Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Tennessee. What might seem like a minor collision can still cause the brain to move violently inside the skull, leading to damage that can affect a person’s life dramatically. Brain injury symptoms can also appear gradually, so some victims don’t realize how serious their injury is until days or weeks later.
If you’ve sustained a head injury after a crash, it’s critical to understand how these injuries occur and what legal options may be available if another driver was at fault.
Common Types of Brain Injuries After a Car Accident
Not all brain injuries are the same. The severity of a TBI depends on things like the type of crash in question, the speed of impact, and whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt.
Some of the most common brain injuries include:
- Concussions: Often considered mild TBIs, concussions can still cause headaches and other effects that last for months.
- Contusions: Bruising or bleeding on the brain that can create swelling and pressure inside the skull.
- Diffuse axonal injuries: Damage caused by the brain shifting inside the skull, stretching and tearing nerve fibers.
- Penetrating injuries: When a foreign object breaks through the skull and damages brain tissue.
It’s very important to get medical attention if there is even a slight possibility that you’ve suffered a brain injury. As noted, these injuries do not always present symptoms immediately, and medical records can also help you win your personal injury claim.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms To Watch Out For?
It’s easy to dismiss a mild headache or fatigue as stress after getting into a car accident. However, these can be early indicators of a TBI. Overall, warning signs may include:
- Persistent headaches
- Neck pain
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Changes in mood or behavior
Family members often notice behavioral changes before victims do. If any of these symptoms appear, a medical evaluation and imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI are essential.
How Much Is My Tennessee Car Accident Brain Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a brain injury claim can vary widely based on the circumstances. Several key factors often determine how much compensation you may recover, including:
- The severity and permanence of your brain injury
- The total cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- The amount of time you’ve been unable to work and your future earning potential
- The emotional and physical impact of the injury on your life
- The level of available insurance coverage and supporting evidence
Brain injuries can lead to significant, long-term expenses. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Nashville can help assess your damages and pursue the full amount you’re entitled to under Tennessee law.
A Tennessee Car Accident Attorney Can Help You File a Claim After a Brain Injury
Recovering from a brain injury can be a long, difficult journey. While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious crash, pursuing a legal claim can provide financial relief for your medical care as well as for your pain and suffering, among other damages.
If you’ve suffered a head or brain injury in a Tennessee car accident, contact Woodard Injury Law for help today. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.