Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are serious injuries that can cause an individual to suffer impaired cognition, personality changes, and emotional changes. Unfortunately, these injuries can occur even in seemingly minor car accidents. Because of the serious nature of TBIs, they may entitle an individual to receive compensation from an at-fault party. If you or a loved one was in a car accident that was someone else’s fault and suffered a TBI, you may want to contact an attorney who handles Clearwater TBI and car accident cases. With the help of a skilled car accident lawyer, you may be able to recover significant compensation for this life-changing injury.
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Collisions
“Traumatic brain injury” is an umbrella term for many kinds of harm to the brain. Though some injuries are more severe than others, all TBIs have the potential to cause life-long disabilities. Some of the injuries that fall into this category include diffuse axonal injuries, concussions, bruising, and penetrative injuries. A caring attorney who is familiar with cases surrounding Clearwater TBI and car accidents could work to identify how another party acted negligently. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may be eligible for compensation.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries occur when brain tissue is torn. Most of the time, this is due to a sudden jerk or rotation of the head.
Concussions
Also called a mild TBI, a concussion is a minor form of diffuse axonal injury and is one of the most common injuries seen in car accidents. It is the result of sudden shifts in momentum, rapid changes in movement, and physical impacts.
Bruising
The medical term for a bruise is a “contusion.” Unlike other areas of the body, brain contusions are very serious and may require surgery to keep blood from pooling on the brain and damaging tissue.
Penetrative Injuries
One of the most serious types of TBIs is a penetrative injury. This injury is the result of an object, such as sharp metal or glass from a vehicle, penetrating brain tissue.
Regardless of which type of TBI a person has, it is important to seek medical care immediately. After doing so, an injured person and their family should contact a skilled Clearwater lawyer with experience handling TBI and car accident cases. They can provide advice and direction for filing a powerful personal injury claim that recovers the necessary compensation.
What Happens When the Injured Party is Partially At-Fault for the TBI?
Some car wrecks may involve a claimant who shares fault or negligence for causing the accident. For these cases, Florida courts use a system called comparative fault. Clearwater lawyers could help TBI victims of car collisions calculate their damages and minimize the amount of fault attributed to them.
Under the rules of comparative fault, an injured person’s overall compensation will be reduced by the percentage as the fault that is attributed to them. For example, an injured person who is found to be 10 percent at fault for an accident will have their overall compensation reduced by 10 percent. In this instance, the person has damages totaling $100,000 but will receive a maximum of $90,000 in compensation.
Consult an Attorney About Clearwater TBI and Car Collisions
If you sustain a TBI in a car accident, it is vital that you contact an experienced Clearwater attorney as soon as possible. They could collect and organize evidence of the opposing party’s negligence, such as traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and witness statements.
A Clearwater car crash and traumatic brain injury lawyer could also help you determine what damages to claim, including economic damages like lost wages and medical bills as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To work toward the compensation you deserve and start rebuilding your life after the injury, get help from a lawyer with knowledge about Clearwater TBI and car accidents.
