Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common consequences of a car accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports accidents involving motor vehicles, including pedestrian accidents, are the third most common cause of TBI after other types of blunt-force trauma and falls.
During the vehicle’s sudden deceleration in a collision, the driver’s brain violently impacts the inside of the skull twice: when the head hits the airbag and again when it bounces back against the headrest. Both the impact and the violent reversal of motion can deform and tear brain tissue, potentially causing life-changing brain damage. A TBI can cause lasting physical disability, as well as loss of cognitive abilities, changes in mood, and difficulty with memory. The injured person may be unable to work and earn a living.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to speak to a car accident attorney. The party at fault may be held financially responsible for your losses and legally compelled to compensate you.
Our compassionate car accident lawyers at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. have spent decades fighting to help accident victims and their families recover compensation for serious brain injuries caused by others. Schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Raleigh, NC, car accident attorney from our law firm today to learn how we can help you and your family.
What to Do After Sustaining a Brain Injury in a Car Accident
Any blow or sudden jolt to the head can cause a brain injury. Duke University Health System advises that any person who experiences a serious blow to the head should seek immediate medical attention. A minor TBI can heal with rest and time, but more severe damage requires advanced care. When consulted promptly, neurological experts can treat the immediate injury as well as control the resulting swelling to limit long-term complications and restore lost function.
If an individual isn’t medically evaluated immediately after a car accident, it’s important to recognize the early signs of brain injury, including:
- Nausea
- Severe headache
- Glossy eyes
- Sudden sleepiness.
Dr. Carmelo Graffagnino, of Duke’s Neurological Disorders Clinic, told CNN that getting to a hospital within the first few hours is critical to prevent permanent brain damage. An emergency room team can quickly determine the severity of your injury. Emergency craniotomy surgery (opening of the skull) is often needed to stop the bleeding and control brain swelling.
Once you have been treated for a brain injury suffered in a car accident, you should:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and recovery instructions, and keep follow-up appointments
- Request copies of records of your medical care and rehabilitation
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report if law enforcement responded to the accident scene
- Keep copies of all bills, invoices, or receipts of expenses you incur due to the auto accident and your brain injuries
- If your injuries keep you from returning to work normally, get written notes from your doctor ordering time off or light-duty work
- Gather your pay stubs or income statements if you need to take time off work to recover from your injuries or if medical restrictions affect your earning capacity
Finally, contact an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney from Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation for your injury and associated losses.
