Brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of motor vehicle crashes. Victims often face permanent changes to how they think, work, and live.
If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury because another driver acted carelessly, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you’ve endured. Contact our Aurora car accident attorneys to seek compensation for your brain injury. Schedule your free consultation today.
Types of Brain Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of brain injuries, from mild to catastrophic. Each type presents different symptoms and long-term challenges.
Concussions
The most common form of traumatic brain injury are concussions. These occur when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull. Symptoms often include memory loss, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Some people recover within weeks, while others develop long-term complications.
Contusions
A contusion is the bruising of the brain tissue. More severe cases can involve swelling, bleeding, or pressure buildup in the skull and may require surgical intervention. Long-term effects can include personality changes and cognitive impairment.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)
These injuries occur when the brain rapidly twists or shifts during a crash. The force results in the tearing nerve fibers. DAIs are extremely dangerous and frequently lead to coma or permanent disability.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
In high-impact collisions, sharp objects or debris may pierce the skull and damage brain tissue. These injuries often result in permanent neurological deficits.
How Brain Injuries Happen in Aurora Car Accidents
Brain trauma often results from sudden changes in speed or violent impacts that cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Common causes include:
- Rapid forward-and-backward motion during rear-end crashes that violently shakes the brain
- Direct impact with steering wheels, windows, dashboards, or door frames
- Airbag deployment, especially when occupants are seated too close
- Rollover accidents, which involve intense rotational forces
- Flying debris, including glass, metal fragments, or loose objects inside the vehicle
Even low-speed crashes can generate enough force to cause significant injury.
What Compensation is Available After a Brain Injury?
Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. You may be entitled to substantial compensation if another party caused the crash. A personal injury claim may provide money for your economic losses, i.e., those that are financial in nature. You may also be eligible to recover money for your non-economic losses, which cover the personal impacts of an accident.
Your damages award may include money for:
- Past and ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced future earning ability
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment or home modifications
Calculating the full value of a brain injury claim is complex since the damages often extend far into the future. An experienced Aurora car accident attorney can help you identify all available damages and work with medical and financial experts to estimate your long-term losses.
If your injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, contact Feagans Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your rights and legal options after a traumatic brain injury.