Sarasota Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change your life in an instant. For victims of vehicle accidents in Sarasota, the aftermath of a TBI often includes physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the most recent statistics show there were nearly 600 traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization every day in the US…that’s more than 214,000 hospitalizations each year.

These injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent disabilities that affect not just the victim but their entire family. A Sarasota traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape, and fight for your rights to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Vehicle Accidents

TBIs occur when a sudden force or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function.

In car accidents (or any type of vehicle), these injuries often happen due to high-impact collisions, rollovers, or objects striking the head. Even accidents that seem minor can result in significant brain trauma.

TBIs can range widely in severity, from mild concussions to severe injuries that cause permanent brain damage.

Symptoms of a TBI can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs may cause headaches, dizziness, and temporary confusion, while severe TBIs can lead to memory loss, difficulty speaking, loss of motor function, or even a coma.

These injuries can often need extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing medical and personal assistance. This can make recovery a lengthy and costly process.

Common Causes of TBIs in Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBIs. Some of the most common scenarios that lead to brain injuries include:

High-Speed Collisions: The force of impact in high-speed crashes can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in a TBI.

Rollovers: When vehicles overturn, occupants can experience significant head trauma due to impact with the roof, windows, or other objects inside the car.

Rear-End Collisions: Whiplash from rear-end accidents can sometimes lead to brain injuries, especially if the head strikes the headrest or steering wheel.

Side-Impact Crashes: T-bone collisions can result in severe injuries, largely due to there, in general, being closer proximity to occupants and less protection on the sides of vehicles than at the front or back.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents involving vehicles, as they lack the physical protection of a car, increasing the likelihood of head injuries.

The Impact of TBIs

The effects of a TBI extend far beyond physical injuries. Victims often face cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may struggle with memory loss, concentration issues, and swings in moods, all of which can make it difficult to return to work or maintain relationships.

For families, caring for a loved one with a TBI can be overwhelming. They may need to provide full-time care, make modifications to their home, or take on financial burdens due to lost income and mounting medical bills.

A Sarasota traumatic brain injury lawyer understands the profound impact of these injuries and will work hard to ensure that you and your family can get the financial support you need.

How a Sarasota Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a TBI case without the help of a lawyer can be overwhelming and frustrating.

A qualified attorney provides you with the expertise and resources needed to handle the complexities of your case. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, your lawyer will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

They’ll start by gathering key evidence to establish liability and build a compelling case. This could include reviewing medical records, consulting with experts, talking to eyewitnesses, and analyzing accident reports. They’ll also calculate the full extent of your damages to make sure that your claim includes all current expenses related to your injury, as well as those that may arise in the future.

If a fair settlement can’t be negotiated, your lawyer may take your case to court. With an experienced attorney on your side, you and your family can focus on your healing while they fight to get you the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

Proving Liability

Proving liability in a vehicle accident that results in a TBI can be complex, requiring a clear demonstration of another party’s negligence and how it caused the accident and your injuries.

Common examples of negligence in vehicle accidents can include:

• Distracted driving, such as grooming, eating, and texting or using a phone
• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Failing to obey traffic signals or signs
• Poor vehicle maintenance leading to mechanical failures

Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation into evidence like police reports, witness interviews, and photos or surveillance footage. In some cases, they may partner with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals whose testimony can help establish a causal link between the vehicle accident and the injuries you suffered.

Seeking Compensation

Compensation for victims of TBIs resulting from vehicle accidents covers a wide range of damages. These can include:

Medical Expenses: This includes costs for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.

Lost Income: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you can seek compensation for your lost wages and reduced income-earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for your physical pain, emotional trauma, and any losses you’ve experienced in your enjoyment of life or relationships due to your injuries.

Rehabilitation Costs: Many TBI victims require long-term rehabilitation to regain motor skills, speech, or cognitive abilities.

Home Modifications: If the victim’s home needs modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or specialized equipment, these costs may be included in the claim.

A TBI attorney will carefully evaluate your case, making sure that all current and future damages are accounted for.