Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in Car Accidents
If you suffered a concussion or TBI after a crash, we can protect your rights
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in car accidents. These injuries are very concerning because they can have a significant impact on brain function and overall health. If a negligent driver caused the crash that left you with a TBI, it’s important to have experienced legal representation.
The car accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin in Plantation, FL, understand the physical, emotional, and financial impacts that TBI can have on victims and their families. That’s why we build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. If you were hurt in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in Florida, we can help.
How do traumatic brain injuries happen in car accidents?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically caused by a sudden and violent force to the head or body. During a collision, the force of impact can cause the brain to move back and forth within the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding.
This movement can be caused by direct impact with parts of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. It can also result from the head being jolted violently. Additionally, flying debris within the vehicle can strike the head. A TBI can happen in any type of crash – including rear-end accidents, T-bone collisions, and head-on collisions.
What are the different types of traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injuries are classified based on their severity, which affects both the immediate impact on the individual and the long-term outcomes. The different types include:
Mild TBI (Concussion)
A mild traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as a concussion, is the least severe form of TBI. Despite being labeled “mild,” a concussion is still a significant injury that can cause temporary disruption of brain function. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, temporary loss of consciousness, and memory problems. In many cases, symptoms may appear immediately or develop gradually over several hours or days.
Most people with concussion recover fully within a few weeks to months, but some may experience prolonged symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome. Rest and gradual return to activities are typically recommended.
Moderate TBI
A moderate TBI is more serious than a mild TBI and usually involves a loss of consciousness lasting from a few minutes to several hours or confusion and disorientation lasting for days to weeks. Symptoms can include prolonged unconsciousness, severe headaches, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, slurred speech, and difficulty waking up. Cognitive and physical impairments may also be more pronounced.
Recovery from a moderate TBI can take months to years, with some people experiencing lasting impairments in memory, attention, and motor skills. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy, is often necessary to maximize recovery.
Severe TBI
A severe TBI is the most serious form of brain injury, often resulting in significant physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. This type of injury can be life-threatening and often leads to long-term or permanent disability. People with a severe TBI may experience prolonged unconsciousness or coma, profound confusion, agitation, inability to wake from sleep, severe physical impairments, and loss of coordination.
The prognosis for severe TBI is variable and depends on the extent of the injury and the speed of treatment. Many individuals require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Expenses for treating a TBI can add up quickly
Treatment for traumatic brain injury varies depending on the severity of the injury and your specific needs. For mild TBIs, treatment often involves rest, pain management, and a gradual return to normal activities. Moderate to severe TBIs may require more intensive care, including hospitalization to monitor brain swelling, surgery to address bleeding or pressure on the brain and a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Treating moderate to severe TBIs can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more.
But insurance companies are not on your side. If you suffered a TBI, they may use several tactics to dispute your claim for compensation. They may question the severity of your TBI or ask you to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. They may argue that your injury was pre-existing and seek access to your medical history.
Or they’ll offer you a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering all of your damages. We think you deserve better.
Your concussion claim may be significant, and the insurance companies know it
All of our attorneys used to represent insurance companies in personal injury claims. We know how they approach cases involving concussions and other traumatic brain injuries along with what tactics and strategies they’ll use to try to pay you less. That’s why we investigate your crash to get the facts, determine the total damages you suffered, including all current and future medical expenses, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under Florida law.
We know you may not be sure what to do next and may wonder if you even had a case. Let’s talk about what happened. We can help put your mind at ease by reviewing the details of your crash, discussing your legal options, and answering any questions you have. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.