compensation. For a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Charleston, contact our office today at (843) 376-4030.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury. Medical professionals often call it “mild traumatic brain injury,” or mTBI. 

There is a layer of thick liquid called cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and the inner wall of the skull. This fluid generally does a good job of absorbing shocks to the brain, but it is not perfect. If someone experiences a severe impact to the head, such as during a car accident, the brain can push past the fluid layer and contact the skull, injuring sensitive tissue.

The symptoms of a concussion depend on the affected area of the brain. However, some common symptoms include the following:

• Dizziness
• Amnesia
• Headache
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Blurry vision or other vision problems
• Tinnitus (ringing ears)

Medical professionals have long disputed how to categorize concussions. Most scales in use, however, type them into at least three tiers:

• Mild concussion – A person with a mild concussion might be visibly confused and not remember the accident. They may experience other symptoms, but they do not lose consciousness.
• Moderate concussion – Someone with a moderate concussion may lose consciousness for a few minutes after the injury. They may not remember the accident or the events of that day.
• Severe concussion – A concussion is severe if someone is unconscious for longer than a few minutes after the impact or experiences amnesia lasting more than one day. 

No matter how severe a concussion is, the injured person will require immediate medical attention to rule out more severe or permanent brain injuries.

Diagnosing a Concussion

Other people may notice you have concussion symptoms such as:

• Unconsciousness
• Slurred speaking
• Problems sleeping
• Appearing in a daze

If someone suspects you have a concussion, they should get you medical help immediately.

Concussions are, in many cases, “exclusive” diagnoses. In other words, your doctor will diagnose them after ruling out more severe injuries. Tools and techniques they may use include:

• Brain exam – A doctor or neurologist will evaluate your sensory perception, mobility, reflexes, and balance. They may also guide you through cognitive tests to check your focus and memory.
• CT scans – A CT scan will allow your doctor to inspect the inner skull and brain.
• MRI scans – An MRI scan allows your doctor to evaluate your brain’s function at the impacted area.
• Observatory study – A doctor may want to keep you under observation for at least 24 hours to monitor how your condition changes. The observation may happen in a hospital or at home where a loved one can watch you.

Treating a Concussion

Resting is the most important thing you can do to treat a concussion. For the first few days after the injury, patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and highly-stimulating mental activities, such as working, studying, or looking at screens. You can gradually resume your normal activities as your symptoms improve.

For moderate or severe concussions, a doctor may recommend rehabilitation to help you regain sensory functions, mobility, or cognition. If you experience headaches, they may prescribe specific pain medications that are safe for concussion patients. Do not take an over-the-counter pain medication for concussion-related headaches without approval from your doctor.

What Compensation for a Car Accident Concussion Can Do for You

As Murphy Crantford Meehan assembles your case, they might work with subject matter experts to determine a fair compensation amount to pursue. This money will aid all aspects of your recovery, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescriptions
• Rehab
• Lost wages
• Property or vehicle repairs/replacement
• Modifications to your home for better accessibility
• Pain and suffering (emotional distress)
• Lost enjoyment of life

How Murphy Crantford Meehan Can Help

The Murphy Crantford Meehan team recognizes the unique nature of each case we pursue. We’ll handle all steps of the personal injury process, including:

• Gathering information – We’ll obtain official reports, scrutinize photos and videos, and consult witnesses to identify who was involved and who might be liable to compensate you. Sometimes, other parties besides a driver may have contributed to your injuries. We’ll take a deep dive to determine whether a car company, parts manufacturer, mechanic, transportation company, or another party may be liable.
• Working with insurance – South Carolina does not require drivers to have personal injury protection. However, if your insurance plan includes it, you may be able to obtain some immediate financial compensation. Your lawyer can help you understand the terms of your policy and file a claim if necessary.
• Drafting demand letters – Your lawyer will send correspondence to the liable party or their insurance company to demand compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Negotiating with defendants – Sometimes, you and your lawyer and an insurance defense lawyer will participate in guided mediation sessions in an attempt to settle the case. Other times, they will negotiate on their own. If we win you a settlement, the case closes.
• Filing the lawsuit – If the parties cannot reach a settlement, your attorney can argue your case at trial.

South Carolina’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

You have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit because of injuries you sustained from a car accident. The state statute of limitations establishes a three-year filing period that begins on the crash date. To improve your odds of securing compensation, hire an attorney you trust to start building your case as early as possible.

Consult a Charleston Car Accident Concussion Attorney 

Since 2015, Charleston attorneys William Crantford and Jerry Meehan, Jr. have supported South Carolinians recovering from concussions or traumatic brain injuries. If a negligent driver caused your brain injury, contact Murphy Crantford Meehan for a free case review at (843) 376-4030.