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Collisions can lead to traumatic brain injuries

On Behalf of | Jan 21, 2025 | Car Accidents, Truck Accidents |

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury caused by an external force. Some may be surprised to find that car collisions are a common cause. For example, it can happen if your head hits something like the steering wheel, dashboard or window. It can also occur if the force of the crash jerks a victim’s head, causing your brain to move within your skull. Such injuries can be life-changing because they disrupt normal brain function and affect cognitive ability, physical movement and emotions. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Five common brain injuries

There are many different types of TBIs. Five common examples include:

  1. Concussions: Mild TBIs that can cause temporary loss of consciousness, confusion and headaches.
  2. Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue can lead to swelling and increased pressure in the skull.
  3. Diffuse axonal injuries: Damage to the brain’s connecting nerve fibers can cause widespread brain damage and long-term issues.
  4. Penetrating injuries: These occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain, causing localized damage.
  5. Second impact syndrome: A second concussion before the first one has healed, leading to rapid and severe brain swelling.

These injuries can cause long-term or permanent disabilities, requiring ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and care. The impact of a TBI can affect every part of a person’s life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships and perform everyday tasks. It also changes the lives of the victim’s family members.

Compensation may be available

If another driver caused the TBI, victims may be eligible for different types of compensation to help ease the financial burden caused by the injury:

  • Medical expenses: Financial help to cover medical bills (past, present, and future) related to the injury.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for lost income because the victim can’t work permanently or temporarily.
  • Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
  • Rehabilitation costs: Expenses for physical, occupational and other rehabilitation services.
  • Long-term care: Costs for ongoing care and assistance needed due to the injury.
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for how the injury affects the victim’s relationships with family members.
  • Property damage: Compensation for damage to the victim’s vehicle.

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts, and accepting an initial offer might not cover the full or long-term costs of a TBI.

Help is available

The challenges of TBI can seem overwhelming, but victims don’t have to face it alone. To ensure that the insurance company’s offer considers all the above types of compensation, victims or family members often find it best to consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company. A personal injury attorney does not charge legal fees unless they win the client’s case. They also offer free initial consultation to discuss the injury’s details.