Can You Suffer a Brain Injury From a Minor Car Accident?

Brain injuries are one of the most severe injuries you can sustain following a car accident. Victims who suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to a car accident may feel the effects for the rest of their lives. 

Many people may assume that a TBI can only occur after a serious wreck. However, a person may suffer a TBI anytime they hit their head. A minor car accident, such as a rear-end at a slow speed, could cause you to suffer a significant injury. 

If you hit your head after a minor accident, seek professional medical care as soon as possible. Then speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Car accident victims might be eligible to collect damages for their pain and suffering if another person’s negligence caused the crash. An attorney will review every detail of your claim to determine who is responsible for the accident and hold them fully accountable for your injuries and recovery. 

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A TBI occurs when your brain makes contact with your skull wall due to a violent jolt or impact. Depending on the severity of the injury or location in the brain, the victim may suffer temporary or permanent brain damage. It is important to note that minor injuries may become severe if left untreated. 

The most common type of TBI sustained following a fender-bender is a concussion. Concussions can sometimes occur after a rear-end collision or other minor accident that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. While concussions are classified as a mild TBI, severe or repeated concussions can result in permanent damage and cognitive impairment.

Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury Following a Minor Car Accident

TBIs can have varied symptoms that may impact your emotions, behavior, cognition, or motor skills. Some common symptoms of a TBI include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Speech difficulties
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Sensitivity to light or sounds
  • Loss of consciousness after the injury
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures 

Following any car accident, it is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. Many car accident victims fail to seek treatment for invisible injuries, like a TBI. Unfortunately, failure to seek prompt, professional care may cause a mild TBI to become more severe. After seeing a medical professional, you should contact an experienced attorney to begin work on your car accident claim. 

Damages You May Be Eligible to Collect Following a Minor Car Accident

If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you might be eligible to collect financial compensation for your losses. Some damages you may be eligible to recover through a car accident claim include:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment in life
  • Lost wages or earning potential
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

A highly-qualified lawyer will review every detail of your claim and be your tireless advocate so you can collect the compensation you need to heal and recover from your brain injury.  

Contact an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. 

Even a minor car accident can do significant damage to your brain. If you have suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you do not need to fight for your right to compensation alone. The attorneys at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. have nearly 30 years of experience helping clients like you navigate complex car accident claims. Attorney Eric Ratinoff is committed to helping brain injury victims protect their rights and achieve justice. He has a proven track record of providing his clients with unparalleled legal representation and will fight ceaselessly to help ensure you obtain the maximum compensation possible for your claim. Call us today at (916) 970-9100 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.