A concussion after a car accident can affect nearly every part of a person’s daily life. Even what seems like a “mild” head injury can lead to serious physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that last for weeks, months, or even longer.
At Western Justice Associates, PLLC, we understand how difficult it can be for accident victims to recover while also dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and lost income.
If you suffered a concussion in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have important legal rights under Montana law.
How Concussions Happen in Car Accidents
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that commonly occurs during motor vehicle collisions. The force of an impact can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, even without a direct blow to the head.
Concussions may occur in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Wildlife collisions (elk, deer, moose)
- Single-vehicle accidents on icy Montana roads
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some symptoms are physical, while others affect memory, concentration, or emotional well-being.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Mood changes or irritability
- Sleep disturbances
Why Concussions Should Never Be Ignored
A concussion is not always visible on standard imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, but that does not mean the injury is minor. Brain injuries can have serious long-term effects if left untreated.
Without proper medical care, concussion victims may face:
- Chronic headaches
- Cognitive difficulties
- Balance problems
- Emotional distress
- Long-term neurological complications
- Post-concussion syndrome
In Montana’s rural areas, where medical facilities may be far from the accident scene, it’s crucial to get examined within 24 hours, even if you initially declined emergency transport.
What Compensation May Be Available in Montana
If another driver caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses associated with your concussion and other injuries under Montana law.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Neuropsychological testing and treatment
- Travel expenses for medical care (relevant in rural Montana)
Challenges in Concussion Injury Claims
Concussion cases are often more complicated than other injury claims because symptoms may be subjective or delayed.
Insurance companies may argue that the victim is exaggerating symptoms or that the injury was unrelated to the crash.
Evidence that may help support a claim includes:
- Medical records
- Neurological evaluations
- Neuropsychological testing
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Documentation of missed work or lifestyle changes
- Symptom journals showing daily impact
Montana's Three-Year Statute of Limitations
Under Montana Code Annotated Section 27-2-204, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While this may seem like ample time, concussion symptoms can evolve over months, and gathering proper medical documentation takes time. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your rights.
Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a concussion after a car accident in Montana, you should not have to handle the financial and legal burden alone.
At Western Justice Associates, PLLC, our legal team helps injury victims throughout Montana pursue compensation for serious accident-related injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and concussions. We serve clients from our offices in Bozeman and Missoula.
Call (406) 587-1900 today for a free consultation.
There are no upfront costs. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We’re available 24/7. Our firm is committed to helping Montana accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable and move forward after serious injuries.