Even when you walk away from a motorcycle accident without visible injuries, your brain may have sustained damage that can go undetected. A concussion—a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head—can leave you feeling disoriented, confused, and with lasting complications without proper treatment. Here’s what you need to do after suffering a concussion in a motorcycle accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine at the scene, concussion symptoms do not always appear right away. Adrenaline can mask pain and cognitive issues, and some symptoms take hours or even days to develop.
Get to an emergency room as soon as possible. A medical professional can properly assess your condition, rule out more serious brain injuries, and create documentation that establishes a clear link between the motorcycle accident and your brain injury.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment and Rest Recommendations
Recovering from a concussion requires patience. Your doctor will likely recommend physical and cognitive rest, which means limiting activities that strain your brain, such as screen time, reading, and even intense conversations. Follow these instructions carefully. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can prolong your recovery and worsen your symptoms. Attend all follow-up appointments, and do not hesitate to report new or worsening symptoms.
Document Your Symptoms and Recovery Progress
Keep a daily journal of how you are feeling. Note headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, sleep difficulties, and any other symptoms you experience. Record how your injury affects your daily life, whether you are missing work, struggling with household tasks, or unable to enjoy activities you once loved. This detailed record provides evidence of how the concussion has impacted your quality of life.
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Keep All Medical Records and Receipts Organized
Gather and organize every piece of paperwork related to your injury. This includes hospital bills, prescription receipts, therapy invoices, and documentation of any medical equipment you have purchased. Save records of lost wages and any other expenses tied to your recovery. Having everything in one place makes it easier to calculate your total damages and build a strong case.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident, but their goal is to minimize what they pay out. Politely decline to give recorded statements without first speaking to an attorney specialized in motorcycle accident claims. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim, even innocent comments about “feeling okay” or not remembering details clearly.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Your Claim
A concussion can have lasting effects that are not immediately apparent, and you deserve compensation that reflects the full scope of your injury. A Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and fight to get you the recovery you are entitled to.
Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe has been representing injured riders throughout the Kansas City area for years. Our personal injury lawyer in Kansas City will handle your motorcycle accident claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Call us today at (816) 876-2600 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case.