Types of Brain Injuries Caused By Car Accidents

Summary

• Two of the main types of brain injuries caused by car accidents are traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
• Symptoms of brain injuries don’t always make themselves apparent immediately after a wreck.
• A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine liability and then pursue maximum compensation. 

Car wrecks can lead to a range of injuries, and among the most severe are those affecting the brain. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions are two of the most common types of brain injuries caused by car accidents, impacting victims in various ways. The following provides a closer look at these injuries and how a car accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation if you suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence.

The attorneys with the Jones Law Group have years of experience helping people in your situation. You can call 727-571-1333 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is a broad term encompassing various injuries that result from a sudden impact or trauma to the head. Car accidents, with their potential for violent collisions, are the leading cause of TBIs. Experts estimate that car wrecks account for about 17% of all TBIs in the US yearly.

Types of TBI include the following:

• Contusion – This refers to bruising of the brain tissue, often caused by the brain colliding with the skull during a car accident.
• Coup-contrecoup injury – In some cases, a collision can affect both the impact site and the opposite side of the brain. When the impact’s force causes the brain to move within the skull, that can result in injuries on both sides.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – DAI involves widespread damage to the brain’s nerve fibers, typically caused by strong rotational forces in car accidents. It can lead to long-term cognitive impairments.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury characterized by a temporary disruption in normal brain function. While considered mild, concussions can still have significant consequences.

Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headache – Persistent or severe headaches are common symptoms.
• Confusion – Victims may experience confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating.
• Nausea and vomiting – Physical symptoms like nausea and vomiting can occur.
• Sensitivity to light and noise – Increased sensitivity to light and noise is a typical sign.
• Emotional changes – Concussions can lead to emotional changes, including irritability and mood swings.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

People who suffer brain injuries caused by car accidents that aren’t their fault deserve compensation for their damages or financial losses. These include lost wages, emotional distress, medical bills, and others. 

The best way of recovering your damages is by hiring a car accident attorney as soon as possible. These are just some of the ways an attorney can help.

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault System

In Florida’s no-fault insurance system, individuals must seek compensation from their insurance providers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. 

While the law intends this approach to streamline the claims process and provide prompt coverage for medical expenses and damages, it has inherent limitations, especially when dealing with severe brain injuries caused by car accidents.

For example, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, mandated by the no-fault system, may not cover the extensive medical expenses associated with severe injuries like TBI. PIP typically covers a limited amount, leaving victims facing financial challenges for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Also, Florida’s no-fault system generally focuses on immediate economic losses and medical costs. It often excludes non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disabilities, which are common consequences of severe brain injuries.

In cases involving significant brain injuries caused by car accidents, victims may quickly find that their PIP coverage won’t address the full scope of their damages. Hiring a lawyer becomes crucial in such situations. 

Gathering Evidence

Attorneys conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances of the accident. Investigations involve gathering evidence of the car accident such as accident reports, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. 

The strength of a legal case often hinges on the quality and thoroughness of the evidence presented. An attorney’s role in gathering evidence is particularly critical in cases involving brain injuries, which may have delayed symptoms and long-term consequences. These are just a few examples of the evidence your lawyer will work to collect:

• Medical records – Attorneys work closely with medical professionals to obtain comprehensive medical records detailing the nature and extent of the brain injury. These records include diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and expert opinions on the long-term prognosis.
• Accident reports – Your lawyer will obtain and scrutinize the official police report of the accident. The report will provide crucial details about the circumstances of the accident, contributing factors, and initial assessments of fault.
• Witness statements – Eyewitness accounts can offer valuable perspectives on how the accident unfolded. Attorneys interview witnesses, gather statements, and use this information to corroborate other evidence and strengthen the victim’s case.
• Expert opinions – In complex cases involving brain injuries caused by car accidents, attorneys may engage neurologists, accident reconstruction specialists, and vocational experts. These professionals provide opinions on the causation of the injury, its impact on the victim’s life, and potential long-term consequences.

Jones Law Group Helps Victims of Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Jones Law Group attorneys are well-versed in state laws, regulations, and precedents, allowing them to build a compelling case that helps victims of brain injuries caused by car accidents get the money they deserve.

Please don’t hesitate to schedule a free case review by using our online form or calling 727-571-1333.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can brain injury symptoms appear days after a car accident?

Yes, symptoms of a brain injury, including TBI and concussion, may not immediately manifest. Some symptoms may appear days or even weeks after the accident. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any signs of a brain injury, even if they develop later.

2. How does a car accident attorney determine liability?

A car accident attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess relevant laws to determine liability. This process is essential for establishing fault and pursuing maximum compensation.

3. What compensation can victims of brain injuries caused by car accidents seek?

Victims of brain injuries can seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A car accident attorney will assess the case’s specific circumstances to determine the types of compensation available.

4. Why is time crucial in seeking legal assistance after a car accident?

Time is crucial because evidence may deteriorate, and witness memories may fade. Your attorney will work quickly to gather and preserve evidence, building your case on a solid foundation.