It was just a fender bender. The insurance adjuster said your car only had a few hundred dollars' worth of damage. The emergency room doctor checked you out and sent you home with a clean bill of health. So why have you had a nagging headache and difficulty concentrating since the crash?
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, our Omaha traumatic brain injury lawyer has seen countless cases where a seemingly minor collision left a victim struggling with the life-altering effects of an undiagnosed brain injury. The truth is, you don't need to be traveling at high speeds or have apparent wounds to sustain lasting neurological damage. When you understand how a car crash can harm the brain, it's easier to recognize the red flags that an evaluation may have missed.
Your Brain Is Vulnerable in Any Collision
While the skull provides a hard layer of protection, the brain has a soft, jello-like consistency. This makes it susceptible to injury from a car accident's rapid acceleration and deceleration forces.
Your head doesn't have to strike anything to cause a traumatic brain injury. The sudden jerking motion of a rear-end collision or low-speed crash is enough to make the brain slam into the inside of the skull or twist around its axis. This violent movement can stretch and tear delicate brain tissue, leading to widespread microscopic damage that doesn't show up on diagnostic imaging.
A Concussion Is a Traumatic Brain Injury
Many people think of a concussion as a "mild" injury that resolves on its own. In reality, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Even a brief change in mental status, like confusion or dizziness, can indicate a concussion.
While some concussions heal with rest, others can have lingering effects like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty with memory and concentration. Multiple concussions can lead to a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
It's crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation after any car accident, especially if you lost consciousness or have any symptoms of a concussion. An undiagnosed brain injury can worsen without proper treatment.
Subtle Symptoms Can Signal Serious Trauma
Many of the signs of a traumatic brain injury aren't as apparent as you might think. Subtle or delayed symptoms can include:
- Persistent headaches
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Trouble with memory and concentration
- Mood changes like increased irritability or anxiety
Never brush off symptoms as "normal" after an accident. If you experience any changes in your physical, cognitive, or emotional function following a crash, follow up with a medical provider who has experience treating brain injuries. An undiagnosed TBI can affect your ability to work, your personal relationships, and your quality of life.
Seeking Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a Nebraska car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Recoverable damages in a brain injury claim can include:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
An experienced brain injury attorney can help you document the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. This includes gathering medical records, consulting with experts, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
You May Have a Case Even If the Crash Was "Minor"
Don't let an insurance adjuster downplay your injuries because the property damage was minimal. With a brain injury claim, what matters is the harm to your health, not the cost of car repairs.
An experienced brain injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the crash, gather evidence of the at-fault driver's negligence, and document the full extent of your injuries and losses. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and more.
If you suspect you've suffered a brain injury in an Omaha car accident, don't wait to get the help you need. At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we work with top brain injury experts who can evaluate the long-term impact of a TBI on your life. We know how to build a strong case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.