Know Your Rights: Pedestrian Concussions Caused by Car Accidents in Albuquerque, NM
Pedestrians are unfortunately harmed every day by reckless motor vehicle drivers. One injury that pedestrians commonly sustain in motor vehicle accidents is a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury or TBI. According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion is typically caused by either violent shaking of the head, a blow to the head, or a fall. When a pedestrian is involved in a car accident, while falls are a common cause of concussion, they can sustain a head injury due to a whiplash injury. Pedestrians concussions caused by car accidents in Albuquerque, NM can be particularly devastating.
Our experienced car accident attorneys at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. in Albuquerque, NM know how devastating any motor vehicle accident involving an innocent pedestrian can be, and we handle some of the most serious pedestrian injuries caused by the negligence of a motorist. Whether a person hit by a car suffering broken bones, road rash, or something more serious like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or a wrongful death, we can help recover the compensation that a victim and his or her family deserve. We offer FREE consultations to help you understand what your legal rights are under New Mexico law.
General Signs and Symptoms That You May Have Experienced a Concussion
After pedestrian concussions from a motor vehicle accident, you may feel shaken up but may think you are fine. However, it is important to always see evaluation from a medical provider to determine if any injuries were sustained from the accident. There are certain signs and symptoms which may indicate that you have suffered from a concussion, including the following:
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Mood changes (i..e irritability)
- Increased drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep, or any other sleep changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Sensitivity to light or sound, and
- Other injuries or symptoms.
You can get a concussion even if you did not strike your head hard on an object in the crash. In fact, you could even suffer a concussion if you did not hit your head on anything if there was a violent whiplash motion.
Concussion Grading After a Pedestrian Involved Motor Vehicle Accident
As mentioned above, concussions are unfortunately quite commonly sustained by pedestrians when they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. There are different severities of concussions, which include the following:
- Grade 1 – This type of concussion is only mild, but does still cause a brain injury. People with grade 1 concussions typically experience difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory loss, nausea, and dizziness. Often times, people are at an increased risk for additional concussions after sustaining a grade 1 concussion
- Grade 2 – These type of concussions are more moderate, causing many of the same symptoms of grade 1, but people who sustain grade 2 concussions typically experience a loss of consciousness, lasting up to five minutes. Additional symptoms experienced by people with grade 2 concussions may be tinnitus (ringing in the ears), amnesia, and mood changes such as irritability. Medical treatment should be sought immediately after this type of injury
- Grade 3 – This type is considered to be the most severe type of concussion, causing victims to lose consciousness for greater than five minutes. People who have sustained a grade 3 concussion will often experience concussion related symptoms for several months or more after the incident, and may experience amnesia for greater than 24 hours. Additional symptoms of a grade 3 concussion involve visual disturbances and vomiting. These victims are at a high risk of sustaining additional concussions
Pedestrian Concussions in New Mexico Should be Reviewed by the Caruso Law Offices, P.C.
If you or a loved one suffered any type of injuries after being hit by a car in Albuquerque, NM, especially for pedestrian concussions, ask our experienced car accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to learn how we can help protect your rights to compensation under the law. We offer FREE consultations so schedule yours by dialing (505) 273-2978 for your consultation.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 273-2978 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.