Concussions and Brain Injuries

Concussions and other brain injuries are unfortunately a common result of car accidents. Knoxville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can help you if you sustained a head injury in a car accident. Mr. Hartsoe has over twenty years of experience in the area of personal injury law. He has a proven record for helping car accident victims recover compensation for the losses they have suffered. Call us today to discuss your car accident case.

If a car accident victim suffers a concussion or other type of brain injury, he or she should be treated on-the-scene or immediately after the accident, even if the victim appears lucid after the collision. Car accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that over 17 percent of reported traumatic brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents or other traffic-related incidents. Brain injuries from car accidents are also the most fatal. Car accidents account for over 30 percent of all brain-injury related deaths, according the CDC.

A brain injury can be classified as either open or closed-head. An open-head injury occurs when there is a skull fracture. A broken windshield, for example, may cause a fracture and injure the brain. A closed-head injury means the skull remains intact and the injury occurs within it. A concussion is a closed-head injury and is the most common type of brain injury. The brain may swell in a closed-head injury, which can lead to death if not treated immediately.

A concussion or other brain injury should not be taken lightly. A person can feel fine one minute, but their condition can quickly deteriorate. In some cases, a person may not present signs of injury until hours or even days later. Symptoms to watch out for include a severe headache, nausea, and any motor or sensory deficiencies.

A car accident victim can seek to hold a careless driver responsible for their injuries. Tennessee requires all motorists to exercise care when they are on the road. They must obey the rules of the road, avoid distractions, and maintain their focus on the safe operation of their vehicles. Many drivers, however, fail to exercise this duty of care. The result is often a car accident that leaves other motorists, passengers, riders, or pedestrians with life-changing injuries.

Sometimes, a driver or passenger suffers a brain injury from a defect in the car or its design. For example, if there is a defect in the seat belt or if an airbag fails to deploy, the car manufacturer may be liable for any injuries. An investigation into the car design and manufacture will help determine if a defect contributed to a brain injury in an accident.

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury or concussion in a car accident, you can pursue a personal injury suit against the party that caused your injuries. A brain injury that seems mild at first can result in a more traumatic injury that can be debilitating and require years of treatment. You can potentially recover damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Tennessee sets a time limit on personal injury claims, so it is important that you speak with a trusted, knowledgeable attorney soon after the accident occurs.

Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe is dedicated to representing car accident victims. Mr. Hartsoe is an experienced attorney with a commitment to helping his clients recover compensation for their injuries. He will investigate your case, work with experts to cover every aspect of the accident, and interview witnesses. He will pursue a fair settlement and will aggressively represent you if your case goes to trial. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online to discuss your case.