It is not uncommon for injured victims to suffer from memory loss after a crash. However, this experience can be unnerving for the victim and raise a lot of important questions.
What if you are never able to remember details from before your crash? Is there any treatment that could help? What if your personal injury protection (PIP) is not enough to cover all your medical costs? Can you still file a claim for compensation?
At Jay Trucks, we have helped many injured victims, including those with short-term memory loss. If you cannot remember what happened, seeking legal help can be a critical step in getting the benefits and compensation you need.
Our Flint-area auto accident lawyers understand your concerns. Take advantage of our free initial consultation today to discuss your situation and get answers to your legal questions.
Does Having Memory Loss After a Crash Hurt My Ability to File a Claim?
Having memory loss may complicate a claim, but it will not bar you from seeking compensation for your damages.
After being injured in a crash, Michigan drivers can file for no-fault benefits under their auto insurance policy. These benefits cover your medical costs, up to the limits of your PIP coverage, and reimburse you for lost wages. Your no-fault insurance also provides replacement services and other benefits, regardless of fault.
It could greatly benefit you to have an attorney helping you to navigate the legal process. To begin with, he or she can help you to avoid errors that could delay your claim. Additionally, an attorney can assess if you have other options for seeking compensation. For instance, if your injuries meet the state’s injury threshold, you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit.
Why Seeking Medical Help Should Be the First Step
Protecting your health is the top priority after a crash. If you are suffering from memory loss, you may have sustained a serious head injury, even if you are not having any pain. However, whether you are suffering from memory loss or not, it is important to seek immediate medical care after any accident.
Undergoing a hospital examination helps to improve your chances for a full recovery. This is especially significant when there are severe damages, such as serious head injury. For these victims, every minute is critical. Getting diagnostic testing right away helps to rule out potentially life-threatening injuries, such as a hematoma (brain bleed) or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
When you are examined by a physician, it is documented in your medical records. These records provide essential evidence that will help to support your car crash claim, including:
- The reason for your visit, such as being injured in a crash
- Your complaints at the time of your visit, including memory loss and other symptoms you describe
- Testing prescribed to rule out serious injuries, such as a TBI or other head injury
- The diagnosis after reviewing your test results
- Your prognosis and prescribed plan of care
What Causes Memory Loss After a Crash?
There are a few reasons you could have memory loss after a crash. It could simply be the trauma temporarily blocking your memory. However, there is no way to know this without getting diagnostic testing. You may have suffered a head injury that is affecting your ability to remember what happened.
Some common crash injuries that may affect a victim’s memory include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Millions of TBIs occur across the U.S. each year. Some TBIs are mild, however, others can leave a victim with serious long-term effects.
- Intracranial hematoma: This type of injury could also happen if you hit your head during the impact of a crash. An intracranial hematoma results in a pooling of blood within the skull, causing pressure on the brain. Victims may initially seem alright after suffering this type of injury. However, the damage will quickly progress, becoming serious or life-threatening if left untreated.
- Skull fracture: Any crack or break within a victim’s cranium is considered a skull fracture. This type of injury can happen any time a person suffers a significant blow to the head.
- Concussion: Even minor crashes could lead to a concussion. Victims may experience memory loss, severe headaches, fatigue, dizziness, ringing in the ears and more.
Delaying treatment for any of these injuries could risk your health and ability to fully recover.
Are There Different Types of Memory Loss?
There are varying degrees and different types of memory loss. Your treating physician can determine what type of memory loss you are suffering from after running the appropriate diagnostic tests. There are three basic types of memory loss you may be experiencing after being involved in a crash, including:
Post-Traumatic Amnesia
This is generally a mild form of memory loss after a crash. Being involved in a severe accident can leave anyone feeling shaken up. Some victims, however, may also feel confused or unable to recall simple facts, such as their own name.
Anterograde Amnesia
A blow to the head, such as what an injured victim may suffer during the impact of a car crash, could cause anterograde amnesia. This type of memory loss may leave victims unable to form any new memories after the crash.
Retrograde Amnesia
Retrograde amnesia involves the loss of memories that you had prior to the crash. In addition to being unable to remember the crash, the victim may also be unable to recall other important details about their life, including names, events and dates.
What Symptoms May Appear With Memory Loss?
Memory loss is tricky and may have multiple symptoms. Sometimes what victims experience may be an indication of a more serious injury, which is why it is important not to wait to see a doctor. Symptoms could include some or all of the following:
- Short or long-term memory loss
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Difficulty focusing or being able to concentrate
- Feeling foggy-headed
- Struggling to organize memories or thoughts
- Difficulties finding words
- Fatigue
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Feeling anxious, nervous or depressed
- Sudden onset of trouble sleeping
- Unexplained personality changes
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Visual changes
How is Memory Loss Treated?
There are many treatments available today that may help. However, the care you need will be based on the type and severity of the injury causing your memory loss. Some victims may recover fully and more quickly than others. If you sustained a more serious injury, however, your treating physician will create a unique care plan to address it.
Suffering From Memory Loss After a Crash? Call Our Firm for Legal Help Today
The qualified attorneys at Jay Trucks are dedicated to helping accident victims. That is why we fight for maximum compensation for all of our clients. We have the resources and staff to protect your interests and build a strong case on your behalf.
There are no upfront costs to get started or while we work on your case. There is nothing to pay for our services unless we succeed in winning compensation for you.
