Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major concern after any type of car crash. The jarring motion of the accident can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, swelling and even bleeding. If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in a car crash in Louisiana, it is important to know how to deal with the injury and get the necessary help.
Treatment
It’s often advisable to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident because of how deadly they can be, and sometimes, signs may not manifest until weeks, months or even years later. You could sit thinking you are fine, but there may be a huge problem that could alter your life completely or even lead to death.
With TBI, it’s recommended to take a step further by seeing a neuropsychologist and a forensic neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist would be able to point out the brain-behavior relationship and offer suggestions on the best type of treatment specific to your case. A forensic neuropsychologist, on the other hand, could help with any legal cases that may come about as a result of the TBI.
Seeking compensation
In Louisiana, insurance companies are required to provide victims of motor vehicle accidents with personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of up to $15,000. If your injuries are severe and exceed this amount, then you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
In your suit, you’ll need the neuropsychologist’s evaluation to help prove the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. You’ll also need to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident. A car accident reconstructionist could help here. They will analyze the scene of the accident, the damage to the vehicles and any other evidence to recreate what happened and maybe tie it to how it led to your TBI.
A TBI can be a life-changing event, but it doesn’t have to define you. There are many things you can do to help yourself cope and even recover from the injury, such as therapy, counseling and a proper diet. You may also want to consider joining a gym or taking up some form of physical activity to improve your mood, increase brain function and even help with memory problems.