Car accident injuries account for 14% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in America.
That might not sound like much, but overall, car accidents represent the leading cause of TBI-related deaths among young people and children. Head injuries from any source are not to be taken lightly.
Left untreated, heat trauma can be fatal.
Keep reading to learn why you need an Atlanta car accident lawyer after suffering head trauma.
The Impact of Head Trauma After a Car Accident
Head trauma from a car accident causes immediate and long-lasting effects.
In the immediate aftermath, you may experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Yet it’s the long-term repercussions that can be dangerous to your health and well-being.
Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and even physical disabilities can result from car accident trauma. Head trauma can even lead to mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
The most dangerous type of head injury is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to permanent disability or premature death. Even mild forms of TBI (a concussion) significantly impact your quality of life.
TBI affects your ability to work, socialize, and carry out mundane tasks.
Common Symptoms of Injury
The symptoms experienced by victims of a car accident vary from mild discomfort to severe and life-threatening cognitive injuries.
Mild symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sensitivity to sound
Serious symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Severe nausea
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Extreme confusion
- Agitation
- Abnormal behavior
- Slurred speech
What makes head injuries particularly insidious is that the symptoms of injury develop over time. It’s always crucial to seek medical attention following a car accident concussion-even if you feel fine.
Immediate Steps To Take After an Accident
First, protect life and limb.
Call 911 immediately if anybody is hurt. Even if nobody appears to be injured, you should still contact the police to report the incident.
The next step is to move your vehicle out of traffic and to a safe location. However, ensure the other driver does not take off without giving you their information. Record their license plate and gather relevant contact information from them.
If possible, talk to witnesses and take photos of the scene with your phone.
Finally, even if you aren’t in any pain, make sure you get checked out by a medical professional. Head trauma can frequently fly under the radar and treating it early improves your chances of overcoming injury.
What To Do If You Suspect A Head Injury
You should seek medical attention after a car accident in Georgia even if you don’t think you’ve suffered head trauma.
Head injuries fly under the radar. Often, they only make themselves known long after an accident. What’s worse, head injuries can become serious if they’re not treated promptly.
You should also document any and all symptoms you’re experiencing. This is vital in identifying any changes to your condition and will prove invaluable as evidence when you make a claim.
So, if you’ve been in a car accident in Georgia and think you’ve suffered a head injury (which is common), you should contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer for an initial consultation. They can provide you with a comprehensive overview of your situation and your rights and they’ll be by your side to make sure you are fairly compensated as a victim.
How an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
“Contact a lawyer” is age-old advice. But why should you do so?
Following car accident trauma, an Atlanta car accident lawyer’s assistance is worth its weight in gold. They will break down the complexities and nuances of the law into easily understood terms and, above all, ensure your rights are protected.
The Role of Your Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer in Decatur plays a central role in supporting you as you recover and seek fair compensation for an accident you didn’t cause. They will guide you through the claims process and keep your best interests at heart when negotiating with insurance companies.
The compensation you’re entitled to covers all expenses you incur, such as:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Disability expenses
- Compensation for property damages
- Any other damages you may have incurred
You may also be owed for future medical costs, long-term care, and rehabilitation expenses if your head injury is particularly serious.
Finding Car Accident Lawyers
If you’re hunting for a car accident lawyer in Decatur, Georgia, you’ll need to keep several things in mind. In simple terms, your lawyer should:
- Specialize in personal injury cases
- Offer free initial consultations
- Have a proven track record of success
- Be compatible with your needs
It will do more harm than good if your lawyer leaves you in the dark and fails to communicate. You should always opt for an attorney who communicates openly and, above all, honestly about the status of your case.
You deserve compensation, yet it’s important to stay realistic.
Receiving Fair Compensation
If you’re a victim of a car accident concussion, you want justice.
Receiving fair compensation is a core part of it because the total of an accident can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, aiming to secure a fair settlement. If that doesn’t happen, your lawyer can then take your case to court. However, court cases are rare and virtually all insurance companies settle because it’s less expensive and less damaging to their reputations.
Remember, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They want to pay out as little as possible. Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Protect Yourself and Defend Your Rights
An Atlanta car accident lawyer will guide you through the complexities of the legal process following a car accident concussion.
The symptoms of head trauma can take a long time to appear and have serious, long-term effects on your health. But with the right support, you can navigate the challenges and take vital steps toward recovery.
Based in Gwinnett County, Scholle Law fights for clients in a range of legal battles around wrongful death and personal injury. Not a regular “general practice” firm, the attorneys at Scholle Law know what they’re good at and play to their strengths. Book a free consultation here.