A car accident can happen in just seconds but can leave the people involved with physical, emotional, and financial challenges that last a long time. The consequences for crash victims can be devastating, leaving them with injuries that have a significant impact on their lives.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, here's a closer look at traumatic brain injuries – which can be serious and sometimes life-altering.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury caused by a sudden trauma or blow to the head, resulting in damage to the brain. TBIs can affect cognitive function, physical abilities, behavior, and emotions, and require medical intervention and rehabilitation.
How does a traumatic brain injury happen in a car accident?
During a collision, drivers or passengers may strike their heads against the car's interior components, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, or side windows. The force of impact can also jerk the head forward and backward, causing the brain to collide with the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
What are the different types of TBI?
A traumatic brain injury can be categorized as a:
- Mild brain injury (concussion) – This typically involves a brief loss of consciousness or altered mental state after a head injury. Most concussions resolve within days to weeks with treatment, which often involves rest and avoiding activities that make symptoms worse. Some people may experience lingering symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome.
- Moderate brain injury – A moderate TBI involves more pronounced symptoms and longer-lasting effects compared to a concussion. People with a moderate TBI may experience a longer period of unconsciousness (ranging from minutes to hours) and more significant cognitive and physical impairments. Treatment typically involves hospitalization for observation and monitoring, along with rehabilitation.
- Severe brain injury – A severe TBI can result in profound neurological deficits and often involves extended periods of unconsciousness (coma) following the initial injury. Treatment for severe TBIs may involve surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, medications to prevent seizures and manage symptoms, and intensive rehabilitation.
What are the symptoms of TBI?
Some symptoms of a brain injury may appear immediately after a crash, while others may not appear until hours or even days later. TBI symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Confusion or disorientation
- Mood swings or changes in behavior
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Difficulty with coordination or fine motor skills
Can I recover financial compensation for a TBI?
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. This compensation can help cover various damages resulting from the injury, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. You may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party or their insurance company.
Contact an experienced brain injury lawyer in Nashville, TN
Negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong after a collision. Insurance companies will try to limit compensation by disputing the extent of your injuries, blaming you for what happened, or offering a settlement that falls far short of covering your damages. This is especially true with brain injury claims since the long-term financial impact on the victim can be significant.
That's why you need an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer to fight for you and aggressively advocate for your best interests. At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we know how to build strong cases that insurance companies take seriously. When you hire our firm, you can expect straight talk about your legal options, hard work on your case, and dedication to getting the results you need and deserve.
Learn more about your potential legal options and get answers to your questions. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. Our offices are located in Nashville and Goodlettsville, and we offer legal representation to clients throughout Middle Tennessee.