Brain Injury After a Car Accident: Can I Sue?
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBIs) in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. Brain injuries come with both short-term and long-term effects. In the case of severe TBIs, your life may drastically change.
An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation for your losses. Treatment costs may run into tens of thousands of dollars. If you’ve suffered one of these severe injuries, here’s what you can do to file a claim.
What to Do After a TBI in a Car Crash
Many TBI victims take years to recover. In some cases, full recovery is not possible and you may have to live with some symptoms for the rest of your life. When you’ve suffered a serious injury, you may need to take certain steps to recover from your accident. If you suffered a TBI in a car accident, take the following steps:
- Undergo Medical Examination – It is best to undergo a thorough medical exam as soon as possible after your injury. This will help you diagnose the precise nature and location of the injury.
- Get Medical Treatment – Based on your diagnosis, you are referred to an appropriate doctor for treatment. You may also need to undergo other diagnostic tests before your treatment may begin.
- Maintain Documentation – It is vital to maintain medical documentation from your examination and treatment. This documentation will later help you prove your suffering and get compensated.
- Follow the Doctor’s Advice – You must follow the treatment recommended by your doctor for recovery. If you don’t follow the doctor’s advice, this can hurt your claim for damages.
- File a Claim – Indiana allows you to sue when someone’s negligence causes your injuries. Your first option towards getting damages is to file a claim against the at-fault party. You can do this by filing an insurance claim.
- Get Legal Help – The process of filing a claim can be daunting. A lawyer by your side can significantly improve your odds of winning a fair settlement.
When Can You Sue for TBI?
Your first recourse for compensation is to file an insurance claim. If the insurer refuses to honor your claim or pay for your losses, you can file a lawsuit. Make sure you don’t delay too long. You only have two years to file, and if you don’t act on time, your claim may be dismissed.
The lawsuit brings your claim into the legal domain as a civil case. The case is then heard by a judge and you are required to put in court hearings. It is imperative to have legal help at this stage.
How Can an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer Help?
If you have suffered a brain injury in an Indianapolis car crash, we can help you. At Kooi Law, we dedicate our efforts to helping crash victims pursue fair compensation. Our lawyers can help you seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Ready to take advantage of our free consultations? Contact us today at 317-569-1335 to discuss your brain injury claim with our lawyers, or complete the online contact form below.