Car accidents can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In the United States, car accidents are some of the leading causes responsible for TBIs.
These injuries happen when your head is suddenly jolted during a collision, causing your brain to hit the inside of your skull. This can lead to severe health problems and can change your life forever. If your accident was caused by someone’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim.
Learn more about TBIs and how a Chicago brain injury lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Brain injuries from car accidents can happen in several ways. Car crash victims are subjected to varying degrees of force, such when a car comes to a sudden stop or a car is hit from behind.
These changes in force can result in significant damage.
Causes of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents
Some causes for brain injuries can include:
- Direct force: The collision can cause your head to move suddenly.
- Whiplash: Rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck.
- Penetration: Objects can break through the skull.
- Impact: Hitting your head on the dashboard or windshield.
Common Symptoms of TBIs
TBIs can cause various symptoms that affect different parts of your life. These can be physical, cognitive (thinking-related), or emotional and behavioral.
Physical Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
These injuries are often the most noticeable or obvious. TBI victims might experience seizures, vision problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue.
Cognitive & Emotional Issues Caused by Traumatic Brain Injuries
Some symptoms of TBIs are not readily apparent, and may only be noticed when someone close to you recognizes a change in behavior.
Cognitive symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty processing concepts or making decisions, or general or persistent confusion.
People suffering from TBIs may also experience dramatic changes in their mood and behavior. They might have rapid mood swings, develop depression or anxiety, or become more aggressive or impulsive.
These symptoms can vary and might not appear right away. If you experience any of these after a car accident, see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Early care can help manage symptoms and improve your recovery.
What are the Specific Kinds of TBIs?
Brain injuries caused by car accidents can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some examples include:
- Concussions: Mild brain injury.
- Brain hemorrhages: Bleeding in the brain.
- Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue.
- Diffuse axonal injury: Damage to brain cells.
- Hematomas: Blood clots in the brain.
- Second impact syndrome: Another injury before the first one heals.
Diagnosing and Treating Brain Injuries after a Chicago Car Accident
You shouldn’t wait to get yourself evaluated after a car accident. If you suspect you have a brain injury, it’s crucial to get diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How To Diagnose a TBI
Doctors use several tools to diagnose brain injuries:
- New Imaging Technologies and Expert Witnesses –New imaging technologies developed in the last decade or so can give a clearer picture of what is going on. If you suspect that you have undergone a traumatic brain injury, you can see a specialist who can get better images and have the expertise needed to interpret them correctly. Not all doctors are able to understand and explain these types of injuries, but an expert can help.
- Before / After Witnesses – Often the biggest symptom of a traumatic brain injury is a change in behavior or ability. While you may not have lost all ability to do certain skills, you may have increased difficulty with tasks. Employers, family, friends and other people in your life can testify to the changes after the accident.
- Psychological Testing and Analysis – There are now tests and other analyses that psychologists can do to better analyze the lasting emotional and mental damages of the injury beyond just the physical. They can testify to emotional loss, pain and suffering, and impaired mental functioning.
- Other Professional Analysis – Accident reconstruction experts and forensic engineers can evaluate liability and prove fault. Other medical professionals, vocational rehab support professionals, and forensic economists can help prove damages. Proving a traumatic injury simply occurred alone is not enough. You need to be able to show its impact on your life. This helps build that part of the case.
What Are the Treatment Options for TBIs?
Treatment depends on how severe the injury is. Some options include:
- Bed rest
- Surgery
- Medications
- Therapies
Legal Compensation for Brain Injuries after a Car Accident
If someone else caused your car accident, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. This compensation can help cover:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, tests, and long-term treatment.
- Disability: Impact on daily activities, job performance, and future earning potential.
- Loss of wages: Unpaid time off work or job loss due to the injury.
- Loss of normal life: Changes in social interactions and overall quality of life.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused to you and your family.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Get checked by a doctor to identify any injuries.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: They can help you understand your rights and options.
- Collect evidence and documentation: Keep records of medical visits, treatments, and any changes in your condition.
How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you get the medical care and compensation you need. They can help:
- Navigating the legal system: Understanding the steps to file a claim and what evidence is needed.
- Ensuring appropriate medical care: Making sure you get the right treatment.
- Building a strong case for compensation: Collecting and presenting evidence to prove your injury and its impact.
Why Choose Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has extensive experience handling brain injury cases. They have a successful track record of helping clients get the compensation they deserve. Here’s why you should choose them:
- Experience with brain injury cases: They understand the complexities and challenges of these cases.
- Track record of successful outcomes: They have helped many clients recover financially after tragic accidents.
- Free consultation and case assessment: They offer a free initial meeting to discuss your case and legal options.
Call a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Now
Traumatic brain injuries can have a severe and lasting impact on your life. It’s important to seek compensation if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Call us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free consultation.
