Car accidents can cause all types of injuries, from minor scrapes to catastrophic or even life-threatening conditions. While most injuries are clearly identifiable in the immediate aftermath of the collision, some injuries do not exhibit obvious symptoms. For instance, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and internal bleeding can be hard to diagnose at the scene. This is why it’s essential for auto accident victims to seek immediate medical care, even if the visible injuries do not seem life-threatening. When a medical professional conducts a comprehensive evaluation after the car accident, they can look for signs of concussions or other brain injuries that, if left undiagnosed or untreated, could lead to serious complications and adverse health outcomes. Early detection and treatment is key to supporting the recovery process, so it’s worth seeking medical care as soon as possible to improve your chances of a smooth and successful physical recovery following the car accident.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in Washington state, you may be entitled to file a claim and recover the compensation you need to support the unanticipated costs associated with the event. The damages you recover can assist with medical bills, lost wages, and other costs stemming from the car accident. Since brain injuries can be slightly trickier to diagnose than other types of auto accident injuries, it’s worth taking some time to recognize the signs of brain injury after a car crash and the best methods for documenting a TBI for a legal claim in Washington state. Enlisting the guidance of a highly experienced and dedicated Seattle brain injury attorney can give you the support you need to proceed with greater understanding and confidence.
Common Types of Brain Injuries Stemming From Auto Accidents
There are several different types of brain injuries that can occur. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be either penetrating (i.e., when an object goes through the skull and enters the brain) or non-penetrating (i.e., when an external force moves the brain within the skull). Car accidents typically involve considerable amounts of force, which can cause mild to severe brain injuries. For example, a driver who is rear-ended by an inattentive driver may be propelled forward with enough force to cause a non-penetrating TBI when their head collides with the dashboard, side window, or windshield. Or, debris from a collision with a large semi-truck may pierce someone’s skull and cause a penetrating brain injury. Even seemingly minor bumps to the head can cause mild concussions, so it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to receive the care you need to ensure a successful recovery.
Early and Delayed Brain Injury Symptoms to Look For
Those who suffer a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in King County may experience a number of symptoms. Physical symptoms of concussions and brain injuries include headache, convulsions, seizures, blurred vision, unequal eye pupil size or dilation, nausea, and vomiting. TBIs can also cause cognitive and behavioral symptoms, such as loss of consciousness (from a few seconds to several hours), decreased level of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, frustration, and changes in sleep patterns. Other symptoms, such as light-headedness, dizziness, vertigo, hearing problems, sensitivity to light or sound, mood changes, fatigue, and feelings of anxiety and depression can also be signs of a brain injury.
How to Document a Brain Injury After an Accident in Seattle
A strong auto accident claim begins at the scene of the incident. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is the best way for you to receive the treatment and potentially life-saving interventions you need. If your injuries do not seem severe enough to justify a trip to the hospital, be sure to visit a doctor within the next day or two for a comprehensive medical evaluation. The records established by these visits to the hospital or doctor’s office will document the nature, extent, and prognosis of your injuries, which will be useful when you start to put together your auto accident claim. Be sure to keep track of all MRI and CT scans, as well as the results from all neuropsychological assessments to strengthen your claim later on. It’s also helpful to keep a symptom journal or daily log of your symptoms, as these details will show how profoundly the brain injury has affected your ability to work and care for yourself. Statements from your loved ones and coworkers can also be valuable additions to the personal injury claim you eventually pursue. To learn more about your options for pursuing a concussion car accident settlement in Washington state, consider contacting a highly trusted Seattle personal injury law firm today.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim For a TBI in Washington
If you suffered a TBI from an auto accident in Washington state, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover the compensation you need to support the costs of your recovery. To build a successful car accident claim, you will need to prove causation between the crash and the injury you suffered as a result. In other words, you should provide evidence showing that the other driver’s negligence (i.e., texting while driving) caused them to collide with your vehicle, and this collision resulted in a brain injury. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation to assist with the on-going medical treatment your injury requires, long-term care expenses, lost wages, and even the emotional distress you endured. While Washington laws do not require plaintiffs to hire an attorney in order to pursue a personal injury claim, doing so is highly recommended. A skilled and experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer knows how to handle the complex and frustrating negotiations with insurance companies while protecting your best interests at every opportunity.
Get Started With a Top Seattle Car Accident Law Firm Today
If you are ready to learn more about your options for pursuing compensation after an auto accident injury in Washington state, the highly qualified and trusted legal team at Scott & Scott, PLLC, is here to provide you with the personalized legal guidance and support you need and deserve. Please reach out to our Seattle office today by calling (206) 622-2200 to get started with a dedicated personal injury attorney.