Car Crash Consequences: Legal Guide for Brain Injury Victims

Introduction

Car accidents are an unfortunate and grim reality on the roads of New York. Every year, thousands of people are involved in accidents that result in various degrees of physical injuries. Some of these injuries are minor, causing only temporary discomfort, while others are severe, leading to long-term health issues. Among the most severe and complex injuries are brain injuries, which can manifest in subtle and often overlooked symptoms over time.

As a law firm specializing in car accident and brain injury cases, Frekhtman and Associates understand the complexities and challenges associated with these types of injuries. We are committed to providing you with essential insights, legal guidance, and representation on this complex subject.

Contact our team at (212) 222-1111 for your free case evaluation.

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Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. These injuries can occur in a variety of ways, including car accidents, falls, and violent assaults. They can range from mild to severe, with symptoms and recovery times varying widely depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Concussion

A concussion is the most common form of TBI. It is often caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head that shakes the brain inside the skull. Symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, and nausea to confusion, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior. While many people recover fully from concussions, the long-term effects can be debilitating and include problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination.

Contusion

A contusion, or a bruise on the brain, is caused by a direct impact to the head. This type of injury can lead to localized neurological issues, such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty with speech or vision. In severe cases, a contusion may require surgical intervention to reduce swelling and prevent further damage.

Coup-Contrecoup

A coup-contrecoup injury involves damage to both sides of the brain. The force of the impact is strong enough to cause a contusion at the site of the impact and also on the opposite side of the brain, as the brain rebounds within the skull. This type of injury can be particularly severe, as it often involves damage to multiple areas of the brain.

Diffuse Axonal

A diffuse axonal injury is a shearing or tearing of the brain’s white matter, which can occur when the head is rapidly rotated or shaken. This type of injury can lead to a variety of functional impairments, including cognitive and motor function deficits, and is often more severe than other types of injuries.

For a more detailed understanding of different types of brain injuries and their implications, visit our comprehensive guide.

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Leading Causes of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. The force of the impact, the direction of the collision, and the safety features of the vehicle can all influence the type and severity of the injury.

Distracted Driving

The advent of smartphones and other handheld devices has led to an increase in distracted driving accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio while driving can take your attention away from the road and lead to serious accidents. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including TBIs.

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit not only increases the risk of an accident but also the severity of injuries sustained. High-speed impacts can cause severe brain injuries, as the force of the collision can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to bruising, tearing, and swelling.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it a significant factor in severe car accidents. Alcohol and drugs can also increase the risk of a TBI by causing drowsiness, blurred vision, and other impairments that can lead to accidents.

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Severity and Legal Implications

The severity of a TBI can have significant legal implications, influencing the amount of compensation you may be entitled to and the strategies used in your case.

Mild

Mild TBIs, such as concussions, can have symptoms that are temporary and resolve within a few weeks. However, even a mild TBI can result in significant medical bills, from emergency room visits to follow-up appointments with specialists. Additionally, you may need to take time off work to recover, leading to lost wages. These financial impacts can be included in a personal injury claim.

Moderate

Moderate TBIs often require more extensive medical treatment, including hospital stays, medication, and ongoing therapy. The financial burden of these treatments can be substantial, and you may also face challenges with daily tasks, work, and relationships. With a moderate TBI, you may be entitled to compensation for these medical expenses, as well as for pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of quality of life.

Severe

Severe TBIs can result in long-term or permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and support. These injuries can dramatically affect your ability to work, engage in social activities, and perform daily tasks. In these cases, the legal implications are significant. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.

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Legal Services We Offer

At Frekhtman and Associates, we offer a range of services tailored to the complexities of brain injury cases. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the medical, legal, and personal challenges that come with these types of injuries. We are committed to providing compassionate, effective representation to help you navigate this difficult time.

Consultation

We offer a free initial consultation to assess your case. During this meeting, we will discuss the details of your accident, your injuries, and your legal options. We will answer any questions you have and provide guidance on the next steps.

Expertise

Our firm specializes in brain damage from car accidents. We have a deep understanding of the medical issues involved in these cases, as well as the legal strategies that are most effective in obtaining compensation. We work with a network of medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to build strong cases for our clients.

Contingency Fee

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue your case without worrying about upfront costs or ongoing legal bills.

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Compensation: What You Can Expect

The compensation you can expect in a brain injury case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of your accident. In general, compensation in these cases aims to cover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes immediate medical bills, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, and surgeries, as well as future medical expenses related to the injury, such as rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for these lost wages. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may be compensated for this loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This can include compensation for physical discomfort, mental anguish, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

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Statute of Limitations

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence, secure witness testimonies, and start the legal process. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

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Need legal help?

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from a car accident, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. At Frekhtman and Associates, we specialize in personal injury law and have extensive experience in brain injury cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and the challenges that victims and their families face. We are committed to guiding you through this challenging period, providing legal advice and representation, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Summary

This article provides an overview of the types of traumatic brain injuries, leading causes of brain injuries in car accidents, the severity of TBIs and their legal implications, the services offered by Frekhtman and Associates, the compensation you can expect in a brain injury case, and the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from a car accident, Frekhtman and Associates can provide the legal assistance you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common types of Traumatic Brain Injuries from a car accident?

Some common types of TBIs from car accidents include concussion, contusion, coup-contrecoup, and diffuse axonal injury. Each of these injuries can have different symptoms and recovery times, and the severity can range from mild to severe.

What are the leading causes of brain injuries in car accidents?

Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are the leading causes of brain injuries in car accidents. These behaviors increase the risk of accidents and can lead to serious injuries, including TBIs.

What can I expect in terms of compensation for a brain injury from a car accident?

Compensation in a brain injury case aims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the injury. The exact amount of compensation will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of your accident.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a brain injury claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Contact our team at (212) 222-1111 for your free case evaluation.

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Conclusion

Brain injuries from car accidents can have devastating and life-altering effects. They can lead to physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options.

At Frekhtman and Associates, we specialize in representing victims of brain injury. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the complexities of these cases and the significant impact that these injuries can have on victims and their families. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal process, providing compassionate representation, and fighting for the maximum compensation.

We offer a free initial consultation, during which we can assess your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance on the next steps. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. If you have suffered a brain injury from a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help.

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Further Information

Navigating life after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is tough, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Frekhtman & Associates, we’re here to guide you through the legal maze and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you’ve recently experienced a Brain Injury, don’t hesitate to initiate your case with us.

Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury cases. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of preserving evidence, securing witness testimonies, and obtaining the maximum compensation. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Frekhtman and Associates at (212) 222-1111 for your free case evaluation.

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