In Georgia, the average concussion car accident settlement amount is from $10,000 to $200,000, but the actual settlement value depends on several factors that significantly impact your compensation. According to recent data, concussion settlements can range from thousands of dollars to multiple millions depending on severity and long-term effects, with Georgia recording over 500 traffic crashes in just one weekend period, with 250 people suffering injuries:
- Severity of the injury and lasting symptoms
- Impact on daily life and work capacity
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Insurance coverage limits and policy details
- Strength of medical evidence supporting your claim
Need a settlement for concussion in a car accident?
If you suffered a concussion following a car accident, you must act quickly to protect your rights. Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury claim. This deadline is strict, and missing it could cost you the compensation you deserve.
In the 2020 Georgia car accident data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, motor vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of injury deaths and hospitalizations. According to Georgia Department of Transportation data, in the first quarter of 2024 alone, 306 people died in car accidents in Georgia, and over Memorial Day weekend 2024, over 500 traffic crashes occurred with 250 people suffering injuries.
The complexity of concussion cases makes professional legal guidance essential. Unlike broken bones or visible injuries, concussions affect brain function in ways that aren’t immediately apparent, making them challenging to prove and value appropriately.
Our experienced Duluth car accident lawyer has the expertise to handle your complex concussion case and fight for maximum compensation.
Our concussion settlement amounts
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we’ve secured substantial settlements for clients with various car accident injuries. These personal injury settlement amounts examples show what’s possible depending on the severity of your concussion and supporting evidence:
- $500,000: Man rear-ended by Netflix employee and sustained a significant back injury as a result, which required surgery
- $450,000: Woman rear-ended by garage door repair truck and sustained herniated discs in her neck, requiring surgery as a result
- $381,000: Young man rear-ended at stoplight on Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard suffered lower back surgery needs due to the twisted position he was in when impact occurred
These results demonstrate our commitment to pursuing full compensation for injuries sustained in car accidents. When insurance companies attempt to minimize claims, we use our extensive experience and insider knowledge from our founder’s insurance defense background to fight for appropriate compensation.
💡 Use our car accident settlement calculator to get an initial estimate of your potential compensation, but remember that concussion cases often require expert evaluation to determine their full value.
Disclaimer: Settlement calculator results are for informational and illustrative purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or a substitute for professional evaluation.
Car Accident Settlement Calculator
Knowing the true value of your concussion case requires experienced legal analysis and medical documentation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of concussion settlements in a car accident
Concussion settlements vary dramatically based on the severity and lasting effects of your brain injuries. Knowing the different types helps set realistic expectations for your case. Recent research shows many concussion victims may be entitled to significantly higher compensation than initially offered by insurance companies, especially when head trauma results in tissue injuries and a concussion with long-term complications.
Car accident concussion settlements depend heavily on whether you seek medical attention promptly after the accident to file a comprehensive personal injury claim that captures the true severity of your injury.
Mild concussion settlement value
The average mild concussion settlement value in Georgia is typically between $10,000 and $50,000. These cases typically involve temporary symptoms like headache, dizziness, and confusion that resolve within weeks.
Hypothetical Scenario: A driver is rear-ended at a traffic light and initially feels fine but develops persistent headaches and concentration problems over the following days. Despite being classified as “mild,” the concussion affects their work performance as an accountant, leading to a settlement of $35,000 to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing symptoms.
However, even mild concussions can have hidden complications. If symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period or you develop post-concussion syndrome, your settlement value increases significantly.
Post-concussion syndrome settlement value
The average post-concussion syndrome settlement value in a car accident in Georgia ranges from $50,000 to $200,000 or more in severe cases. Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms persist for months or years after the initial injury.
Hypothetical Scenario: A teacher involved in a side-impact collision develops post-concussion syndrome with chronic headaches, memory issues, and fatigue that persist eight months after the accident. Unable to return to full-time teaching and requiring ongoing medical treatment, the settlement reached $180,000 to account for career impact and future medical needs.
Symptoms include chronic headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes that can severely impact your quality of life. These cases require extensive documentation and expert medical testimony to prove the connection between the accident and ongoing symptoms.
