Steps to Take After a Traumatic Brain Injury Accident in California

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact every aspect of a victim’s life. It may be caused by a sudden jolt, blow, or bump to the head. In 2019, there were over 223,000 TBI-related hospitalizations. This type of injury may result in lasting economic and non-economic losses.

Throughout a victim’s life, it’s estimated that the cost of severe traumatic brain injury care is between $600,000 and $1,875,000. Seeking the help of a highly qualified TBI lawyer is imperative to secure the maximum compensation you deserve if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.

Types of Accidents That May Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

Depending on the type of accident, a traumatic brain injury may be caused by factors other than a blow to the head. It may also be caused by insufficient oxygen, poisoning, or infection. While every victim’s injury may be different, the following are the most common types of accidents that result in a TBI:

  • Car accidents
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Bicycle accidents

Economic and non-economic losses, such as medical costs, lost wages, and other financial burdens, may limit the treatment process. Speak with a highly qualified brain injury lawyer to understand your best legal options to recover the compensation you deserve.

5 Steps to Take After a Traumatic Brain Injury Accident in California

Symptoms of a TBI may not appear immediately following an accident. Regardless of if your accident was minor or severe, take the following steps to ensure your legal rights are protected in a traumatic brain injury accident claim:

1. Find Safety

Finding safety should be your priority if you have suffered a TBI or have been injured in an accident. The head and neck may be very sensitive, so you should be extremely cautious if you must move. Minimizing movement may be in your best interest depending on the extent of the head injury.

2. Call Law Enforcement to the Accident Scene

Immediately call law enforcement to document a police report. Avoid speaking to the other party regarding fault. Even though it may be a natural reflex to apologize, regardless of who caused the collision, you should avoid apologizing, as anything you say may be used against you later in your accident claim.

3. Speak With Witnesses

Eyewitness testimony may be powerful evidence in a traumatic brain injury accident claim. Collect the following information from witnesses at the accident scene:

  • Name
  • Home and work address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Determine where the eyewitness was positioned at the time of the accident, what they may have seen or heard, and where the witness was coming from or going.

4. Seek Medical Attention

If you sustained a blow to the head, it is imperative to seek medical attention, even if you do not believe your injury is serious. TBI symptoms may develop as time progresses, and it is vital to treat head trauma before you suffer permanent damage.

If you exhibit the following symptoms, you may have suffered trauma to the head:

  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty with focus or concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness

Always keep a record of medical expenses, including any medication management, physician information, and a written account of your treatment progress. It is also a good idea to take notes of your symptoms day by day, as you may not always remember seemingly minor details that can make a difference in your overall diagnosis.

5. Seek Legal Guidance

After receiving the necessary medical care, speak with a highly qualified TBI lawyer to understand your legal options for seeking compensation from the at-fault party for damages. Many people hesitate from filing a claim because they don’t like the idea of filing a lawsuit. However, your injuries may have a lasting impact to your physical and financial wellbeing. Traumatic Brain Injuries can affect the rest of your life, and recovering compensation can provide for resources you may not know you will need for your future recovery.

Speak With the Highly Qualified Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.

While traumatic brain injuries often vary from victim to victim, the steps to protecting your legal rights following an accident are the same. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we dedicate ourselves to advocating for traumatic brain injury accident survivors. We fight for our clients to recover maximum compensation on their behalf and hold the other party accountable for their negligence.

To understand your best legal options following a TBI accident in California, call (916) 970-9100 for a consultation or fill out our contact form.