Injuries sustained in car accidents can be severe, and among the most potentially life-altering are head and brain injuries. These injuries can range from concussions and contusions to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), each carrying the potential for long-term consequences.
Experienced legal representation is important for head and brain injury victims
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in an Indiana crash—whether it happened in an accident on a busy highway like I-74 or I-70 or at an intersection—it's important to protect your rights. A car accident lawyer with experience handling brain injury claims can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. With the right legal support, individuals facing the challenges of head and brain injuries can take crucial steps toward recovery and regaining quality of life.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. This can occur during car accidents, either from a direct impact to the head or from the head being violently shaken back and forth. TBIs vary in severity from mild to severe and can affect cognitive functions, emotions, and behavior.
TBIs are classified into two main types: open and closed, each with different characteristics and implications for the injured person.
- Closed TBIs: This is the most common type of brain injury, particularly in car accidents. A closed TBI happens when the head sustains a forceful impact, causing the brain to move within the skull. This movement can lead to bruising, tissue damage, and swelling of the brain. Signs of a closed TBI may not always be visible externally, making it crucial to seek medical attention for symptoms like confusion, headaches, or changes in behavior. Concussions, a type of closed TBI, are notably common in vehicular accidents.
- Open TBIs: Also known as penetrating TBIs, these occur when the skull is fractured or penetrated, exposing the brain. Open TBIs can result from accidents that involve sharp objects or scenarios where the head forcefully collides with hard surfaces, such as a dashboard or steering wheel.
Symptoms and signs of a traumatic brain injury
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident, especially if you hit your head, is crucial due to the life-threatening and life-altering effects of a traumatic brain injury. This protects your health and documents your injury, which is crucial for supporting a future claim.
Even if you don't initially experience symptoms after a crash, getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is important. Some brain injury symptoms take time to manifest, and the sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can receive treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for after a car accident:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly.
- Persistent headaches or migraines.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Mood swings or changes in behavior.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Slurred speech.
How a car accident lawyer can help with a brain injury claim
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident that has resulted in a brain injury can be overwhelming for victims and their families. Insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of a brain injury and offer far less compensation than what's deserved. This is where the knowledge and experience of a car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
At Glaser & Ebbs, Attorneys At Law, our dedicated legal team understands the profound impact a TBI can have on victims and their loved ones. Our attorneys know how to counter insurance company tactics to pay victims less and aggressively advocate for fair and full compensation. Don't let an insurance company take advantage of you. Protect your rights and put over 100 years of trial law experience on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation. We have five offices conveniently located in Indiana, including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Decatur, Warsaw, and Kendallville.