If you sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs right now. You might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. We could represent you in your case and seek the money you’re owed for the losses you suffered.
You should take a traumatic brain injury (TBI) seriously. Even if it’s mild and leads to minimal symptoms, you likely need medical care to heal. A TBI can cause headaches, dizziness, and additional symptoms that interfere with your daily life. If you don’t seek treatment from a qualified physician, complications could arise.
Car accidents cause head injuries because of the sudden stopping forces produced from the impact between two vehicles. Any occupant can hit their head or experience a violent shaking motion that jostles their brain around in their skull. The negligent driver should be financially responsible for resulting medical bills and other expenses, especially if they were entirely at fault for the crash.
At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we have over 65 years of experience handling traumatic brain injury cases. You can count on us to fight for you in your moment of need. We will work hard to recover the maximum compensation you’re entitled to and hold the at-fault party liable for their actions. Call our Lakewood car accident lawyers today at (253) 588-6696 for your free consultation.
Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI occurs when the body or head experiences a violent blow or jolt. The injury could also result from an object penetrating the skull and damaging brain tissue. A mild TBI can cause temporary disruptions to the brain cells. A more severe injury can lead to physical damage, such as bleeding, bruising, and torn tissue.
The most common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Blurred vision
- Trouble with speech
- Loss of balance
- Headaches
- Memory and concentration problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vomiting or nausea
- Changes in mood
- Sensitivity to sound or light
The symptoms below could indicate a moderate to severe brain injury. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care:
- Seizures or convulsion
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the toes and fingers
- Prolonged loss of consciousness
- Repeated episodes of nausea or vomiting
- Worsening or persistent headache
- Agitation and unusual behavior
- Coordination loss
- Coma
- Profound confusion
- Inability to wake up from sleep
A TBI can fall under multiple categories. The category of your injury depends on the nature of the damage to the brain. The most common types of TBI include:
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Skull fracture
- Penetrating injury
- Intracranial hematoma
- Concussion
- Contusion
If you notice any symptoms of a traumatic brain injury following a car accident, see a doctor immediately. You need a proper diagnosis so you can begin treatment.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
A car accident can happen for multiple reasons. Typically, it’s due to someone’s negligent actions. Human error often plays a part in crashes. If a driver behaves recklessly or becomes distracted at the wheel, they place other people at risk of harm.
The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Failure to obey a traffic sign or signal
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued driving
- Unsafe lane changes
Do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs if your TBI occurred in an accident due to any of these circumstances. We can review your case and determine your available legal options.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
It’s vital to pursue your case immediately after the accident. First, you should go to the hospital after leaving the crash scene. Don’t wait too long for an examination by a doctor. If there’s any delay or gap in treatment, the insurance company could assume your injury isn’t serious or doesn’t exist and deny your claim.
Attend all necessary doctor’s appointments if the initial physician recommends follow-up care. Medical records are valuable evidence. Having documentation of your TBI can show you were hurt in the accident and required ongoing treatment. You should keep a copy of every record you receive to use as evidence in your claim.
You could also benefit from hiring a Lakewood traumatic brain injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs. We can take on the responsibility for your case so you can focus your time and effort on recovering. You shouldn’t be forced to handle the legal aspects of pursuing compensation when you’re injured and in pain.
Compensation Available for a Traumatic Brain Injury
The other motorist should have liability coverage. State law requires auto insurance for all motor vehicle drivers. The mandatory minimum liability limits are:
- $25,000 for injury or death to another person
- $50,000 for injury or death to all other people
- $10,000 for damage to someone else’s property
You can file an insurance claim for a settlement to compensate you for your losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
You might have to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver if their insurance company offers an inadequate settlement or denies your claim. The compensation you receive should cover your total losses, so you’re not forced to pay out of pocket.
Statute of Limitations on Lakewood Car Accident Cases
Washington has a three-year statute of limitations. If you suffered a TBI and want to sue the at-fault party, you must file your lawsuit within three years of the crash date.
Three years might seem like enough time to prepare your case. However, the deadline could approach quickly, leaving you a limited opportunity to take the other driver to court, if necessary.
You should hire one of the Lakewood traumatic brain injury lawyers from The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs immediately to start working on your claim. That way, if the insurance company rejects your demand for a settlement or provides a low offer, you have plenty of time left to pursue a lawsuit.
Contact Us
At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we understand the struggles of sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. It’s often a challenge to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Most people don’t know the steps they need to take. Our legal team can guide you through the entire process.
If someone else’s negligent behavior caused your TBI in a car crash, call The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs at (253) 588-6696 for your free consultation right now. Our Lakewood traumatic brain injury lawyers will advocate for your rights and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
