Car accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries in Florida. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common types of injuries sustained in Miami, Hollywood, and other Florida communities. TBI can have devastating and lasting effects on patients and their families.
At Flaxman Law Group, we’ve worked with many car accident survivors and have fought for fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Pursuing a brain injury claim can be complex and challenging, especially if you’re also dealing with a devastating head injury at the same time. But you don’t have to do this alone. Call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to set up a free, no obligation case consultation with a Florida brain injury claims attorney to discuss your potential case.
Types of Brain Injuries That Happen in Car Accidents in Florida
A brain injury happens when the brain tissue is damaged, affecting the normal functioning of the brain.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common type of brain injury that happens in car accidents. It occurs when something impacts the head or penetrates the skull. For example, when a person’s head hits the windshield, dashboard, or steering wheel, or when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue, a TBI happens. Injuries can range from mild to severe.
TBIs can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion and disorientation
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of consciousness and coma
- Blurred vision
- Hearing problems
- Mood changes and personality changes
- Irritability
- Difficulty reasoning and thinking clearly
- Cognitive problems
- Seizures and coma
The other type of brain injury that can happen with a car accident is a non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI). In this type of injury, the oxygen or blood supply to the brain is cut off enough that it causes brain damage. In a car accident, this can happen after chest or neck injuries. It can also happen if a car accident causes the vehicle and passengers to be submerged in water, without oxygen. NTBIs can also range from mild to severe, and can cause:
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Numbness in parts of the body
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vision loss
- Difficulty with eye movement
- Balance and coordination problems
- Personality changes
- Cognitive impairment
Getting Help for Car-Accident-Related Brain Injuries
If there is any chance that someone may have suffered a TBI or NTBI because of a car accident, it’s essential to seek emergency help right away. Getting an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can help with the prognosis. It can even save a life.
Doctors will perform an examination and ask questions to determine if a brain injury has happened. They may also order an MRI or CT scan, an EEG test to evaluate the brain’s electrical activity, and neuropsychological tests: to check for any impairment.
Treatment for Brain Injuries
Once your doctor has an accurate diagnosis, he or she may recommend different types of treatments to help reduce symptoms and manage your condition. Treatment can include:
- Medications to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, control seizures, relieve pain, or control other symptoms.
- Surgery to remove any blood clots, fragments, or pressure that could be harming the brain tissue.
- Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive therapy to improve your function.
Long-term, outcomes for brain injury patients after a car crash vary. Some make excellent progress and can return to normal life. Others have permanent memory and cognitive impairment and may need expensive treatment and support for the rest of their life.
Protect Your Rights After a Brain Injury
Brain injuries can impact your life significantly. If your symptoms are severe enough, you may not be able to return to your job for a long time or may not be able to work for the rest of your life if you’re living with a permanent disability because of your brain injury. You may face lost income and reduced earning capacity just as your medical bills and personal care costs increase.
You can’t change what happened in your car accident, but you can take steps to protect your future and finances after being in a car accident that causes a brain injury.
To protect your rights, we invite you to contact our legal team at Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation. Our team has recovered over $100 million for injured people across Florida. With brain injuries being one of the most expensive injuries to sustain, you may want to consult with us before you make any decisions that could affect your ability to seek compensation. To find out whether you have a case and to determine how much your claim may be worth, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 as soon as possible after your car accident. Our phone lines are staffed 24/7/365, so you can always reach a live person to set up your free, no obligation case consultation.