Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TBIs from car crashes in Virginia contribute to many deaths and permanent disabilities each year.
If you or someone you love suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident in Virginia, you’re not alone. Legal help is available to you.
Contact an experienced Virginia car accident TBI lawyer at the law firm of Arrington Schelin for help right away. We know how devastating brain injuries from car accidents can be. We’re committed to helping brain injury victims and their families seek justice and fair compensation. Let us review your situation during a free consultation today.
How Our Lawyers Help Car Accident TBI Victims in Virginia
The trial lawyers at Arrington Schelin have been helping people who’ve suffered TBIs and other injuries in car accidents for over 40 years. We have what it takes to help you hold the at-fault party accountable. Our goal is the same as yours – to recover the money you need to get treatment, pay your bills, recoup other losses, and move on with your life.
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in a crash, our lawyers are ready to:
- Advise you on your legal rights and options.
- Investigate the crash to determine liability.
- Gather and present evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit and seek compensation in court, if necessary.
Causes of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents in Virginia
Car accidents are often violent and terrifying events that cause severe injuries to the occupants inside the vehicles involved. Brain injuries are, unfortunately, common injuries sustained in collisions. Some of the most common causes of crash-related brain injuries include:
- Head trauma – Jolts or impacts are the most common cause of brain injuries in car accidents. If a person’s head hits an object or is violently shaken during the accident, it can damage the brain. This type of injury often occurs when the brain slams into the inside of the skull. It can cause bruising and swelling of the brain.
- Penetrating injuries – If an object pierces the skull and enters the brain, it can cause significant damage. Penetrating injuries are more likely to occur in high-speed or rollover accidents.
Types of TBI from Car Accidents
Some common brain injuries that can result from car accidents include:
- Concussions – A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the head is violently shaken or struck. Concussions can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Some concussions resolve independently, but it is important to rest and avoid activities that could cause further injury until the brain has fully healed.
- Contusions – A contusion is a bruise on the brain. Contusions can occur when the head is struck or when the force of impact on the inside of the skull damages the brain. Contusions can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and nausea. Severe contusions may require surgical intervention.
- Hematomas – A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. Hematomas can occur in the brain due to car accidents. They can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Hematomas may require surgical intervention to remove excess blood.
- Skull fractures – A skull fracture is a break in the bone of the skull. Skull fractures can occur in car accidents and cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Traumatic Brain Injury from a Car Accident in Virginia
If you suffered a brain injury in a car accident someone else caused, you could seek compensation from the at-fault party for the losses you’ve incurred and will incur due to the injury. Before taking legal action, it is essential to understand the process and what you will need to prove in order to have a successful case. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Seek medical attention. Seeing a doctor is the first thing you should do if you believe you have suffered a brain injury in a collision. Your health is the top priority, and a medical professional can help diagnose and treat your injury.
- Gather evidence. To succeed in a brain injury lawsuit, you must provide evidence that another party’s wrongdoing led to your injury. That could include information from a police report, photos, videos, eyewitness testimony, and other types of documentation.
- Consult with a lawyer. You should speak with our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. We have experience handling brain injury cases, and we can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Negotiate for a settlement. Many brain injury cases are resolved through a settlement rather than going to trial. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- File a lawsuit. If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement amount, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court. A judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide whether the defendant is liable for your injuries and determine the extent of your compensable losses.
Diagnosing and Treating a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident
Your doctor will likely order a battery of tests and exams to determine the extent of your injuries and take appropriate action. Some of the scans that you might be given include things like:
- MRIs to check potential damage to the brain
- EEGs to monitor brain activity
- X-rays to look for physical damage to the brain or skull
Beyond identifying and treating the injury before it gets worse, seeking treatment will also provide the documentation needed to prove the severity of the injuries you suffered. That could strengthen your injury claim.
Potential Compensation for a Brain Injury from a Car Accident
People who suffered traumatic brain injuries because of another driver’s actions may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party, which could include:
- Medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, medical devices, and other treatments
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, in-home assistance, and other costs
- Lost wages from time missed from work
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries will negatively affect the things you were once able to do
- Pain and suffering
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Virginia
At Arrington Schelin, our Virginia car accident TBI attorneys have seen how brain injuries can impact the lives of victims and their families. We know the expenses associated with treating these severe and often life-altering injuries. We’re ready to help you seek the compensation you need.
We’re prepared to fight for you if you’ve suffered a TBI because of someone else’s negligence. Our consultations are always free, and you won’t owe us anything unless you win. Contact us today for a free consultation.