While some crash victims would like to forget the experience of the incident, others really do forget. This is often the result of a traumatic brain injury, although there may be other reasons.
While memory loss is a deeply concerning and challenging symptom, it also raises questions about filing a claim for compensation. Can you still do this if you are struggling to remember the accident?
This article sheds light on why some accident victims experience memory loss, common symptoms of memory loss and treatment options. We also discuss whether you can still seek compensation if you have memory issues.
Our firm represents auto accident victims at no upfront cost. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call us today. We have decades of experience helping crash victims. Phone: (877) 888-5201.
Do You Still Have the Right To Seek Compensation if You Have Memory Loss?
Memory loss does not take away your right to seek compensation for a crash caused by another driver’s negligence. An experienced lawyer may still be able to validate your claim, even though you cannot remember the crash or certain aspects of it.
There are other ways to prove what happened in a crash, such as by analyzing the damage to both vehicles, reviewing your medical records and talking to witnesses. In some cases, your attorney may also bring in an expert witness, such as an accident reconstruction specialist or medical expert. It is important to remember that your memory may come back as your brain injury heals or as you work through the psychological trauma caused by the collision.
The Green Bay auto accident lawyers at Sigman Janssen are prepared to review your situation in a free consultation to determine how we may be able to help you. We are committed to seeking full compensation for your damages, including the cost of treatment for your memory loss and how it affects your daily quality of life.
The insurance company may tell you memory loss makes it more difficult for you to recover compensation. However, they may often say that as a pretext for offering you as little compensation as possible.
Why Some Crash Victims Experience Memory Loss
A sudden jolt or blow to the head during a car crash can cause the brain to move inside the skull. This violent motion can lead to bruising, tissue damage and bleeding, all of which can affect cognitive functions, such as memory.
One of the most common brain injuries that could cause memory loss is a concussion. However, memory loss from a concussion is often a short-term symptom.
You can also have memory issues if your hippocampus suffers damage in the collision. This part of your brain is connected to learning, memory and emotion. Severe damage could not only cause memory loss, but also affect your ability to form new memories.
Other brain injuries that may result in memory issues include:
- Contusions: Bruises on the brain can cause localized memory loss, depending on the location and severity of the bruise.
- Diffuse axonal injuries: These are caused by severe rotation or shaking of the head. This motion could cause brain structures to tear, resulting in widespread memory loss.
Often, memories return as the brain recovers. However, there are times when the brain heals but memories of the accident do not come back.
Damage to the brain is not the only thing that can cause memory loss. Intense trauma might lead to dissociative amnesia, where the mind unconsciously blocks out thoughts and information related to the traumatic event.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is another factor that could affect your ability to remember a car crash or other traumatic event.
What Are the Different Types of Memory Loss?
There are not only different injuries that can cause memory loss, but different types of memory loss, including:
- Short-term memory loss: This is characterized by difficulty remembering recent events or new information. Victims often ask the same questions repeatedly, even though these questions have been answered. Victims experience persistent confusion and struggle to remember where things are.
- Long-term memory loss: Victims have trouble recalling past events, experiences or learned information. They may not remember family members’ names, their address or how to perform certain tasks or hobbies they once enjoyed.
- Anterograde amnesia: These victims are unable to form new memories from the point they were injured. They cannot remember all or most of the events that happened after the crash. Victims with anterograde amnesia may struggle to focus or be confused about what they are doing.
- Retrograde amnesia: This type of amnesia is the loss of memories formed before the injury. For example, victims forget major life events, important dates, their names and who their friends and family members are.
Symptoms That Often Accompany Memory Loss
Memory loss is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Headaches, including migraines
- Inability to concentrate
- Mental fog
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Struggling to organize thoughts
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Tinnitus
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Struggling to find the words to say
- Feeling lightheaded
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Increased irritability
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after a car crash should seek immediate medical care. Quick treatment may lead to a faster recovery, or at least prevent worsening of your injury.
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options for memory loss after a collision, such as:
- Medication to manage symptoms, such as headaches.
- Rehabilitation therapies: Cognitive therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy may help improve memory and restore other cognitive functions.
- Supportive care: Lifestyle adjustments and supportive care from family and professionals can help victims manage daily activities and improve their quality of life.
Contact Sigman Janssen for Legal Assistance Following a Car Crash
If you are suffering memory loss after a car crash, legal support and guidance are available. Sigman Janssen may be able to help you explore your legal options and represent you throughout the legal process.
Call today to let us help you better understand your rights and how we can guide you through this difficult time.
Zero upfront costs or obligations. Call our experienced lawyers today: (877) 888-5201.