Post-traumatic vision syndrome settlement
In Georgia, an average post-traumatic vision syndrome settlement typically falls between $25,000 and $150,000. This condition causes blurry vision, focus issues, and reading difficulties following head trauma.
Vision problems significantly impact daily activities like driving, working, and reading. Treatment often requires specialized vision therapy, which increases both medical costs and settlement value.
Concussion and PTSD settlements
Typical concussion and PTSD settlements are from $50,000 to $200,000. When a concussion occurs alongside post-traumatic stress disorder, the combined psychological and physical effects compound your damages.
These cases require both neurological and psychiatric evaluation. The emotional distress, anxiety, and depression following a traumatic accident deserve separate compensation beyond physical injury costs.
Average pain and suffering settlement for a concussion
The average pain and suffering settlement for a concussion in Georgia is $10,000 to $200,000. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the non-economic impacts of your injury – the ways it affects your enjoyment of life.
Chronic headaches, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties all contribute to pain and suffering damages. The more persistent and severe your symptoms, the higher your potential compensation.
| Type of Concussion Settlement | Settlement Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Mild concussion | $10,000 – $50,000 | Temporary symptoms, full recovery expected |
| Post-concussion syndrome | $50,000 – $200,000+ | Persistent symptoms lasting months/years |
| Post-traumatic vision syndrome | $25,000 – $150,000 | Vision problems requiring specialized treatment |
| Concussion with PTSD | $50,000 – $200,000 | Combined physical and psychological effects |
| Pain and suffering component | $10,000 – $200,000 | Chronic symptoms affecting quality of life |
Contact us today and our experienced team will document and prove the full extent of your concussion’s impact on your life.
Factors influencing the average settlement for a concussion in a car accident
⚖️ Multiple factors determine your concussion settlement amount, and knowing them helps you build the strongest possible case for maximum recovery.
Severity of the injury and symptoms
The type of concussion significantly affects settlement value. Mild traumatic brain injuries with temporary symptoms typically receive lower compensation than severe concussions causing lasting impairment.
Documented symptoms like persistent headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and concentration difficulties increase your settlement potential. The longer symptoms persist, the higher your compensation typically becomes.
Impact on daily life and work capacity
Concussion affects every aspect of your daily routine. If you can’t perform job duties, participate in family activities, or enjoy hobbies you once loved, these limitations increase your settlement value.
Return-to-work restrictions, reduced earning capacity, and need for assistance with daily tasks all contribute to your damages. We document how your concussion changed your life to pursue appropriate compensation.
Medical expenses and treatment costs
Medical bills for concussion treatment can be substantial. Emergency room visits, neurological evaluations, CT scans, MRI studies, and ongoing therapy costs all factor into your settlement.
Future medical needs also matter. If you require ongoing treatment, medication, or therapy, these projected costs increase your settlement demand significantly.
Loss of income and earning capacity
Many concussion victims cannot return to work immediately or must work reduced hours. Lost wages from missed work time directly impact your financial stability.
More importantly, if concussion symptoms affect your long-term earning capacity – your ability to advance in your career or perform complex tasks – this dramatically increases your settlement value.
Insurance coverage and policy limits
The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits often cap your maximum recovery. However, your own underinsured motorist coverage can provide additional compensation when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.
We investigate all available insurance sources to maximize your recovery, including umbrella policies and additional coverage options you may not know exist.
Georgia car accident laws affecting concussion settlement amounts
Georgia’s legal framework significantly impacts how concussion settlements are calculated and awarded. The Georgia Department of Public Health recognizes traumatic brain injuries as a significant public health concern, emphasizing the importance of proper recognition and treatment.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your settlement reduces by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Cases are typically filed in Georgia’s Superior Courts, which handle personal injury litigation throughout the state.
The state’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims creates urgency in concussion cases. Since symptoms may not appear immediately, seeking prompt medical attention and legal consultation protects your rights.
