Suffering from Vertigo After a Car Accident? Speak to the Adley Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Car accidents can leave victims with a wide range of injuries, some of which don’t appear until weeks or months later. One such condition is vertigo, a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can severely impact daily life. In Texas, car accident victims experiencing vertigo often face challenges in understanding the cause of their symptoms, seeking treatment, and pursuing compensation. This blog explores the connection between car accidents and vertigo, potential settlements, causes, treatments, and the recovery timeline.
Can a Car Accident Cause Vertigo?
Yes, car accidents can cause vertigo. The sudden impact during a collision can lead to head or neck injuries, which are common triggers for vertigo. Here are a few ways a car accident might result in vertigo:
- Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck during a crash can disrupt the vestibular system, leading to balance issues and dizziness.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even a mild concussion can cause symptoms of vertigo, especially if the inner ear or brain areas responsible for balance are affected.
- Inner Ear Damage: A blow to the head or neck can injure the inner ear, causing conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Cervicogenic Dizziness: Damage to the neck, such as soft tissue injuries or misaligned vertebrae, can cause dizziness and vertigo.
Delayed-Onset Vertigo After a Car Accident
One of the most challenging aspects of post-accident vertigo is its delayed onset. Victims might feel fine immediately after the crash, only to develop symptoms weeks or even months later. This delay occurs because:
- Swelling or inflammation from injuries may take time to affect the vestibular system.
- Symptoms from mild brain trauma or inner ear damage might not manifest until daily activities strain the affected areas.
- Stress or psychological trauma from the accident can exacerbate dizziness over time.
If you experience vertigo long after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and document the symptoms to establish a link to the crash.
How Long Does Vertigo Last After a Car Accident?
The duration of vertigo depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the injury:
- Temporary Vertigo: Some cases, such as BPPV, might resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment.
- Chronic Vertigo: In more severe cases, such as those involving significant brain or inner ear trauma, symptoms could persist for months or even become long-term.
- Intermittent Episodes: Certain types of vertigo may come and go, especially if the injury has not fully healed.
Common Causes and Treatments for Post-Accident Vertigo
Prompt medical care not only ensures proper treatment but also creates a record linking your symptoms to the accident. This documentation is vital for pursuing fair compensation in a personal injury claim.
Don’t delay—early diagnosis and treatment are key to recovery and preventing lasting effects.
Causes:
- Damage to the vestibular system (inner ear).
- Concussions or other forms of TBI.
- Neck injuries, including whiplash or herniated discs.
- Psychological factors like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Treatments:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
- Medication: Antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, or steroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Focused on addressing neck injuries and restoring mobility.
- Surgery: Rarely needed, but sometimes necessary for severe inner ear damage.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding triggers like rapid movements or bright lights.
Why Early Care Matters
Vertigo can develop weeks or months after an accident, signaling hidden injuries like concussions or spinal damage. Ignoring symptoms risks chronic vertigo or permanent complications.
Vertigo Car Accident Settlements in Texas
Settlements for vertigo after a car accident can vary widely, often ranging from $10,000 to over $250,000. This broad range reflects the complexity of each case, including factors like the severity of the vertigo, the extent of medical treatment required, and its impact on daily life and work.
Key Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts:
- Severity of Injuries: Minor vertigo may require little treatment, while severe or permanent vertigo can lead to extensive medical bills, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
- Fault: In Texas, fault plays a critical role in determining settlements. If you are partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced under comparative negligence laws.
- Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits and your own coverage significantly influence the payout. If the at-fault driver is underinsured, your compensation may be limited unless you have sufficient uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
These variables underscore why each case is unique, making prompt medical care and legal consultation crucial to maximize your settlement.
Seeking Legal Help for Vertigo After a Car Accident
If you’re dealing with vertigo after a car accident in Texas, the experienced attorneys at Adley Law Firm can help. We understand the challenges of proving delayed-onset injuries like vertigo and will work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our team will:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence linking your vertigo to the crash.
- Consult with medical experts to support your case.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.
Contact Adley Law Firm Today
Don’t let post-accident vertigo disrupt your life. Whether your symptoms appeared immediately or weeks later, you deserve compensation for your suffering. Contact Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call us at (713) 999-8669 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you navigate the legal process and achieve the justice you deserve.