How Much Is a Concussion Worth in a Car Accident Settlement?
Concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are common after car accidents and can have lasting effects even if the initial injury seems minor. Understanding how concussions impact your car accident settlement is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and long-term challenges.
Understanding Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain experiences sudden movement or rotational forces during a car accident. These forces can cause tiny axons—small neural pathways in the brain—to tear. While these axons are microscopic, the damage can be permanent and may lead to long-lasting effects, including memory issues, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
Brain injuries range from mild concussions to more severe injuries involving bleeding, contusions, or penetration of brain tissue. Even a mild concussion can impact your daily life and ability to work if the injury is properly documented and treated.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Concussion Case
The potential settlement for a concussion depends on several factors:
1. Severity and Duration of Symptoms
Many concussions resolve within a few weeks, but more severe or persistent symptoms increase the value of a claim. Documenting how the injury affects your life—through medical records, doctor evaluations, and personal impact statements—is critical.
2. Medical Documentation and Testing
Imaging tests like MRIs or EEGs can help identify structural or functional brain injuries, although a concussion may exist even without visible findings. Detailed medical documentation of your injury and ongoing treatment strengthens your case.
3. Insurance Coverage of the At-Fault Driver
Settlement amounts are heavily influenced by the at-fault driver’s insurance. If they only carry Texas minimum coverage ($30,000), recovery may be limited. Higher policy limits—$100,000, $500,000, or more—can allow for significantly greater compensation.
4. Fault and Liability
If you are partially at fault, your settlement may be reduced. Clear evidence showing the other driver’s responsibility can maximize your potential recovery.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Concussion claims are often underestimated by insurance companies, who may attribute symptoms to preexisting conditions or normal recovery from minor accidents. An experienced car accident attorney can:
Ensure your injury is properly documented and treated
Evaluate medical records and brain scans
Assess the full value of your claim, including long-term effects
Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
Working with an attorney early in your case is critical to receiving fair compensation for a concussion sustained in a car accident.
