According to the most recent data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 223,135 hospitalizations related to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in 2019. There were 64,362 TBI-related deaths in 2020. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of brain injuries.
Common Types of Brain Injuries in Car Crashes
Not all head injuries are the same. Some have minor effects that heal in a relatively short amount of time. Others have lasting implications that can entirely change the course of a life. Sometimes, a brain injury that initially seems minor ends up having lasting implications.
Brain Injury Symptoms
There is no “one-size-fits-all” symptom list for brain injuries. A person should be concerned about having a brain injury if they lose consciousness or are disoriented, confused, dizzy, or experience headaches after a car crash. Even if those symptoms are not present, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor after a crash, just in case.
Over time, symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can range from chronic headaches to trouble sleeping, controlling emotions, or performing basic activities of daily living. People who have experienced a brain injury sometimes seem to show differences in personality or behavior. They may have trouble remembering names, dates, and appointments. It make take them longer to perform tasks and they may be unable to multi-task.
With brain injuries, recovery is notoriously slow. To heal, the body must rebuild neural pathways. Brain injury survivors often need a great deal of rest, therapy , and other medical care to move forward with their lives.
Take Legal Action After a Brain Injury
When a car crash leads to a brain injury, one of the best ways to protect your loved one’s future is to get a personal injury lawyer’s help. Your lawyer can help you prove that the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the harm and that the insurance company should compensate you for the full extent of the damage.
Do not settle your car crash case without speaking with an attorney. Once you settle, you will not have a chance to seek compensation again. If you settle before the true extent of the injury is known, you or your loved one may not have the resources necessary to seek adequate care in the future.
As brain injuries can have unanticipated consequences that last a lifetime, you may not have the information you need to negotiate a full and fair settlement directly after a crash. Your attorney can look at the facts of your case and guide you through getting the care and compensation you need after a collision.
Reach Out to Keating Wagner Polidori Free
The attorneys at our Denver law firm have extensive experience representing car crash survivors. We can help you understand your options in a free and confidential consultation. Call 303-534-0401 or send us a message to talk with us about your options.
