Brain Injuries from Low-Impact Collisions: What You Need to Know

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If you get into a low-impact collision, injury to your brain may occur in the process, putting you out of work for days, weeks, or even months. South Carolina’s negligence laws give you a way to hold the at-fault driver responsible for their actions. If you win your lawsuit, you may receive benefits such as money to make up for lost earnings, injury-related treatment costs, and other expenses.

The brain injury lawyers at Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm provide personalized legal support to accident victims who experience a brain injury — like a concussion — in a crash that was not their fault. Throughout our years in service to Greenville and the surrounding areas, we have helped dozens of clients recover much-needed compensation and validation after a traumatic collision uprooted their lives.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Accidents

During an auto wreck, the victim and passengers may hit their heads because of the forces involved in the impact. For example, in a rear-end collision, brain injury may occur if the victim strikes their head against the steering wheel or the window. Or, a passenger may be jostled forward and bang their skull on the seat in front of them or the headrest behind them.

Recognizing Symptoms of a TBI After a Crash

Traumatic brain injuries can manifest in several different ways. As the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains, the symptoms of a TBI can include a range of difficulties involving someone’s body, behavior, and senses.

For example, the victim may experience headaches, seizures, problems with their sight or hearing, or emotional disturbances. Likewise, the victim may have trouble falling or staying asleep, which they may overlook as an ordinary traumatic response to the car crash. It is crucial for victims to go to the doctor after the wreck, even if they feel fine or think any symptoms they have are typical or expected because of the trauma.

Long-Term Impacts of Brain Injuries From Low-Impact Collisions

The signs of a brain injury can appear hours or days after the collision and may last days, weeks, months, or, in rare cases, years. Some of the long-term impacts of a TBI include memory, attention, impulse control, or mood problems. For example, the victim may have trouble recalling information, staying on task during conversation or work, or regulating their emotions. Likewise, they may struggle to control their impulses or act appropriately in different situations. Moreover, the person may suffer from recurrent headaches or sleep disturbances.

Proving Negligence in TBI Cases

To qualify to recover compensation after a TBI, the person needs to file their claim on time and prove someone else is at fault for the incident. In most situations, this means they need to prove negligence. Negligence is when someone owes another person a responsibility to act or refrain from acting a certain way, but they fail to do so, and another person gets hurt.

One way the victim can try to prove negligence is by gathering sufficient evidence, ideally close to when the crash occurred, so the person can access the materials while the information is fresh. For example, they can take or locate pictures of the crash scene to show the position of the cars after the wreck. Moreover, they can request copies of the police report or talk to witnesses who saw what happened. A Greenville personal injury lawyer can help victims compile the evidence needed to try to build a strong case, and they can also help navigate brain injury laws in South Carolina.

What Compensation Can You Seek for a Brain Injury?

Brain injury victims may be eligible to request a range of compensation that relates to the accident and their condition. For example, a car wreck victim may be able to request money to repair their car or buy a new one if theirs was totaled. Additionally, they could ask for a financial award to cover their medical bills, such as prescriptions, in-home care, hospital visits, operations, and physical therapy.

Victims may also qualify for money to address their non-economic damages, including pain, suffering, and discomfort. For example, if the brain injury prevented them from working or participating in meaningful parts of their lives, they may ask for compensation for this.

Why You Need a Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring an attorney can be invaluable, helping you access real-time, personalized legal support as you seek justice against the at-fault driver. Your lawyer can provide targeted case recommendations, such as advising you on what documents to file and when. Additionally, they can complete and submit court forms — like the complaint, motions, and notices — to help move your claim in a productive direction.

Steps To Protect Your TBI Claim After a Car Accident

One step you can take to protect your right to file a claim after a crash is to identify and meet your filing deadline. Under South Carolina law, you typically have about three years to sue the person or organization that caused the collision. You may have additional or less time to bring a legal claim, depending on your unique circumstances. An attorney can help you understand what deadlines apply to your case.

Another step you can take is to see a doctor shortly after the collision. The doctor can diagnose and treat your brain injury early on, improving your recovery outlook. Additionally, you can use the after-visit notes to support your claim that the accident caused or contributed to your brain injury.

Contact Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm After a Low-Impact Collision

If you get a low-impact collision injury, such as a concussion, getting timely and accurate legal advice is essential. You may be entitled to a financial settlement to cover the costs you have had to bear because of the TBI. A reputable lawyer can give you an edge if you decide to file a legal claim against the person or agency responsible for your losses.

The Greenville team at Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm is here to support you on your legal journey.

Dan Pruitt has been fighting for injury victims since 1993 and provides flexible meeting times and modalities — like virtual — to help create an accessible atmosphere for his clients. Contact Dan and his team today by calling (864) 721-6885 to set up a time to discuss your concerns.

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