Do You Have a Brain Injury From a Car Accident?

Car rides can turn from normal, routine commutes to catastrophic, life-changing incidents in an instant—and if you sustain a brain injury because of someone else’s negligent driving in Belleville, you deserve to know your legal options.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Belleville?

First and foremost, after a crash, call 911 to request both police presence and medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel particularly injured—your adrenaline may mask some internal symptoms, especially those related to brain injuries.

Take photos of any vehicle damage, inclement road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved, and note the time, location, and circumstances of the crash on a notepad or voice memo.

Why Are Brain Injuries Among the Most Serious Car Accident Consequences?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) rank among some of the most devastating consequences of car accidents, as the sheer impact of the crash can shake the brain within the skull, damage the brain’s delicate tissue, and lead to long-term or permanent impairment. Even with modern safety features like airbags and reinforced frames, the forces involved in automobile collisions can alter your brain chemistry permanently.

And to make matters worse, while some victims experience obvious symptoms (like loss of consciousness or confusion at the accident scene), others may not realize the severity of their injury until days or weeks later.

The long-term consequences of brain injuries can include the following:

• Cognitive impairments that impair memory, attention, and problem-solving.
• Communication difficulties and language processing problems.
• Physical challenges, including coordination issues, weakness, or paralysis.
• Emotional and behavioral changes.
• Sensory problems that affect the victim’s vision, hearing, or touch.
• These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and long-term support services.

What Compensation Can I Recover After Suffering a Serious Car Accident Injury?

If someone’s negligent actions caused your car accident, Illinois law gives victims two years to recover the costs related to their medical expenses, emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation services via a personal injury lawsuit. Especially in cases involving brain injuries, you may need to pay for ongoing specialist care and expensive therapy.

If your brain injury impacted your cognitive or processing abilities, you may lose the ability to work your old job or make as much money as you did before your accident. The damages you recover in a personal injury lawsuit can make up for your lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and in cases of severe impairment, you can also claim compensation for the loss of your normal life.

Get the Legal Support You Need From the Belleville Car Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm

Trust the Belleville car accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm to investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you at trial. Call us today at 618-277-3644 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.