Car accidents are traumatic, and in some cases, they result in severe injuries like brain trauma. Brain injuries are not always immediately apparent, making it difficult to know if you have a valid legal case. If you’ve recently been in a car accident and are experiencing symptoms that could point to a brain injury, it’s crucial to understand what steps to take. In this blog, The Payne Law Group will help you recognize the signs of a brain injury, explore the process of proving a brain injury case, and explain how an attorney can assist you in seeking compensation.
Common Types of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents
Not all brain injuries are the same, and understanding the different types can help you identify what you may be dealing with. Keep reading for more information on some of the most common brain injuries after car accidents.
Concussions
A concussion is the most common form of brain injury sustained in a car accident. It occurs when a blow to the head causes the brain to shake within the skull.
- Symptoms: Headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea
- Short- and long-term effects: Concussions can lead to short-term symptoms like temporary confusion or headaches, but repeated concussions or severe cases may result in long-term problems such as memory issues and chronic headaches.
Contusions
A contusion is a bruise on the brain, usually caused by a direct impact to the head during the accident.
- Symptoms: Confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination
- Potential complications: Severe contusions may lead to complications such as brain swelling, seizures, or even permanent cognitive damage.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can range from mild to severe and may occur during car accidents when the brain is violently jarred.
- Mild TBIs: Often characterized by a brief loss of consciousness or feelings of disorientation
- Moderate to severe TBIs: Can result in prolonged unconsciousness, difficulty thinking, memory loss, and physical disabilities
- Long-term effects: Depending on the severity, TBIs may cause permanent changes in cognition, motor skills, or behavior.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
This type of injury happens when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull due to strong rotational forces in a severe accident.
- Symptoms: Loss of consciousness, coma, or even severe brain damage
- Long-term effects: Diffuse axonal injuries are some of the most serious, often leading to long-term or permanent disability.
Signs You May Have a Brain Injury After a Car Accident
Brain injuries are tricky because symptoms don’t always show up immediately. Recognizing early and delayed symptoms can help you determine if you need medical evaluation.
Immediate Symptoms
After a car accident, you should be aware of the following signs that could indicate a brain injury:
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches
- Dizziness or nausea: Feeling light-headed or nauseous shortly after the accident
- Sensitivity to light or sound: Increased sensitivity to your surroundings
- Confusion or memory loss: Difficulty recalling the accident or other details
- Loss of consciousness: Even if you blacked out for only a few seconds, this can be a red flag for brain trauma
Delayed Symptoms
Sometimes, brain injury symptoms appear days or even weeks after the accident. These might include:
- Mood swings or depression: Sudden changes in mood, irritability, or feelings of sadness
- Difficulty concentrating: Inability to focus on tasks or hold a conversation
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Changes in personality: Loved ones may notice that you’re behaving differently than before
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can perform the necessary tests to diagnose a brain injury, even if the symptoms are mild at first.
Proving a Brain Injury Case
If you believe you have suffered a brain injury due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, proving a brain injury case can be complex. Here’s what you need to know:
Medical Documentation
One of the most critical elements of a brain injury case is thorough medical documentation. After the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Diagnostic tools such as MRIs, CT scans, and neurological exams are vital for confirming the presence and severity of a brain injury. Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatments, and any changes in your condition over time.
Establishing Negligence
To pursue compensation, you need to show that someone else’s negligence caused the car accident and, consequently, your brain injury. This is done by proving the following elements of negligence:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care (e.g., driving responsibly)
- The driver breached that duty by acting recklessly or carelessly
- Their actions directly caused the accident
- You suffered damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) as a result
Expert Testimony
In many brain injury cases, expert testimony is essential to prove the extent of your injuries. Medical experts can explain how the accident led to your brain injury and how it may impact your life in the future. Vocational experts can also be used to demonstrate how the injury affects your ability to work and earn a living.
Factors That Strengthen Your Brain Injury Case
Several factors can significantly strengthen your brain injury case:
- Severity of the injury: The more severe and life-altering the injury, the stronger the case for compensation.
- Clear medical evidence: MRI results, medical reports, and expert testimony that clearly link the injury to the accident will help build a solid case.
- Long-term impact: If the injury has long-term effects on your health or ability to work, this can lead to higher compensation.
- Emotional and financial toll: The more you can demonstrate how the injury has impacted your emotional well-being and finances, the more compelling your case will be.
Contact Our Bryan and College Station Brain Injury Attorneys Today
If you’ve suffered a brain injury in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of a legal claim on your own. At The Payne Law Group, we understand your challenges and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and future care needs. Our experienced team is here to provide guidance, fight for your rights, and help you rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us start building your case for recovery.