Traumatic brain injuries are among the worst injuries stemming from car accidents in Wyoming. The violent force of impact in a crash can cause serious brain damage, with consequences that last a lifetime. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury after a car accident and someone else is to blame, you deserve compensation for your losses — and the Olson Law Firm, LLC can help you demand it.
Our accomplished Cheyenne personal injury law firm is committed to helping victims recover the money they need to cover their medical bills, lost income, diminished quality of life, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Cheyenne car accident attorney.
Common Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Cheyenne
The forceful impact of a car collision can cause severe damage to the brain and surrounding tissues, with potentially life-threatening complications.
There are three categories of traumatic brain injury (TBI): mild, moderate, and severe. Physicians further classify brain injuries by their location and the type of damage sustained.
Common types of TBI injuries include:
- Concussions – A concussion is the most common type of head injury. Though it is considered a mild TBI, the condition is still serious. In a concussion, a jolt or bump on the head causes the brain to strike the skull.
- Intracranial hematomas – An intracranial hematoma occurs when blunt-force trauma causes blood to pool in the brain or skull. The collection of blood puts pressure on the brain tissues, which can cause dangerous swelling and cell death.
- Diffuse axonal injury – In a diffuse axonal injury, the shifting or rotation of the brain in an accident causes nerve fibers to tear, disrupting brain signals and causing widespread damage. A diffuse axonal injury often leads to impaired thinking skills, memory problems, and other disabilities.
- Coup-contrecoup – A coup-contrecoup brain injury is two injuries in one. A blow injures the brain at the site of impact and causes it to hit the skull on the other side, resulting in injuries on both sides. This type of TBI often happens when a car accident victim hits their head on the steering wheel or dashboard.
- Hypoxic brain injury – When the trauma of a collision affects the brain’s oxygen supply, victims may suffer a hypoxic brain injury. Brain cells can die after four minutes without oxygen, leading to severe complications and death.
Signs and Symptoms of a Post-Accident TBI
Always seek medical attention as soon after a car accident as possible, even if you think you feel fine. The signs of a head injury may not show up right away, and early detection may just save your life.
Signs and symptoms of brain damage after a car accident may include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vision or hearing problems
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
Some traumatic brain injuries can only be diagnosed by sophisticated imaging tests like MRIs or PET scans. That’s why it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash.
Treatments, Impairments, and Complications Related to TBIs in Cheyenne Car Crashes
Your treatment options depend on the nature of your TBI. Mild traumatic brain injuries respond well to rest and over-the-counter medications. More significant trauma may require more extensive medical intervention. Anti-seizure drugs and diuretics, which can help reduce pressure in the brain, may be used to mitigate the symptoms of moderate brain trauma.
In cases of severe brain injury, a medically induced coma may be necessary, which is done by administering the victim with a specific combination of drugs. The brain requires less oxygen to function in a comatose state. Slowing down brain function gives the brain more time to heal.
Surgery may be necessary when there is bleeding or blood clots in the brain. Skull fractures may also require surgical intervention. If the brain experiences extreme swelling, physicians may elect to open the skull to drain excess fluid and give expanding tissues more room without putting additional pressure on the brain itself.
Even when properly treated, traumatic brain injuries may result in permanent disabilities.
Common brain injury impairments and complications include:
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of bodily functions
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairment
- Poor coordination
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Speech and language problems (aphasia)
Why You Need an Attorney to Seek Compensation for a Brain Injury in Cheyenne
For many car accident victims, a TBI is an invisible injury. The damage is significant but may not be visible to the naked eye. In addition, medical experts cannot always predict the long-term effects of a brain injury. Both of these facts may lead an insurer to undervalue your TBI claim because they don’t understand how it affects your life.
Never accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company without first talking to a skilled brain injury lawyer. An attorney can calculate your claim’s full and fair value and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
At the Olson Law Firm, LLC, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Collect valuable evidence
- Build a solid case showing why you deserve compensation
- Manage all paperwork and file your legal claim on time
- Handle all talks with the insurance company
- Negotiate for a TBI settlement that accounts for your past, present, and future losses
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
The majority of car accident cases resolve in settlements with the insurance company. But when insurers get stubborn, the Cheyenne TBI attorneys at the Olson Law Firm, LLC won’t hesitate to stand up for you in court.
How to Prove Liability for a Brain Injury from a Car Accident
Proving that someone is legally responsible for a car accident can be difficult, particularly if you’re going up against an insurance company that wants to protect its bottom line at your expense.
A skilled attorney knows how to assemble the relevant evidence and turn it into a compelling argument for compensation. Examples of proof in a brain injury case include:
- Police accident report
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos, videos, and dashcam footage
- Cell phone records
- Expert testimony on how the injury will affect your life
- Bills, pay stubs, and statements showing your financial losses
Statistics on Brain Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists car accidents as one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury in the United States. And unfortunately, Wyoming ranks among the highest states in the nation for traumatic brain injury-related deaths. The Wyoming Department of Health estimates there are an average of 175 fatal and 311 non-fatal TBIs in the state every year.
The lifetime cost of living with a traumatic brain injury can reach into the millions. Few families have the financial resources to pay for the ongoing costs that come with a TBI — and you shouldn’t be responsible for paying for someone else’s carelessness. Working with a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected after a collision.
Contact Our Cheyenne Car Accident Attorneys for Help Today
Did you or someone you love sustain a traumatic brain injury after a car accident in Cheyenne? Get legal advice right away from a car accident lawyer at the Olson Law Firm, LLC. Contact us today for a free consultation.