Georgia requires minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, but this amount rarely covers serious concussion injuries. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides essential protection when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
The process for a car accident concussion settlement
Our systematic approach ensures no detail gets overlooked in pursuing your maximum settlement:
- Immediate medical evaluation: We coordinate comprehensive medical assessment to document your concussion and establish the connection to your accident
- Evidence preservation: Our team gathers accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence before it disappears
- Insurance notification: We handle all communications with insurance companies to protect your interests and avoid recorded statements that could harm your case
- Medical documentation: We work with specialists to build comprehensive medical records proving the extent and impact of your concussion
- Settlement negotiation: Using our extensive experience, we negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation that reflects your true damages
- Litigation preparation: If insurers refuse fair settlement offers, we’re prepared to take your case to trial for the compensation you deserve
Challenges in pursuing a post-concussion syndrome car accident settlement
⚠️ Concussion cases present unique obstacles that require experienced legal representation to overcome.
Proving invisible injuries
Unlike broken bones visible on X-rays, concussions affect brain function in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. Insurance companies exploit this “invisible” nature to minimize or deny claims.
We work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other medical experts who use specialized testing to document your brain injury. Cognitive testing, balance assessments, and detailed symptom tracking provide objective evidence of your concussion’s impact.
Our experience with insurance companies’ tactics helps us anticipate and counter their arguments that your symptoms are unrelated to the accident or exaggerated for financial gain.
Insurance company skepticism
Insurance adjusters often view concussion claims suspiciously, particularly when symptoms persist beyond their expected timeline. They may argue your symptoms existed before the accident or result from other causes.
We combat this skepticism with thorough medical documentation, expert testimony, and comprehensive investigation of your pre-accident health status. Our approach leaves no room for insurance companies to question the legitimacy of your claim.
Building relationships with trusted medical professionals who understand the legal requirements for concussion documentation strengthens every case we handle.
Delayed symptom onset
Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately after an accident. This delayed onset creates challenges in proving the connection between your accident and subsequent health problems.
We educate clients about potential delayed symptoms and ensure they receive appropriate follow-up care. When symptoms develop weeks or months after an accident, our detailed case documentation helps establish the necessary medical causation.
Early legal involvement protects your interests even when symptoms haven’t fully manifested, ensuring you don’t miss critical deadlines or make statements that could harm your future claim.The vital role of medical evidence in a concussion lawsuit settlement
Strong medical evidence forms the foundation of every successful concussion settlement:
- Diagnostic tests and evaluations: While no single test definitively diagnoses concussion, comprehensive neurological evaluation combined with cognitive testing, balance assessment, and imaging studies when appropriate creates compelling evidence of brain injury.
- Expert medical testimony: Qualified medical experts explain how your accident caused your concussion and describe the expected recovery timeline or permanent effects. These specialists, often found at Georgia’s premier medical facilities, counter insurance company arguments that your symptoms are unrelated to the accident or will resolve quickly without lasting impact.
How our experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers can help
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we understand that concussion injuries deserve the same serious attention as any catastrophic injury. Our founder, David Brauns, brings unique insight from his background as an insurance defense attorney – he knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and attempt to minimize concussion claims.
We handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery. From gathering medical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, our team has the experience and resources to pursue maximum compensation for your concussion injuries.
Contact us online or call us at (678) 329-9169 and speak with our experienced personal injury team today about your concussion case.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a concussion lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file your personal injury claim. However, since concussion symptoms may not appear immediately, it’s essential to seek legal consultation soon after any car accident involving head trauma.
Can I recover compensation if I didn’t lose consciousness during the accident?
Absolutely. Most concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness. The key is documenting your symptoms and proving they resulted from the accident through proper medical evaluation and expert testimony.
What if the insurance company says my concussion is minor and offers a low settlement?
Insurance companies routinely undervalue concussion claims because the injuries aren’t visible. Our experience shows that even “minor” concussions can have significant long-term effects, warranting substantial compensation. Never accept the initial offer without consulting experienced legal counsel.
How do you prove a concussion was caused by a car accident?
We establish causation through medical documentation, expert testimony, and comprehensive case investigation. This includes reviewing accident details, your immediate symptoms, medical treatment records, and ongoing symptoms that developed after the crash.
What if I had a previous head injury – can I still recover compensation?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even with previous head injuries. Georgia law requires compensation for aggravation of pre-existing conditions. We work with medical experts to distinguish between pre-existing issues and new injuries caused by your accident.
