One of the worst-case scenarios that can result from a car accident involves injuries to the head, specifically traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These types of injuries can range from a mild concussion to one that causes permanent disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents were the second most frequent cause of TBIs in 2014.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury or any other type of injury to the head during a collision in Tallahassee, you may have a claim for compensation. Even if you shared partial blame for the accident, you may still be able to make a claim through your insurance or that of the other motorist.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine advocate on behalf of car accident victims in order to seek justice and compensation for their clients. A Tallahassee car accident lawyer can pick up your case while you focus on your recovery. Call us as soon as possible.
Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Intracerebral Hemorrhages
Unfortunately, little can be done to address a traumatic brain injury, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). This means that medical professionals turn their attention to managing the trauma sustained from the impact. They may monitor oxygen levels in the brain and blood flow throughout the body. From there, and depending upon how severe the injury is, doctors may prescribe a variety of therapies to help the victim readapt to normal life.
Some of the issues that may require extensive therapy include:
- Speech disorders
- Immobility
- Loss of coordination
- Psychological issues
- Social issues
In some instances, doctors may administer a blood test to victims of traumatic brain injuries. Due to the ambiguous nature of this type of injury, it is of utmost importance to seek out medical attention after a car accident, even if you only appear to have mild symptoms of a concussion.
Seeking medical attention sooner than later can make a difference in the long run. For example, if the patient is suffering from a dangerous brain bleed, medical professionals can identify the issue early on and potentially save a life. According to Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can take anywhere between 24 hours to 30 days to lead to a fatality. Furthermore, only 20% of survivors of these types of brain bleeds retain functionality after six months of rehabilitation.
Symptoms
With statistics like these, you do not want to take the chance of skipping out on medical attention after a car crash. If you experience any of the symptoms of a TBI or ICH, you should seek a doctor for help. The Mayo Clinic lists some of the following symptoms:
- Abnormalities with sleeping
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Speech impairment
- Moodiness
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Disorientation
- Issues with memory or concentration
Do not hesitate to go to a doctor, as it could save your life or prevent a permanent disability. Medical records can also serve as proof of your losses when making a claim or filing a lawsuit.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for your free consultation.
Pursuing a Claim or Lawsuit
You do not have to suffer from a TBI or ICB without seeking justice. You have the right to file a claim with your insurance or the other driver’s insurance, depending on who holds the blame for the accident. In Florida, even if you are 50% at fault for the accident, you can still make a medical claim.
One thing to consider when beginning the claims process is whether or not you want to work on your case alone or seek out the help of a lawyer. A Tallahassee head injury lawyer can pick up the work for you while you rest and recover from your injuries.
Some of the ways a lawyer can help include:
- Investigating your accident to determine who was at fault and to what degree
- Collecting necessary evidence to prove your losses
- Negotiating with insurers to seek fair compensation
- Handling all communication with insurance companies and the negligent party
- Filing a lawsuit within the statute of limitations
- Representing you in a trial if necessary
A lawyer can also help ensure that you properly evaluate your losses and seek compensation that would be fair in your case. Remember, head injuries can lead to hospitalization and extensive therapy that could last for months or years after the injury. You will want to make sure you seek compensation that will not only cover your immediate expenses related to your injury but also those that will continue into the foreseeable future.
By working with your doctors, your lawyer can accurately evaluate what a fair settlement would look like. Often, the initial settlement offered by an insurance company may not cover future expenses like occupational therapy and speech therapy. You deserve to seek a sum that would help you cope with any temporary or permanent disability that results from your accident.
Let a Tallahassee Head Injury Lawyer Go to Work for You
You have enough to deal with after a car accident. By obtaining legal representation, you may be able to better focus on your health and spending time with your loved ones. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to help you determine where you stand with your potential case.
The sooner you call us, the sooner we may be able to start working on your case and file a personal injury lawsuit, if needed.
Call us for more information about legal representation after suffering a head injury from a car accident.
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