Our Law Firm Handles Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Claims Throughout Kentucky
Millions of people each year sustain a concussion. This includes more than 200,000 who need to be hospitalized and more than 60,000 people who die each year as a result of these types of head injuries, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many concussions occur due to car accidents. That’s why these types of head injuries are among the most common types of car accident injuries. When this happens, injury victims need to make sure they get the best possible medical care. They also need to make sure their rights are respected, especially if another driver caused their collision.
The dedicated Louisville car accident lawyers at the Whaley Law Firm know how to handle concussion injury claims. Our knowledge comes from years of helping concussion victims throughout Kentucky. As a result, we know how to investigate car accidents, what evidence to look for and what questions to ask. Our detailed approach consistently produces results.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a type of head injury. In general, a concussion involves the bruising of the brain. When a concussion occurs in a car crash, it’s usually because the victim hit their head on part of the vehicle (door, window, windshield, etc.) or because the brain violently moved back and forth inside the skull due to the impact of the accident.
A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussions can range from a mild concussion to a severe concussion. If not properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, a concussion can cause permanent brain damage and result in chemical changes in the brain.
But just because a concussion is mild doesn’t mean it’s not serious. People who sustain a mild concussion need time to properly rest and recover. And until a doctor has properly diagnosed it, injury victims have no way of knowing if they have a mild or severe concussion.
What Types Of Accidents Cause Concussions?
Any type of car accident can cause a concussion, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone or intersection accidents
- Rollover accidents
Whatever the circumstances of your car accident concussion, make sure you have a doctor examine you right away. That way, you can get the medical care you need and deserve.
How Do I Know If I Have A Concussion?
Sometimes, there are warning signs that someone sustained a concussion in an accident. Such symptoms include:
- Unexplained memory lapses soon after the accident.
- Frequent headaches.
- Vomiting or nausea after the crash.
- Balance problems, including not being able to stand up or walk normally.
If you or a loved one believe you have a concussion, ask your doctor to run certain tests to determine if you have a concussion. There are several different ways physicians often diagnose a concussion. These include:
- Neurological exam – Doctors perform tests to determine if someone has a neurological injury, meaning damage to their brain or nervous system. Neurological exams test hearing, vision, reflexes and other physical responses.
- Cognitive test – A cognitive test measures someone’s ability to think. Doctors performing a cognitive test will ask questions designed to test memory and ability to concentrate.
- Imaging test – Brain image tests can be the most effective way to determine if someone has a concussion. A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can determine if changes occurred in the brain and where the injury took place in the brain. Noticeable changes may include swelling of the brain and/or internal bleeding.
- Observation – If someone appears to have a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), doctors will often have them stay overnight in a hospital for observation. That way, medical professionals can carefully monitor the patient for 24 hours to determine if they sustained a concussion or other serious injury.
Remember, not every concussion causes immediate symptoms. That’s why you need to take your health seriously after any car crash, even if you feel okay. Seek immediate medical treatment. Your health and well-being could be at risk.
What Are My Legal Options?
If you sustained a concussion in a car accident caused by another driver, you often have several options available to you, including:
- Accept a financial settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Ask for more money and negotiate a better settlement offer.
- Take legal action and file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Keep in mind that Kentucky has what’s called a “choice no-fault” car insurance system. This means that drivers can choose to opt out of the state’s no-fault system, giving them the right to take legal action.
Kentucky’s car insurance system can be confusing. Even knowing what your options are might not be clear. This is why it’s critical that you talk to an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer as soon as possible. This is why we want to help.
Demand Justice After Your Car Accident. Contact Our Law Firm
The stakes can be very high when it comes to concussion injuries sustained in a car accident. You will likely need money for your medical bills, which can add up fast. You may also need replacement income if you need time off from work to rest and fully recover. You may need follow-up medical care and other treatment as well. You may have a permanent injury that requires a lifetime of care.
If you don’t take legal action against the at-fault party, such expenses will have to come out of your own pocket. And if another driver caused your collision, you can expect their insurance company to do everything they can to reduce or deny your injury claim.
Our Louisville car accident attorneys can help level the playing field. We know how to take on insurance companies and negotiate effectively with them. Many agree to cooperate once they see we’re serious about your case. If not, we will not hesitate to take legal action on your behalf.
Get the law firm you can count on if you sustained a concussion in a car accident. Contact the Whaley Law Firm and schedule a free case evaluation at our Louisville office today. You can reach us online or simply call 502-532-2340 to make an appointment.