Signs of a Concussion After an Accident 

When an accident leads to a head injury, the experience and commitment Vaughn Wamsley brings are unmatched. With over forty years of helping injured persons in Indiana, Vaughn draws on his own harrowing experience surviving a serious bicycle accident in 1982. He was hospitalized for months after being struck by a drunk driver, an ordeal that fuels our dedication to fight for our clients and secure fair compensation.

We follow his example of diligence, trial experience, and unwavering commitment as your injury lawyer in Carmel.

We understand how distressing it can feel when concussion symptoms appear after an accident. Even a minor-looking crash can cause serious head trauma.

Early recognition of concussion signs is essential for health and legal protection. As an experienced Carmel personal injury lawyer, we explain how to tell if you have a concussion, outline signs and symptoms of a concussion, and address what that means for your claim.

Understanding Concussions After Accidents

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that disrupts brain function. Symptoms may appear immediately or emerge hours or days later. When we represent clients, we often see clients downplay symptoms until things worsen.

By identifying concussion symptoms early, we can document medical care, support your recovery, and strengthen your injury case.

Common Concussion Symptoms

The most frequently experienced concussion symptoms include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss surrounding the event
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or slowed down

Some people also suffer from emotional changes, irritability, anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. We advise clients to note changes in behavior or personality, as these can be strong medical indicators in a claim.

How to Tell If You Have a Concussion

Here is our practical guidance on how to tell if you have a concussion:

First, seek medical evaluation immediately after an accident—even if you feel fine. Neurological assessments, cognitive tests, and imaging, when needed, help confirm whether a concussion occurred.

Second, watch for physical and cognitive changes. Headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, confusion, or delayed responses all indicate possible injury.

Third, monitor symptoms over the following days. You may feel fine one moment, then experience fatigue or memory issues the next. Delayed symptoms still count toward concussion claims.

Fourth, ask friends or family if they observed anything unusual—slurred speech, disorientation, sensitivity, or personality shifts.

Fifth, document everything. Keep a log of symptoms, doctor visits, and any advice you receive. Accurate documentation supports your claim.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion You Should Not Ignore

When evaluating concussion claims, we emphasize that signs and symptoms of a concussion may go beyond the obvious. Key signs include:

• Loss of consciousness after the impact, even momentarily
• Repeated vomiting or persistent nausea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Severe disorientation or confusion
• Unusual fatigue or lethargy that lingers
• Difficulty waking up or persistent drowsiness

These red‑flag symptoms require immediate medical attention. They may indicate a more severe brain injury, such as intracranial bleeding or swelling, which can have long‑term effects and raise the value of a personal injury case.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Early detection of concussion symptoms is vital for two reasons:

1. Health – Proper treatment in a timely manner can prevent complications such as post‑concussion syndrome, cognitive decline, or emotional issues that linger for months or longer.
2. Legal – Documentation of symptoms from the outset establishes a clear causal link between the accident and the injury. It strengthens your claim against insurers and responsible parties.

We ensure any treatment delay or missed diagnosis is clearly identified and argued in a case. That is essential for a successful claim.

What We Do as Your Carmel Personal Injury Lawyer

We play a key role when a concussion injury arises:

• We arrange medical evaluation referrals to trusted emergency physicians, neurologists, and neuropsychologists.
• We compile concussion symptom records, doctor notes, imaging, and expert opinions to build a comprehensive file.
• We demand fair compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long‑term limitations.
• We negotiate directly with insurers to resist lowball offers or denials of valid claims.
• We pursue litigation when insurers refuse fair settlement, using our trial experience, rooted in Vaughn Wamsley’s proven track record of courtroom success.

As your injury lawyer in Carmel, we take your concussion seriously. We invest personal attention in every case, understanding both the medical and legal complexity involved.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Concussion

After an accident, follow these critical steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately—do not wait until symptoms get worse.
2. Tell the medical provider about all symptoms—even seemingly minor ones.
3. Keep symptom logs and medical records organized.
4. Avoid social media posts about the accident or your condition—insurers can use those against you.
5. Contact us early. We will guide you on how to preserve evidence, meet Indiana deadlines, and assert your rights.

Indiana Laws and Your Rights

Under Indiana law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file within that window may result in losing your right to compensation. If your claim involves a government entity, shorter deadlines may apply.

Indiana also applies comparative fault rules: if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your compensation is reduced accordingly. That is why accurate documentation and representation early on are crucial.

Examples of Concussion Cases We Handle

We have handled numerous cases arising from car accidents, truck collisions, slip and fall incidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle collisions. In many cases, clients did not realize they had a concussion until hours or days later.

Because we document each client’s injury from the outset, including concussion symptoms and medical findings, we are able to pursue full and fair compensation, even when insurers try to minimize the injury. Vaughn Wamsley’s long-standing reputation ensures carriers know we will pursue fair value or take cases to trial if needed.

Our results in brain injury categories—including concussions—reflect that commitment. We have obtained multi‑million dollar verdicts and settlements for brain injury victims across Indiana.

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Compensation

Recovering from a concussion may involve:

• Cognitive rest and limited screen time
• Gradual return to work or school guided by medical evaluation
• Physical therapy for balance or vestibular issues
• Neuropsychological therapy for memory, mood, or cognitive challenges

These treatments often incur significant costs and time loss. We demand compensation that covers not only immediate care but projected future needs, lost wages, diminished earning ability, and emotional distress due to changes in cognitive function or personality.

What Happens When an Insurer Denies or Downplays Symptoms

Insurance companies sometimes claim that symptoms are unrelated to the accident or pre‑existing. We counter those tactics by:

• Demonstrating clear medical evidence of symptom onset after the accident
• Presenting expert opinions supporting the concussion diagnosis
• Showing prior medical records, if needed, to prove whether the concussion is new or aggravated
• Highlighting our client’s documented symptom progression

We will not settle for inadequate offers. When insurers refuse to negotiate reasonably, our history as a tenacious Carmel personal injury lawyer means we are prepared to go to court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical concussion symptoms to watch for?

Common signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, memory loss, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience emotional changes, sleep disturbance, or cognitive fog.

How soon after an accident can symptoms appear?

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours or days. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously and documented.

How do I tell if I have a concussion if initial tests are negative?

Repeat evaluations and follow‑up care often uncover cognitive or balance issues that are not obvious at first. We guide clients to pursue proper medical follow‑up if symptoms persist.

How much compensation can I expect for a concussion after an accident?

Compensation depends on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long‑term effects. We analyze each case individually to maximize recovery.

What does it cost to hire you?

Our firm represents concussion injury victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Why Choose Our Firm as Your Injury Lawyer in Carmel

We offer:

• Three decades of experience in Indiana personal injury law
• A firm founded by Vaughn Wamsley, who personally understands head trauma and fights for every client as if it were family
• A proven track record of fair settlements and trial success when needed
• Individual attention: We do not pass your case off to someone else
• No upfront fees: you do not pay unless we win

You deserve a trusted advocate who listens carefully, builds a strong case, and stands up to insurers.

We Fight to Protect Your Rights: Dedicated Carmel Injury Lawyers

Recognizing signs and symptoms of a concussion early is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. If you suspect concussion symptoms after an accident, do not ignore them. Seek medical care. Document what you feel. Speak to us.

We are a committed injury lawyer in Carmel, rooted in Vaughn Wamsley’s decades of experience and personal history. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and protect your rights. We handle the legal burden so you can focus on recovering your health and your future.