A car accident can change your life in an instant. While some injuries are obvious — broken bones, cuts, or bruises — others are more subtle but equally dangerous. Concussions are among the most frequently overlooked injuries after a crash, especially in Vermont, where many residents resume daily life quickly, assuming they’re fine. But ignoring the signs of a concussion can lead to serious long-term complications. Knowing how to identify symptoms and protect your legal rights is key.
This article explores how concussions occur in Vermont car accidents, what symptoms to watch for, how these injuries are diagnosed, and what legal steps may be available for compensation.
Understanding Concussions After a Vermont Crash
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. This sudden movement can create chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage brain cells. In the context of a car accident, concussions often result from the force of impact, even if there is no direct hit to the head.
In Vermont, winter weather, winding roads, and distracted driving contribute to a steady number of traffic collisions each year. Many of these accidents involve rear-end collisions or side-impact crashes — both of which can cause whiplash and concussion. Airbag deployment, hitting the steering wheel, or even just the violent motion of a crash can cause brain trauma.
Common Signs of Concussion After a Vermont Car Accident
Symptoms of a concussion don’t always show up right away. Some may develop over hours or even days. It’s critical to know what to watch for, especially if you've been in an accident, no matter how minor it seemed at the time. Some common signs include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Confusion, brain fog, or trouble concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish or groggy
- Temporary loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability or depression
- Sleep disturbances — sleeping more or less than usual
- Difficulty remembering the events before or after the crash
In some cases, especially in older adults or children, symptoms may be even more subtle. That’s why medical evaluation is always recommended after a Vermont car accident, even if you feel "fine."
Medical Diagnosis and Challenges
Diagnosing a concussion can be complex because it doesn’t always appear on imaging like CT scans or MRIs. Vermont physicians typically rely on clinical evaluations, symptom checklists, neurological exams, and observation over time. Emergency departments may rule out more serious brain injuries but miss mild concussions unless symptoms are reported and documented.
This diagnostic challenge can have legal implications. If you wait too long to seek care or report symptoms to your doctor, insurance companies may question whether the injury is related to the accident. In Vermont personal injury claims, documentation is critical.
The Legal Significance of a Concussion in Vermont Injury Cases
In Vermont, you have the right to pursue compensation if someone else's negligence caused your accident and resulting injuries — including a concussion. This could involve another driver, a trucking company, a rideshare service, or even a municipality responsible for poor road maintenance.
Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, follow-ups, rehab)
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Loss of earning potential if symptoms linger
- Pain and suffering, including cognitive and emotional distress
However, proving a concussion in a legal claim can be more difficult than a broken bone. Insurance companies frequently dispute these injuries by arguing they're subjective or not serious. That’s where expert medical testimony, early treatment records, and documentation from neurologists or concussion specialists can make all the difference.
Vermont’s Laws on Fault and Concussion Claims
Vermont follows a modified comparative fault rule under 12 V.S.A. § 1036. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident — as long as your share of fault is not greater than 50%. But your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, your damages award will be reduced by 20%.
In practice, this means that insurance adjusters have a strong incentive to shift blame or minimize your injuries. If your concussion is not well-documented or if there's a delay in treatment, they may argue the injury isn’t related to the accident or doesn’t meet the threshold for a serious claim.
Long-Term Impact of Untreated Concussions
Some concussions resolve within a few weeks, but others can lead to prolonged or even permanent issues. This is especially true for people who suffer repeated head injuries or those who return to work or daily activities too soon.
Vermonters may face a variety of consequences when concussions go undiagnosed or untreated:
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
- Sleep disorders
- Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
- Post-concussion syndrome (lasting months or longer)
- Risk of second-impact syndrome if another head injury occurs
These symptoms can derail careers, relationships, and overall quality of life — and they should never be minimized by an insurer or opposing counsel.
What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion After a Vermont Car Accident
If you believe you may have a concussion after an accident in Vermont, these steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if symptoms seem minor.
- Follow all treatment recommendations, including rest and follow-up appointments.
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
- Avoid posting about the accident or your condition on social media.
- Contact a Vermont car accident lawyer to discuss your case.
By acting quickly, you create a clear medical and legal record that connects your symptoms to the accident — a key factor in receiving compensation.
Hypothetical Examples of Vermont Concussion Claims
- A 39-year-old office worker in Burlington was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. She declined an ambulance but went to urgent care later that night for dizziness and nausea. Two days later, she had trouble concentrating at work. With help from a neurologist and a personal injury attorney, she documented post-concussion syndrome and settled for $145,000.
- A college student in Middlebury was T-boned in an intersection crash. Though he didn’t lose consciousness, he developed severe migraines and memory issues. The insurance company initially denied his claim, but after an attorney brought in expert testimony, the case settled just before trial for $220,000.
- A delivery driver suffered a concussion and missed three months of work. Because he waited over a week to seek care, the insurer argued it was unrelated. With legal help, surveillance footage and coworker statements helped tie the symptoms to the crash. The case resolved for $95,000 after arbitration.
These scenarios show how timing, documentation, and legal strategy make a difference.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in Vermont Concussion Claims
Car accidents involving concussions often don’t follow a straightforward path. You may “look fine” on the outside, but feel drastically different inside your head. This disconnect can make it harder to convince insurers or juries of the seriousness of your injuries.
In Vermont, where independent values run deep, many accident victims hesitate to “make a big deal” out of what feels like a minor head injury. But the consequences of ignoring a concussion can be lifelong. And once you accept a low settlement or miss a filing deadline, your legal options narrow quickly.
That’s why it’s vital to work with a Vermont personal injury lawyer who understands how to present concussion cases clearly, compassionately, and with strong supporting evidence. Expert witnesses, medical records, and strategic case framing are all tools used to secure fair results.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
Navigating life after a car accident in Vermont is difficult enough without the added burden of an invisible injury like a concussion. Whether you’re experiencing headaches, cognitive difficulties, or mood swings after a crash, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how traumatic brain injuries impact daily life — and how insurance companies often work to downplay them. We help car accident victims across Vermont document their symptoms, build strong legal cases, and fight for full compensation. From fender-benders to serious collisions, even a seemingly minor crash can leave you with lasting head trauma. Don’t wait to find out your rights we’ll guide you every step of the way, from initial consultation to resolution.