Concussion After a Puyallup Wreck: Legal Steps to Protect Your Health and Your Claim

1) Put health first: get evaluated and follow up

If you suspect a concussion after a wreck (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sleep changes, light sensitivity, mood changes, or memory issues), seek medical evaluation as soon as you can. Concussion symptoms may appear later or fluctuate, and early assessment helps create a clear medical timeline. The CDC notes that symptoms can show up hours or days after a head injury. CDC: Signs and Symptoms of TBI

Follow your provider’s restrictions (work, driving, screen time, sports/exertion) and attend follow-up appointments or referrals (for example, neurology, vestibular therapy, or cognitive rehab). In a claim, long gaps in care are often used to argue symptoms resolved or were caused by something else.

2) Report the crash when required and preserve basic evidence

If emergency responders weren’t called, make a report as appropriate for the situation and your safety. Washington law includes crash-reporting requirements in certain circumstances. RCW 46.52.030

Also collect what you can early:

• Photos of vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, and visible injuries
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Insurance and identification information for all involved drivers
• Towing, storage, rental, and repair paperwork

If your vehicle is a total loss or repairs are extensive, ask that potentially relevant items (for example, a damaged helmet, a child car seat, or a dashcam unit) be preserved rather than discarded.

3) Start a concussion-specific documentation file

Concussions are often “invisible” injuries, so consistent documentation matters. Keep a daily symptom journal (headache intensity, dizziness, sleep quality, memory/attention issues, screen intolerance), note triggers (driving, meetings, bright lights), and record missed activities. Save receipts and invoices for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, therapy, medical devices, transportation to appointments, and replacement services (such as childcare or household help).

If family members observe changes (irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating), ask them to write down what they notice and when.

4) Be careful with recorded statements and early settlement offers

Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements or push for a quick settlement before the full impact of a concussion is clear. Because concussion symptoms can evolve over time, resolving a claim too early can create avoidable risk if treatment expands or work limitations last longer than expected.

Consider getting legal guidance before providing a recorded statement or signing releases. If you do speak with an insurer, stick to facts you know and avoid guessing about speed, fault, or your prognosis.

5) Understand the insurance “lanes” that may apply in Washington

Depending on the facts and the policies involved, multiple coverages can be in play:

• Liability insurance (typically the at-fault driver’s coverage). Washington generally requires drivers to carry liability insurance. RCW 46.30.020
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) (a first-party medical/wage-loss benefit that is optional in Washington and may be rejected in writing). RCW 48.22.085
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage (often available and, in many cases, required to be offered). RCW 48.22.030
• Health insurance (may pay initially, but reimbursement or lien issues can arise depending on the plan and the resolution of the claim)

Because concussion care can involve multiple providers over an extended period, coordinating bills, records, and claim paperwork can become a project of its own. Keep copies of every bill, explanation of benefits, and insurer letter/email.

6) Track wage loss and work limitations from day one

Concussions can affect concentration, screen tolerance, balance, and stamina. Ask your medical provider to document work restrictions (reduced hours, breaks, no driving, limited screen time, light duty) and keep copies of employer notes, schedule changes, and pay records.

If you use sick leave or PTO, document it; those hours can matter when evaluating wage-related losses.

7) Document non-economic impacts

Washington injury claims commonly consider more than medical bills. A concussion may affect sleep, relationships, mood, and enjoyment of activities. Keep notes about what you can’t do, what you need help with, and how long it lasts.

8) Watch for red flags and escalating symptoms

Seek urgent medical care if symptoms worsen or new neurological symptoms appear (for example, increasing confusion, repeated vomiting, fainting, severe or worsening headache, weakness/numbness, or slurred speech).

9) Be mindful of deadlines and special notice rules

Washington law imposes time limits for bringing many civil claims, including a common three-year limitations period for personal injury actions. RCW 4.16.080

If a government entity is involved, special pre-suit claiming procedures and waiting periods can apply. RCW 4.96.020

10) When to talk with a lawyer (especially for concussion cases)

Consider legal help if symptoms persist, you miss work or your job performance changes, you’re referred to specialists, there’s a dispute about fault, the insurer claims your symptoms are unrelated or “pre-existing,” you’re asked to sign broad authorizations, or settlement pressure starts before your condition has stabilized.

If you’d like to discuss your situation, contact us.

FAQ

What if concussion symptoms show up days after the crash?

That can happen. Get evaluated promptly once symptoms appear and tell the provider when the crash occurred and when symptoms started so the timeline is clearly documented.

Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?

Be cautious. Recorded statements can be used to dispute severity, timing, or cause of symptoms. Consider legal advice before recording anything, especially if you are still being evaluated or symptoms are changing.

What insurance might pay my medical bills in Washington?

Depending on the policies and facts, payment may come from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your own PIP (if you have it), your UM/UIM coverage, and/or health insurance (which may have reimbursement or lien issues later).

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Washington?

Many personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, but exceptions and special notice rules can apply, particularly if a government entity is involved.