Lawyers for Severe Concussions Suffered in Car Accidents in Georgia
Were you involved in a car accident caused by another person’s negligent actions? Did you suffer a severe concussion requiring medical care? If so, contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. immediately to discuss the available legal options for holding the at-fault party liable. You might be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.
A severe concussion interferes with the normal functioning of the brain. It can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, such as headaches, blurry vision, dizziness, and memory loss. This type of injury might not seem that serious at first but could worsen over time. Even if you feel like you didn’t suffer significant harm, you should still go to the hospital for an examination after an auto accident.
Car accidents commonly lead to concussions. The sheer force of an impact between two vehicles can jolt a person’s body, causing them to hit their head on the steering wheel or window. Even if there isn’t blunt force trauma to the head, the brain could move around violently inside the skull, resulting in severe damage.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we understand the challenges accident victims face following a concussion. Some people experience symptoms long after completing treatment. Others are left with emotional issues from the trauma they endured. Permanent damage can cause physical or mental disability, preventing them from maintaining employment and performing routine tasks.
You have a right to hold the at-fault party accountable for their wrongdoing. The Georgia car accident attorneys from Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. are ready to help. Call us at (770) 205-8827 right now for your free consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It typically results from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. It can also happen if the body or head violently shakes, such as during a car crash.
Rapid movement of the brain changes the shape of the tissue and damages brain cells. It can lead to metabolic and chemical disruptions, interfering with the cell’s ability to function correctly. Additionally, the injury can affect nerves, blood vessels, and other structures in and around the brain.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
Symptoms can begin immediately after a car accident and last for days or weeks. Sometimes, the severity of the concussion isn’t apparent in the aftermath of a crash. It might take a few days before you start noticing symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Forgetfulness
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Personality changes, such as irritability
Even if you’re not in much pain, you should still seek treatment after leaving the accident scene. Concussions can cause internal damage that isn’t detectable without a thorough exam and imaging tests, such as a CT scan, X-ray, or MRI. A doctor can evaluate your condition to determine the severity of the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Possible Treatment of a Concussion
A mild concussion might require no more than rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Typically, recovery takes around seven to ten days.
If you suffered a severe concussion, the emergency room physician could keep you in the hospital overnight for observation. They need to perform various tests to check brain function and determine the extent of the damage. You might need surgery if there’s bleeding or swelling of the brain.
The treatment plan will depend on the symptoms you’re experiencing. You could take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for your headaches and pain. You should rest and avoid strenuous activity. Resuming your regular schedule without allowing the brain to heal could exacerbate the injury and symptoms.
Common Causes of Severe Concussions During Car Accidents
The safety features in vehicles are supposed to prevent or mitigate the risk of severe injuries and death. Airbags soften the blow of an impact, seatbelts restrain a person to their seat, and the metal frame provides a barrier between the occupant and another car or flying debris.
Unfortunately, the same devices meant to protect drivers and passengers can also lead to a severe concussion. The most common causes include:
- Locked seatbelt – Seatbelts in many vehicles lock in place during a collision. This happens to prevent the occupant from becoming ejected. However, it also keeps the body firmly in place. The momentum exerted during the impact of an accident can move the head from side to side or forward and backward, injuring the brain.
- Fast airbag – An airbag deploys rapidly to cushion a person’s body during a crash. Blunt force trauma to the head can occur from the violent deployment. Additionally, the airbag could release metal parts and other projectiles as it expands.
- Ejection from the car – Ejection can happen if someone doesn’t wear their seatbelt, especially if the collision occurs at high speeds. A severe concussion is likely while crashing through the windshield or landing on the pavement.
- Crushed metal frame – The frame of a car can be destroyed during a collision. The occupants inside can suffer various injuries from the crumpled metal around them. Head injuries happen if the roof caves in or a sharp piece of the frame penetrates the skull.
- Steering wheel – An airbag might fail to deploy. The sudden change in momentum can force a person’s head forward into the steering wheel. During a side-impact collision, a driver or passenger could get a concussion if they hit their head against the window.
If you ended up with a severe concussion from a car crash, go to the hospital and seek legal representation right away.
Compensation Available for a Concussion
Georgia follows a fault system when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. That means the person responsible for the crash could become liable for the injured party’s losses. These losses might include:
- Medical expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
You could file a claim with the negligent driver’s auto insurance carrier if they were at fault. State law requires all motorists to purchase liability insurance with minimum coverage limits. These limits could compensate for the victim’s losses following an accident. However, if the liability limits aren’t high enough or the insurance company denies your claim, you could file a lawsuit against the other driver.
You can pursue punitive damages in a lawsuit. A jury might award this under aggravating circumstances to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Using clear and convincing evidence, you must prove the at-fault motorist acted with oppression, willful misconduct, fraud, wantonness, malice, or indifference to consequences.
Contact Us
If another driver’s careless misconduct resulted in your severe concussion, call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at (770) 205-8827 today. We can meet with you for a free consultation to discuss the facts and determine whether you have a case we can pursue. You can depend on us to fight hard for the justice and compensation you deserve.