If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, the probability of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often high. A TBI is a serious injury that can happen when your head hits something hard, causing damage to your brain. According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the third leading cause of TBI, accounting for nearly 20% of all TBIs. Additionally, these injuries often result in long-term or permanent disabilities. If you are considering pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver, proving TBI can be a challenging task. However, working with a skilled Virginia Beach car accident attorney, like Deering Hedrick, can help you build a compelling case.
In this blog, we’ll look at the steps you can take to secure compensation for TBI in a personal injury case.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you have been in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. Do not wait; even if you don’t think you have an injury, a medical examination is always necessary. Even if your injury appears mild, symptoms may begin to appear hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Seeking prompt medical attention after the accident helps to document your physical condition immediately after the accident, and the presence of any TBI symptoms.
Document and Collect Information
Once you have sought medical attention, gather and document information about the accident or incident. Information like accident reports, photos of the accident scene, or eyewitness accounts where available would be helpful. Documentation like medical records and receipts for medical bills should be kept. This documentation helps to establish a history of the accident and your injury, which later proves essential to identify the cause of the TBI.
Engage a Medical Professional
TBIs are often complex and may cause bodily harm beyond the brain. Engaging a medical professional, such as a neuropsychologist or neurologist, with TBI experience would be helpful in diagnosing the extent of the injury. Your doctor will evaluate different parts of your brain that may have been affected, including your physical, cognitive, and emotional functions. This examination may help to diagnose potential deficits, such as amnesia, memory loss, headaches, balance issues, or irritability. Your medical provider’s report documenting these symptoms is crucial in proving TBI to the insurance adjuster, the court, or during settlement negotiations.
Work With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Proving TBI in a personal injury case can be challenging and complicated. Working with a skilled Virginia Beach car accident attorney who has experience with TBIs may help you build a compelling case. Your lawyer will not only represent your interests but also negotiate on your behalf with insurance adjusters, prepare the legal documents and even defend the case in court if necessary. The right attorney would give you peace of mind, tackle difficult legal issues for you and handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your recovery.
Calculate Your Damages
Damages refer to the compensation that you’re entitled to receive. Virginia law allows TBI victims to receive compensation for several types of damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Working with an experienced Virginia Beach auto accident attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Be Patient
Finally, it is important to be patient because the TBI claims process can take time. Recovering from a TBI takes time, and so does gathering the necessary documentation for your case. Though it may be frustrating, being patient will help ensure your legal representation builds the strongest case possible, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney
Proving TBI in a personal injury case can be complex. However, starting with seeking prompt medical attention, gathering information, engaging a medical professional, working with an experienced car accident attorney, and being patient can help increase your chances of fair compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered from a TBI because of a car accident, contact Virginia Beach car accident attorney Deering Hedrick to schedule a consultation and review the facts surrounding your accident. Call our office today to get started.
