Car accidents are more than just momentary events; they can leave lasting scars both physically and psychologically.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are one of the leading causes of head injuries. Brain injuries from car accidents are concerning due to their often subtle onset and potentially profound impact on victims' lives.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

To make a recovery and secure compensation, it's important to understand the symptoms of brain injuries and how to get appropriate medical and legal help.

An Atlanta car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates can guide you through the recovery process and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What are the signs of brain injuries from car accidents?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by a physical impact to the head, leading to damage within the brain itself. This can occur during a car accident when the head is violently shaken or struck against an object, such as the dashboard.

The brain can suffer from bruising, tearing, and other forms of damage due to a collision's sudden and forceful movement.

These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe TBIs, such as diffuse axonal injury or hemorrhages. These can cause significant long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional issues.

The signs of brain injuries from car accidents include physical symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness. Cognitive and emotional symptoms include memory problems, changes in mood, and irritability.

In severe cases, crash victims may experience loss of consciousness, seizures, and profound confusion.

Seeking a medical evaluation is critical for getting an accurate TBI diagnosis. This may include undergoing a CT scan, a physical examination, and a mental evaluation.

This enables your doctor to assess the extent of your brain injury and to plan an appropriate course of treatment. This may include medication, rehabilitation therapies, and, in some cases, surgery to alleviate pressure within the skull.

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a TBI

Navigating interactions with insurance adjusters after experiencing a traumatic brain injury can be daunting.

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who are skilled at minimizing payouts for the insurance company, often at the expense of fair compensation for injury victims.

Common tactics insurance adjusters may use to pay brain injury victims less include:

• Downplaying the severity of the injury: Adjusters may attempt to downplay the severity of the traumatic brain injury, questioning its impact on the victim's life and minimizing the need for compensation.
• Delaying settlement offers: Adjusters may intentionally delay settlement offers, hoping that victims will become desperate for financial assistance and accept less than they deserve.
• Blaming the victim: Adjusters may try to shift blame onto the victim, suggesting that their actions or pre-existing conditions contributed to the injury.
• Disputing reasonable and necessary medical treatment: Adjusters may dispute the necessity or cost of medical treatment related to the traumatic brain injury, arguing that certain procedures or therapies were unnecessary or too expensive.
• Offering lowball settlements: Adjusters may make initial settlement offers that are far below the true value of the claim, hoping that victims will accept the settlement out of desperation or unawareness of their rights.

Victims of traumatic brain injuries need to protect their rights. Before you talk to any insurance adjuster after a crash, consult an attorney first.

Brain injury cases are personal for Gary Martin Hays

Attorney Gary Martin Hays has a personal connection to TBI cases. In 2002-2003, he began experiencing severe headaches. Following a brain MRI, doctors diagnosed him with a Chiari malformation, a form of spina bifida, causing compression of his cerebellum.

After enduring brain surgery, Gary spent time in a neurological Intensive Care Unit, followed by an extended period of recovery at home.

This firsthand experience has given Gary insight into the pain and uncertainty that many crash victims endure after a concussion or traumatic brain injury. It serves as a powerful motivator in his relentless pursuit of justice for those who have suffered similar injuries.

Get legal help from an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury following a car accident, it's essential to recognize the signs and seek medical attention promptly.

Even seemingly mild brain injuries require careful attention and treatment to prevent potential long-term consequences.

It's also crucial to contact a brain injury attorney to explore your potential legal options. At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, our dedicated legal team can help you through every step of the process.

Our brain injury lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal help, facilitating your physical recovery by helping you access necessary medical treatment and fighting to secure the financial compensation you deserve.

We also operate on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we make a financial recovery on your behalf.

Whether you have questions regarding your potential legal options or are ready to take the next step in your claim, contact or call us today for a free consultation.