One of the most serious types of injuries in a car crash is a head injury. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that cause permanent disability. It’s important to understand the symptoms of an auto accident head injury and seek urgent medical care.
If you suffered head trauma in a car wreck, our Alpharetta car accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to fighting for accident victims. Our lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience and have earned a reputation for excellence. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Head Injuries in Car Accidents
Head injuries can be caused by a variety of factors during a car accident, including direct impact with the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, or sudden jolts to the head and neck. These injuries can vary in severity and can have long-term consequences. The most common types of head injuries resulting from car accidents are concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. Concussions often happen when a person’s head is violently moved during a crash, even if the head does not make direct contact with any object.
Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light or noise. Even a mild concussion can have long-term effects if not properly treated.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a more severe type of head injury that occurs when the brain is damaged due to a blow to the head or a violent shaking. TBIs can result in permanent damage and require extensive medical treatment.
Symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and changes in mood or behavior. Severe cases of TBI can lead to permanent disability or even death.
The long-term effects of TBIs can be debilitating and affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to work, perform daily tasks, and maintain relationships. In some cases, TBIs may require lifelong care and support.
The Importance of Medical Attention
After a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel that you have been seriously injured. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of a head injury, and some injuries may not show immediate signs.
A healthcare professional can properly diagnose and treat head injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize the risk of long-term complications from concussions or TBIs.
If you experience any symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or confusion, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records will be critical in a personal injury claim.
Auto Accident Head Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of a head injury may not always appear immediately. It’s important to be aware of potential signs that could indicate a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away:
- Headache: A persistent or severe headache that doesn’t go away.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness:Â Feeling off-balance or faint.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Difficulty concentrating, understanding your surroundings, or remembering what happened during the accident.
- Blurred or Double Vision: Visual disturbances can be a sign of a brain injury.
- Memory Problems: Difficulty recalling important details, such as the accident itself or events before and after the crash.
- Loss of Coordination or Balance: Trouble walking, standing, or performing regular movements.
- Sensitivity to Light or Noise: Being overly sensitive to bright lights or loud sounds.
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
- Mood Swings: Increased irritability, sadness, or feelings of depression or anxiety.
- Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus): A constant buzzing or ringing in the ears.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or articulating words.
- Loss of Consciousness: Any period of unconsciousness, even if brief, should be treated seriously.
- Seizures: A severe head injury may cause seizures.
- Neck Pain or Stiffness: Pain or tightness in the neck can sometimes accompany a head injury.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it’s vital to see a healthcare professional immediately, even if they seem mild at first. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing further complications and ensuring a full recovery.
Compensation for an Auto Accident Head Injury
If you have suffered a head injury in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are often the largest expense associated with head injuries in car accidents. Whether your treatment includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing therapy, the cost of medical care can add up quickly. Compensation can help cover both current and future medical expenses related to your injury. This includes the cost of prescriptions, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
A head injury may cause you to miss work or be unable to return to your job in the same capacity. If you have to take time off to recover, you can seek compensation for lost wages. You can pursue compensation for lost future income if your head injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
Property Damage
Car accidents often result in property damage, including damage to your vehicle. In addition to compensation for your head injury, you can also pursue compensation for the damage to your vehicle, including the cost of repairs or replacement. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy may help cover the costs of property damage.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation is designed to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury. A head injury, particularly a TBI, can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing chronic pain, memory loss, emotional distress, and an inability to enjoy life as you did before the accident. While this compensation does not have a fixed dollar amount, it is meant to provide compensation for the hardship you have endured due to your injury.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless behavior.
For example, victims can seek punitive damages in a lawsuit if the other driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What Is the Average Car Accident Head Injury Settlement?
The settlement amount you may receive for a head injury in a car accident depends on the severity of your injury and other factors.
For concussions, Georgia car accident settlements typically range between $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the medical expenses involved. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in much higher settlements, ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars in the most severe cases.
Factors that influence auto accident head injury settlements include:
- The severity of the injury and the impact it has on the victim’s life
- Medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury
- Lost wages and lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- If you are partially at fault for the collision
An Alpharetta car accident lawyer can accurately assess the value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.
How an Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the complexities of a car accident claim, especially when dealing with a head injury, can be overwhelming. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you in several key ways.
Gathering Evidence
A successful personal injury claim requires strong evidence to support your case. An Alpharetta car accident lawyer can help collect and organize evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. This evidence will help establish that the other driver was at fault and that your head injury was caused by the accident.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay to injury victims. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you are offered a fair settlement. Without legal representation, you may risk accepting a settlement that is much lower than what you are entitled to.
Representation in a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer can represent you in a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer will advocate for your rights in court and work to secure a verdict that fairly compensates you for your injuries.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a car accident, it is essential to understand your rights and options. Seeking medical attention immediately is crucial.
An experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
Our lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience and have earned a reputation for dedicated advocacy. Our team has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Georgia Business Journal’s Best of Georgia list.
You pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free case review!
