The Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries from Car Accidents

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Car accidents can change lives in an instant, especially when a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is involved. Whether it’s from hitting your head on the dashboard, the steering wheel, or even violent shaking during the crash, TBIs can happen fast. Flying debris can also be a hidden danger that leads to serious brain injuries.

While broken bones and bruises may heal, the effects of a TBI can linger and impact every part of your life. If you’ve suffered a brain injury in a crash, let a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer help you get on the path to recovery – physically and financially.

What are traumatic brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries happen when a sudden force jolts the brain and causes it to hit the inside of the skull. In car accidents, this can occur in a split second. Airbags, seat belts, and other safety features may offer some protection, but the sheer force of a collision can still result in a serious brain injury.

There are several types of TBIs, including concussions (the most common and often overlooked), contusions (bruising on the brain), and diffuse axonal injuries (where nerve fibers in the brain are torn). Each injury varies in severity, but even a “mild” concussion can have lasting effects if left untreated.

How do TBIs affect cognitive abilities?

The brain controls nearly everything we do, from remembering a phone number to making decisions at work. When a TBI occurs, the brain’s cognitive functions are often the first to suffer. Memory loss is a common symptom. This can make it difficult to recall recent events or hold onto new information.

Concentration and attention also take a hit. Something as simple as following a conversation or focusing on a task at work becomes a challenge. Decision-making skills may also decline and lead to poor judgments and mistakes that affect daily life.

Even language skills – something most people take for granted – can be impacted. This can make it difficult for TBI victims to find the right words or follow conversations.

What emotional and behavioral changes can result from TBIs?

Brains don’t just manage logic and memory; they also regulate emotions. A TBI can turn someone’s emotional world upside down. They can trigger unexpected mood swings, irritability, or an overall sense of emotional instability.

Depression and anxiety are common long-term effects of a TBI. The injury itself may alter the brain’s chemistry and lead to these emotional shifts. In some cases, behavioral changes can be drastic. A previously calm individual may suddenly exhibit aggressive tendencies or develop impulsive behaviors that were never there before.

These changes can create tension in relationships and lead to isolation as victims and their families try to cope with the personality shifts.

What are the physical symptoms that linger?

While emotional and cognitive effects often dominate discussions around TBIs, the physical symptoms can be just as persistent and disruptive. Chronic headaches are a post-TBI symptom, which can be debilitating.

Dizziness and balance issues are also common, as the brain’s control over motor functions can become impaired. This can lead to unsteadiness on your feet, frequent falls, or a constant feeling of vertigo. For someone recovering from a TBI, this can mean the difference between getting around independently and needing daily assistance.

Sleep disorders, including insomnia or constant fatigue, can make matters worse. Sleep is when the brain and body repair themselves, but for TBI victims, quality sleep can be hard to come by.

How do TBIs affect daily life and relationships?

TBIs don’t just affect the person who’s injured – they ripple outward and affect the lives of family members, friends, and colleagues. Tasks that once seemed automatic (e.g. managing finances or performing basic household chores) become increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, personal relationships often feel the strain. Loved ones may have difficulty understanding the changes in behavior or cognition, which can lead to frustration on both sides. Over time, many TBI victims find themselves dealing with a reduced quality of life. Things they once enjoyed can feel out of reach.

Why is early intervention so important?

The brain is a complex organ, and once damaged, it can be difficult to repair. However, early intervention and ongoing care can make a significant difference in the recovery process. This might mean getting help from a variety of medical professionals who specialize in brain injury rehabilitation. That could include neurologists, physical therapists, and mental health experts.

Cognitive therapy can help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Physical therapy may address balance issues and help restore motor function. In some cases, speech therapy is necessary to recover language skills or improve communication.

Even after the initial injury has healed, regular checkups and therapy sessions can help manage the lingering symptoms and prevent further decline. Some crash victims may need assistance for the rest of their lives, while others may gradually regain more independence.

What legal options are available to car accident victims with TBIs?

Car accidents caused by negligence often result in more than just physical and emotional hardship—they lead to financial challenges as well. From mounting medical bills to lost wages due to missed work, you may face a long road to recovery.

Compensation can cover everything from hospital stays and rehabilitation costs to ongoing care and therapy. It can also provide financial relief for lost wages and the emotional distress that comes with a traumatic injury.

You can’t always count on insurance companies to do the right thing and compensate you fairly. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or push you to accept a lowball settlement offer. Adjusters may argue that your TBI isn’t as severe as claimed or blame pre-existing conditions for your symptoms.

It’s important to refrain from giving them recorded statements or allowing them access to your medical records. Let an experienced attorney deal with the insurance companies, accurately value your claim, and fight to recover every dollar owed to you.

Let our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers fight for your rights and compensation

Suffering from a TBI or concussion after a car accident? You shouldn’t have to pay for your damages because of someone else’s negligence. The Pittsburgh attorneys at Romanow Law Group are ready to step in and fight for the compensation you deserve. We know that concussions and brain injuries are often downplayed.

Whether it’s medical bills piling up, lost wages, or the cost of ongoing treatment, we’re here to take on the burden so you can focus on what really matters – your recovery. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us online or call our Pittsburgh law office today to schedule a free consultation.

“David and his Associates are amazing…I would recommend them to anyone, they had my case settled in under 6 months and kept good communication with me the whole time…very professional and passionate about what they do.” – Anthony H., car accident claim

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