Crucial Legal Issues To Consider After Sustaining These Top 4 Brain Injuries In A Chicago Auto Accident
Many car accidents lead to injury. Some are minor, like bruises or soft tissue injuries. Others are more severe and can include lacerations or broken bones. However, suffering a brain injury, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), is much more serious and complex. Both short-term and long-term repercussions can stem from such an injury and the actions you take after sustaining one is crucial.
What Is A Brain Injury?
A brain injury is damage caused by a blow, force or event that disrupts normal brain function. Below are four specific types of brain injuries many people sustain in auto accidents throughout Illinois:
1. A concussion
A concussion occurs when the head suffers blunt force trauma and the brain shakes or twists inside the skull. Individuals who have sustained a concussion experience a wide range of symptoms that can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fogginess, uneven pupil dilation, blurred vision, balance issues, light or noise sensitivity, sadness or sleep disturbances.
2. A brain hemorrhage
3. A contrecoup brain injury
This is a type of brain injury that actually occurs on the opposite side of the head that was impacted. For example, if the right side of the head sustained blunt force trauma, the force causes the brain to move and essentially “slam” into the other side of the skull causing bruising or bleeding.
Symptoms often include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and difficulty speaking.
4. A cerebral hypoxia or anoxia
Brain hypoxia occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. Conversely, brain anoxia happens when the brain receives no oxygen at all. Both situations are extremely severe, as rapid cell death occurs very quickly after the episode.
Individuals can sustain either in an auto accident from the following:
- Trauma to the trachea: If the trachea, or windpipe, breaks from an impact, breathing is often obstructed and oxygen can no longer adequately reach the brain.
- Collapsed lungs: If the impact from the vehicle accident causes broken ribs that puncture the lung, oxygen cannot reach the bloodstream to filter up to the brain.
- Severe blood loss: If an individual loses significant blood due to a deep puncture wound or rupture to a major artery, blood pressure can drop significantly and fail to deliver enough oxygenated blood to the brain.
If I Feel Ok After My Auto Accident, Should I Still See A Doctor?
Yes. It’s always advised to seek medical attention right after any type of vehicle accident, even if you feel “fine.” This is because some injuries do not manifest until hours, days or even weeks. It’s especially important if you believe you may have suffered a head injury. Even if there is no bleeding or immediate bruising, you still may have sustained an injury to the brain and, without immediate treatment, permanent brain damage can result.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer From An Insurance Company?
No, not until you speak with a lawyer who has knowledge in this area of law. Accepting an offer after a serious auto accident from an insurance company is risky for many reasons.
First, most early offers fail to reflect the full extent of traumatic brain injuries and long-term care needs, like surgery or rehabilitation. Once you sign the offer and receive the check, you are barred from seeking additional damages or benefits for any unexpected future medical issue that arises.
Second, insurance companies are not in business to pay out significant claims. They are not there to ensure you as an injured party are protected. It’s crucial to have a lawyer by your side who is hired specifically to protect only your interests, one who understands the law, your rights and has experience working with insurance adjustors.
Understanding the scope of your injury before accepting any settlement is vital.
Choosing Our Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys To Handle Your Car Accident Injury Case
Our personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience helping people injured in all types of auto accidents throughout Illinois. We have a track record of successful results, having recovered over $150 million for our clients.
Unlike many personal injury firms, we aim to always provide personal attention to each and every client we represent. You will never be just a case number; you are a person with a life, and family and deserves compensation to help you move forward. If our clients have concerns or questions about their case, they will always be able to reach an attorney for the answers they need.
Contact Our Team Today To Schedule A Free Consultation
Whether you or a loved one sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, pedestrian incident, or truck accident, let us help.
Contact an Illinois brain injury attorney at Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. to set up a free consultation. Call us at 877-930-2551 or complete our online contact form. We will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages and more.
