A brain injury can change a victim’s life in an instant. Truck accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) because of the extreme force involved in these collisions. Despite the rise of many important vehicle safety features, the human brain is still incredibly vulnerable to the kind of violent impact that a crash with an 80,000-pound truck can produce.
If you have suffered a brain injury in a Tennessee truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Learning about the nature of these injuries and how the truck accident legal process works can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
How Truck Accidents Cause Brain Injuries
The brain can be injured in a truck accident in several different ways. A direct blow to the head, such as hitting a window during a collision, is one of the more obvious causes. However, the brain can also be damaged without any direct contact at all. The sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during a high-speed crash can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, tearing delicate tissue and blood vessels in the process.
Some TBIs are immediately apparent at the scene of the accident. Others, however, can take days to produce noticeable symptoms. That’s one reason why getting medical attention right away after a truck accident is critical, regardless of whether you’ve sustained an obvious injury.
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries vary widely in severity. Some of the types that truck accident victims commonly suffer include:
- Concussions, which are considered mild TBIs but can cause lasting cognitive problems if not properly treated
- Contusions, which are bruises on the brain that may require surgical intervention in serious cases
- Diffuse axonal injuries, which involve widespread tearing of nerve fibers and are among the most dangerous forms of TBI
- Intracranial hemorrhages, which involve bleeding inside or around the brain and can be life-threatening without emergency treatment
The long-term effects of a TBI depend on the location and extent of the damage. Some victims recover fully with time and treatment. Others face permanent challenges with things like memory and concentration in addition to basic motor functions.
What Should I Do After Suffering a Brain Injury in a Truck Accident?
Protecting both your health and your legal rights starts immediately after the accident. First and foremost, seek emergency medical care. Brain injuries that go undiagnosed can worsen rapidly, and early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
Beyond the medical side, documentation matters. Police reports, medical records, and any evidence from the scene of the crash can all play a role in building a successful claim.
Tennessee gives you just one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases, so getting an attorney involved early gives you the best chance of meeting that deadline and preserving the necessary evidence.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Tennessee Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury in a truck accident, Woodard Injury Law is ready to help you fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Call (615) 314-4626 or message us online for a free consultation, at which time we can offer you some initial legal advice about your case.