When a semi-truck collides with your car, the physics are unforgiving. The massive weight disparity can cause a jolt that heavily impacts your neck and head, leading to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The causes of TBIs in truck accidents
A truck accident often causes violent impacts to cars, significant enough to make your brain rattle against your skull. Even if your seatbelt is fastened, you can still suffer from a direct trauma after hitting your head on the dashboard, window or steering wheel.
The common types of brain injuries
TBIs do not manifest the same way as other injuries. These are often invisible to the naked eye, but their effects can change your life forever. Examples can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Concussions: A blow to the head that causes temporary brain dysfunction or loss of consciousness
- Contusions: A bruise on the brain tissue
- Skull fractures: A crack or break in the skull
- Intercranial hematoma: A damaged blood vessel that causes bleeding or pooling inside the head
- Penetrating injury: An injury involving a foreign object that penetrated the skull
These require immediate medical care due to their severity. If left untreated, TBIs can result in permanent life changes, such as functional limitations and cognitive impairment.
Your path to recovery and compensation
In Indiana, TBIs count as compensable damages. This means you can seek recovery for everything from immediate emergency room bills to long-term rehabilitation and the emotional toll on your quality of life.
You can file a personal injury claim against the driver’s trucking company. However, the process can be complex because of the state’s modified comparative fault system. Additionally, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to submit a claim. If you are struggling with the aftermath of a crash, speaking with a dedicated attorney can help ensure your rights remain protected while you focus on healing.
