Every year, thousands of Texans suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in car and truck accidents. What makes TBIs so dangerous is that they don’t always show up right away but the long-term effects can be devastating.
Maybe you’ve noticed pounding headaches, dizziness, memory lapses, or sudden mood changes since your accident. These are often the hidden signs of a TBI, and they can disrupt every part of your life.
If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and wondering whether your car or truck accident-related traumatic brain injury could be the basis for a legal claim, we’ve written everything you need to know.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force — often a sudden impact to the head — disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time and can include:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Memory loss, confusion, disorientation or trouble concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
- Dizziness, balance problems, or nausea
- Sleep disturbances or fatigue
TBIs are surprisingly common. In Texas alone, over 144,000 people sustain a TBI every year, and about 5,700 Texans become permanently disabled as a result. Around 381,000 Texans live with a TBI-related disability. These statistics represent human lives affected and just how serious even a single accident can be.
Because some symptoms aren’t obvious at first, it’s important to see a doctor after any car accident even if you feel okay initially. Early diagnosis not only protects your health but can also strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen in Car Accidents
Think about a typical car accident: sudden stopping can cause whiplash or direct impact to the head. It’s no wonder that a traumatic brain injury occurs. Even while traveling at low speeds, a car accident with any type of impact can cause the brain to move inside the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or nerve damage.
Truck wrecks in DFW can be especially dangerous, often causing more severe injuries and resulting in devastating hidden costs. Because of their massive size and weight, even a minor accident with a truck can generate forces far greater than those in car crashes, increasing the risk of severe TBIs. These injuries may not always show up on initial X-rays or scans. Thus, following up an accident with proper medical care and making careful medical documentation are essential for both your health and your legal claim.
Do You Have a Claim for a TBI in Texas?
If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might have a legal right to pursue compensation. Suing for traumatic brain injuries involves proving specific key points:
- Duty of Care: Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and responsibly.
- Breach of Duty: Examples include distracted or drunk driving, speeding, or breaking other traffic laws.
- Causation: You need evidence that the accident caused or worsened your existing TBI, supported by medical records and medical provider testimony.
- Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, long-term care and long-term impairments or disabilities.
Establishing a TBI claim can be complicated to do on your own. Because of the medical and legal complexity, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities and nuances of traumatic brain injury cases.
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your TBI Case
If you’re asking yourself, “I have a concussion and had to miss work — OR I have a serious brain injury and can’t work like I used to — do I have a case?” The answer is simple: you need a personal injury lawyer who understands both car and truck accidents and traumatic brain injuries.
When looking for the right personal injury attorney, consider someone who:
- Has handled TBI cases in North Texas and understands local laws in the greater DFW area.
- Can coordinate with local medical professionals to fully document your injuries
- Has a proven track record in negotiating settlements or litigating when necessary, with millions of dollars in recoveries to back up their credentials and experience
Firms like O’Hare and Koch Law Firm provide dedicated representation for clients in Fort Worth, Dallas, Carrollton, and across Texas, backed by millions of dollars in proven settlements and verdicts. Whether you need a Dallas or Carrollton car accident lawyer, working with a personal injury attorney ensures your rights are protected and your case is thoroughly evaluated
Think You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury After the Accident? We Can Help.
Traumatic brain injuries from car accidents can have serious lasting physical, mental and financial effects. If you’ve suffered a TBI in Texas, we’re here to help you navigate the aftermath, focus on your recovery, and secure fair compensation. The sooner you reach out, the stronger we can make your case.
Best of all, we operate on a no-fee contingency basis meaning you don’t pay until we win your case.
