Navigating a Traumatic Brain Injury Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that motor vehicle collisions are the “second leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits in Georgia.” The unfortunate reality is that there is a risk of a crash any time you are in a motor vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious, frightening types of common car accident injuries.

If you sustained a concussion/TBI in a crash, you may be entitled to recovery compensation through a brain injury lawsuit. These are complex, stressful cases. You cannot rely on an insurance company for guidance and support. At The Larrison Law Firm, we take on all types of brain injury cases. Here, our Athens car accident attorney provides a guide to navigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims.

An Overview of the Most Common Types of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents

Brain injuries have been referred to as a silent epidemic. Well over one million people seek emergency medical care for a suspected TBI in the United States each year. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 17 percent—nearly 1 in 5—brain injuries suffered in the U.S. happen in motor vehicle collisions. Brain injuries can vary dramatically—both in type and their severity. Some of the most common types of brain injuries from car accidents include:

• Concussion: A concussion is the most frequent type of brain injury resulting from car accidents. It occurs when the brain is jolted against the skull due to sudden movement, such as a collision. A severe concussion can be a catastrophic injury.

• • Brain Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain tissue. These injuries can vary in severity, potentially leading to swelling and increased intracranial pressure. In some cases, a brain contusion might require surgical intervention to alleviate.

• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): A DAI is a type of injury that involves the tearing of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers (axons). Most often, it happens when the brain is injured as it shifts and rotates inside the skull. It is a catastrophic injury that can be life-threatening.

• • Skull Penetrating Injury: A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain tissue. It can cause severe damage to specific areas of the brain and lead to emergency complications, including bleeding.

• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Coup-Contrecoup is a type of injury that happens when the force impacting the head is not only strong enough to cause a contusion at the site of impact, but also on the opposite side of the brain.

Understanding the Impacts of TBIs from Car Crashes

Every head injury in a car accident requires immediate medical attention. Concussions and other types of TBIs often arise with a delayed onset. You could feel far worse 48 or 72 hours after the crash than you do at the scene itself. See a doctor right away—doing so is vital for both health reasons and legal reasons. TBIs can also have terrible adverse long-term impacts, including:

• Cognitive Impairment: TBIs can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. A car crash victim might experience shortened attention spans, struggle with decision-making, or find it challenging to process information.

• Physical Disability: Depending on the area of the brain affected, physical capabilities can be significantly compromised. Along with other things, this includes loss of coordination, less strength, and lower flexibility.

• Emotional/Behavioral Changes: Sadly, many people with TBIs experience significant changes in their behavior and emotional responses. It may include mood swings, irritability, depression, and a reduced ability to control emotions.

• Communication Struggles: In some cases, a TBI can impair an individual’s ability to understand or produce spoken or written language, known as aphasia. It can affect both the ability to speak clearly and the comprehension of conversation.

What to Know About Proving Liability in a Brain Injury Lawsuit in Georgia

To hold another party legally liable for a crash—including through a traumatic brain injury lawsuit—you must be prepared to demonstrate that their negligence contributed to your damages.

Every car accident that causes a head injury in Georgia should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney.

Georgia uses a comparative fault standard (O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7). You can still recover compensation even if you are partially at-fault for your own collision. With that being said, your recovery will be reduced by your degree of fault. Imagine you suffered a brain injury and had $100,000 in total damages. If you are found 20 percent at fault for the car crash, you would only be able to recover for $80,000. 20 percent of the damages—$20,000—would be assigned to you.

Preparing for the Challenges in Brain Injury Lawsuits

Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is hard. Brain injury claims can be particularly hard. One major hurdle is establishing liability. You must prove that another party—whether a driver or trucking company—is responsible for your crash. Another issue is that establishing the full extent of damages can be problematic. Insurance companies can make the personal injury claims process extremely challenging for injured victims.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Brain Injury in Georgia?

In Georgia, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full value of their economic damages and their non-economic losses. What does that mean for the value of a brain injury claim? It depends. A lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim. Unfortunately, the big insurance companies cannot be trusted. You deserve the maximum traumatic brain injury car accident settlement. Compensation for a TBI in a car crash in Georgia may include:

• Property damage, including vehicle repair costs;
• Ambulance transportation and emergency room services;
• Hospital bills and other medical costs;
• Medication and medical equipment;
• Physical and psychological rehabilitation services;
• Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
• Long-term physical/mental disability; and
• Reduced quality of life.

How Georgia Brain Injury Lawyer Brady M. Larrison Can Help

Car accident injury claims are complicated—especially if you or your family member suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. If you have questions about your case, you are not alone. Brady M. Larrison has the professional experience and legal expertise you can trust. When you contact our law firm, you will have a chance to speak to a Georgia car accident lawyer who can:

• Hear your story and answer your questions about brain injury lawsuits;
• Investigate your motor vehicle collision—gathering relevant evidence;
• Document your brain injury and connect you with the right doctors/specialists;
• Handle the legal paperwork and settlement negotiations with the insurer; and
• Fight aggressively to help you secure justice and the maximum compensation.

With a proven record of case results, our Georgia car accident attorney always puts the rights of injured victims first. You can always afford to hire a top-tier legal advocate. Our firm takes on personal injury claims on contingency. There are absolutely no upfront costs and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Our Georgia Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyer Today

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Georgia car accident attorney has the skills and experience to take on even the most complex of cases, including traumatic brain injury claims. If you or your loved one suffered a severe concussion in a crash, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up a free, no obligation initial appointment.