Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury can be life-altering and potentially life-threatening. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon scenario for those who have been involved in collisions with commercial vehicles.

Atlanta truck accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert is prepared to take on these cases, which almost always present greater challenges than your typical auto accident claim. That’s because:

• Truck accidents in general tend to result in more severe injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries are serious, not always immediately apparent and impact virtually every aspect of life;
• Truck crashes may be complex incidents with more than one factor or negligent act or omission;
• Commercial motor carriers are required by law to carry higher liability insurance, which means they will fight harder to minimize the payout.

It’s not uncommon for TBI truck accident cases to result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. There is much at stake, and our law firm takes this responsibility seriously. We ask that you contact us as soon as possible after the crash because that will help us get a jump start on investigating and filing your TBI claim.

Common Types of TBI in Trucking Accidents

Like trucking accidents, head injuries are not one-size-fits-all, but they are often serious.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain a traumatic brain injury is a disruption in the normal function of the brain resulting from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or from a penetrating head injury. Annually, there are more than 2.5 million visits to emergency departments every year for traumatic brain injuries. Of those, 285,000 result in hospitalization and 56,000 result in death. Crashes are the No. 3 cause of TBI. We also know that about 116,000 people are injured in crashes involving large trucks every year (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and collisions involving large trucks result in an outsized number of serious injuries – including TBI.

There are three basic levels of traumatic brain injury, which define the neurological impact.

• Mild. This term can be misleading, as even a relatively minor impact can result in substantial physiological damage and cognitive deficits. This is the most prevalent kind of TBI, but it’s often missed at the time of initial injury. About 15 percent of those with mild TBI injuries have symptoms that last a year or more. Those afflicted may suffer headaches, fatigue, irritability, memory problems, decreased cognition, sensitivity to light and nausea. This would include concussions.
• Moderate. This is characterized by a loss of consciousness from a few minutes to a few hours. Confusion might last for days or weeks, and behavioral impairments could be temporary or permanent.
• Severe. Those with a severe TBI may lose consciousness or be in a coma for several days, weeks or months. There are varying degrees of this condition, ranging from being in a coma or vegetative state to minimally responsive to being locked in.

It’s not unheard of that traumatic brain injury has delayed onset or symptoms that may not be immediately apparent. That’s why you must seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident, even if you think you’re only “a little banged up.” Don’t try to tough it out because left untreated, a TBI can result in serious and lasting harm.

It’s important to understand that if you have been diagnosed with a TBI following a Georgia trucking accident, you have an advocate who can handle complex questions of liability for you.

Why Truck Accidents Cause TBI

Anytime a commercial tractor-trailer or other heavy vehicle collides with a smaller one, occupants in the passenger vehicle are extremely vulnerable to enormous levels of force. One can suffer a concussion when the head slams onto a hard surface, such as a windshield or windshield. There can be penetrating head injuries when debris flies or enters the passenger vehicle cabin.

The severity of injuries will depend on the speed of vehicles involved, the angle of the collision and whether prompt medical attention was received.

Odds of a TBI – and possibly death – are even higher in cases where the passenger car/ vehicle slides under the trailer of the truck. These are known as “underride accidents.” This is also where we see many penetrating brain injuries.

If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a truck accident, our dedicated Atlanta truck accident lawyers are available to help answer your questions and work toward helping you obtain fair compensation. We will carefully examine the liability of not just the driver, but the motor carrier, tractor-trailer owner, leasing company and truck manufacturer.

If you have been injured in a Georgia truck accident, contact Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert at (404) 370-1000.