When most people hear the word “concussion,” they think of a temporary headache or dizziness that goes away in a few days. But for many trucking accident victims in Florida, the effects can last for months—or even years. This lingering condition is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and it can disrupt every part of your life.
What makes PCS especially challenging is that the symptoms are often invisible to others. You may look fine on the outside, but inside, you’re battling constant headaches, confusion, mood swings, and memory problems. In a legal setting, that “invisibility” can make proving your injury harder unless you understand your rights under Florida law and how to build your claim the right way.
At Ward Ruddock, we have handled cases where PCS was one of the most serious and long-lasting consequences of a trucking crash. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a complication of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some develop symptoms that last for months or years.
Common PCS symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Difficulty processing information
How PCS Happens in Trucking Accidents
The size and weight of commercial trucks make them capable of causing extreme force in a collision—even at moderate speeds.
PCS can develop when:
- Your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
- Your brain is jolted violently without direct impact (whiplash effect)
- You’re thrown inside the vehicle during a rollover or multi-vehicle pileup
Even low-speed truck crashes can cause a concussion severe enough to lead to PCS, which is why medical evaluation is critical—even if you don’t lose consciousness.
Why PCS Is Difficult to Prove in Florida Injury Cases
One of the biggest challenges with PCS claims is the lack of visible injury. X-rays and CT scans may look “normal” even when you’re experiencing life-changing symptoms.
Insurance companies often seize on this to argue:
- You’re exaggerating your symptoms
- Your symptoms are caused by stress or unrelated health issues
- You had a pre-existing condition
That’s why early medical documentation and specialized testing (such as neuropsychological exams or advanced imaging like DTI or fMRI) are essential in proving your case.
Florida Law and Compensation for PCS
If your PCS was caused by a trucking accident in Florida, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Florida follows a comparative fault system under § 768.81, Fla. Stat., which means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the crash. In trucking accidents, liability often involves multiple parties—such as the truck driver, the trucking company, a freight broker, or even a vehicle manufacturer.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in PCS Trucking Cases
In PCS cases, expert testimony can be the difference between a denied claim and a successful outcome. Your legal team may bring in:
- Neurologists to explain how your brain injury occurred
- Neuropsychologists to document the cognitive effects
- Life care planners to calculate long-term financial needs
- Accident reconstructionists to show the force of impact
These experts help counter insurance company arguments that PCS is “just in your head.”
Deadlines for Filing a Claim in Florida
Under Florida law § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence—especially medical documentation—becomes harder to gather with time, so it’s important to act quickly.
Steps to Protect Your PCS Claim After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a trucking crash and suspect PCS, here’s what to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention—even if symptoms seem mild at first.
- Follow all treatment plans and keep copies of every medical record.
- Document your symptoms daily to show their persistence over time.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal guidance.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in brain injury litigation to protect your rights.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Trucking companies have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers ready to minimize their exposure. They often start gathering evidence the same day the crash happens. If you wait, valuable evidence—like black box data, driver logs, or surveillance footage—can be lost forever.
An attorney who understands PCS and trucking regulations can help level the playing field and ensure your case is built on strong medical and forensic evidence.
Talk to Our Team About Your PCS Case
Post-concussion syndrome is real, it’s life-changing, and it can be one of the most challenging injuries to prove in court. If you or someone you love developed PCS after a trucking accident in Florida, you don’t have to handle the legal battle alone.
Call (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or visit wardruddock.com/contact to arrange a confidential consultation.
