Head and brain injuries are among some of the most serious, life-changing injuries California car accident victims may suffer. Though some individuals may recover from their brain injuries with time and treatment, others are left with permanent disability.
If you have suffered a head or brain injury in a motor vehicle accident, you need to speak with an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Types of Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most frequently reported head injuries after an accident. A traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is impacted by some type of external force.
Some traumatic brain injuries are closed, meaning that the skull is not broken or penetrated. For example, concussions are common in motor vehicle accidents. A concussion is caused by a blow or jolt to the skull.
In a car accident, a concussion may be caused by whiplash or hitting one’s head on the inside of the motor vehicle.
Other traumatic brain injuries are open, in which the skull is cracked open or penetrated by an object. The force involved in an accident is often enough to fracture a passenger’s skull.
Contusions may also occur after a motor vehicle accident. Contusions form when localized bleeding in the brain develops. Some of these injuries may require surgery.
If left untreated, a contusion may be deadly. Contusions are also commonly caused by a blow to the head.
In contrast to traumatic brain injuries, which develop after the victim experiences some type of trauma, acquired brain injuries generally develop without the presence of external force.
For example, with anoxia, the brain does not receive any oxygen and is subsequently damaged. Hypoxic brain injuries are similar; however, with a hypoxic brain injury, the brain receives some oxygen—just not enough.
Anoxia and hypoxic brain injuries may be caused by losing too much blood in a car crash.
Treatment for brain injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and other types of care. The chances of a full recovery increase significantly if the victim seeks treatment quickly.
Compensation for Medical Expenses After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a California car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Eligibility for compensation in a car accident claim centers on whether the accident victim can show that another party was negligent—and that this negligence caused the victim’s injuries and losses.
Negligence may take on many forms, such as:
- Running a stop sign
- Texting while driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
If an individual was negligent and caused injury to another individual, the victim may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of employment benefits
- The cost of altering a home, such as installing handrails or wheelchair ramps
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Other types of damages may also be available, depending on the individual case. An experienced California car accident attorney will be able to identify all types of compensation that are available and pursue them on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. If an accident victim waits longer than two years to file a claim, the victim may be forever barred from recovering any damages from the at-fault party.
If a government agency is involved in the accident, the filing deadline may be as short as six months from the date of the crash.
Because many brain injuries may be slow to exhibit symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
If You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Head or Brain Injury, Call Our California Attorneys Today
At Kuvara Law Firm, our personal injury team is experienced in all types of accident claims, including those that involve head and brain injuries. To schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options and our firm’s services, contact us at 1-800-4-INJURY.
