Concussions and Brain Injuries in Car Accidents

Contact the West Virginia law firm that gets results

Car accidents happen all the time in West Virginia, and they leave people with many different types of injuries. Some of the most concerning are concussions and other brain injuries. Brain damage can have a significant impact on people’s lives, affecting their ability to think, work and take part in their usual activities.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Klie Law Offices understand the seriousness of these types of injuries. That’s why we focus on building strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. We are determined to help the injured get the compensation they deserve so they can get the help that they need.

How do brain injuries happen in a crash?

Most brain injuries suffered in car accidents are closed-head injuries. During the crash, the force of impact can cause a person inside the car to hit their head on the steering wheel, windshield, window or another part of the vehicle. Or a person’s head is shaken back and forth at great force. The result in either case is that the brain strikes the inside of the skull.

The brain can also suffer injury if an object pierces the skull during the crash, though this is less common.

These types of injuries are called traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The mildest form of TBI is a concussion. Other injuries can be moderate or severe. But all types of TBI are a cause for concern.

There may be a loss of consciousness with a brain injury, but not always. A person can suffer a TBI but have no symptoms for hours or even days. When symptoms do appear, they may include dizziness, headache, blurred vision and nausea or vomiting. Victims may have dilated pupils.

Over time, people with a TBI may experience difficulties with memory, sleeping, reading, concentration or balance. Some become sensitive to light or experience changes in their mood or personality.

It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible following a crash. Doctors will conduct a series of tests to determine if someone has suffered a TBI, including a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test of a person’s head.

Who pays when you’ve suffered a brain injury?

Treatment for TBI depends on the seriousness of the injury. A concussion may only require rest. But moderate and severe cases may require medication and/or surgery. People with TBI may also require care at home, as well as ongoing therapy to help restore any lost function.

Medical expenses for diagnosing and treating a brain injury can add up quickly and become overwhelming. And if victims are left unable to work, there is less income coming in.

If you suffered a TBI in a car accident, the negligent driver who caused the crash needs to be held accountable. But recovering financial compensation can be a complicated process. Negligent drivers may deny doing anything wrong, even though they were speeding, texting or falling asleep at the wheel. They may even try to blame you for what happened.

Insurance companies are supposed to help the injured. But they are concerned with the bottom line. They will try to keep payments down to help keep profits up. There are different tactics they use to limit your compensation. For example, they may question the seriousness of your injury. Or they’ll make a settlement offer that falls far short of covering your damages.

A car accident lawyer can make a difference when it matters most

At Klie Law Offices, our experienced car accident attorneys don’t think you should have to settle for less than you deserve. We build strong cases that make insurance companies realize it is in their best interests to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs.

Our legal team investigates your crash. We gather evidence, carefully review accident reports and medical records and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. Our lawyers know what it takes to prove a negligent driver caused the accident that left you hurt.

We’re not intimidated by insurance companies and their attorneys. We understand the impact a TBI can have on your life. It’s why our lawyers fight for the results our clients need and deserve.

It’s important to get trusted legal advice soon after your crash. The statute of limitations for taking legal action is two years from the date of the accident. That seems like plenty of time. But as weeks and months go by, important evidence can be lost or destroyed and witnesses can forget important details.

If you suffered a concussion or brain injury in a West Virginia car accident, call the law firm that has earned a reputation for winning big cases. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.