If you were injured in a truck accident that was caused by the truck driver’s actions, you might be entitled to compensation. The experienced and compassionate legal team at Tiemann Law Firm understands that money cannot change your injuries. However, compensation can help pay mounting medical bills, cover lost wages, and help pay for future medical expenses.
There are varying degrees of severity of a concussion. Some require more medical care and have a longer recovery period than others. Pursuing compensation after an accident that leaves you with a concussion and the related expenses is not a simple task. When the accident involves a commercial trucking company, it can get even more complicated.
During your free consultation and case evaluation with a Northern California truck accident lawyer from Tiemann Law Firm, we explain your rights and review the details of your case. Our team provides you with individualized and customized attention while we’re fighting for your rights and working to recover the maximum amount of damages you are owed. Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at (916) 999-9000 and meet with one of our experienced attorneys who can advise you on your next best steps.
There Is Limited Time to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In California, the law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek restitution from the at-fault party. The statute of limitations is the law that defines that period of time. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
If you do not file within that two-year period, you relinquish your right to seek justice in court. Two years sounds like a long time, but it takes time to gather data and information to document your injuries and estimate your potential future medical expenses.
Your legal team will also gather evidence about the accident to support your claim. Time can pass quickly. The sooner you engage us, the sooner we can get to work on your case. Contact us today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Inside the skull, your brain is encased in a fluid called cerebral spinal fluid. This helps cushion the brain from hitting the inside of the skull during normal activity.
However, when your head hits a stationary object or is hit by an object, it can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This creates an injury to the brain when it hits the skull bone. A concussion can also happen when your head undergoes sudden movement, such as when your car comes to a sudden stop that causes the brain to bounce or twist within the skull.
The injury occurs when the brain hits the skull, which causes a bruise. If the brain twists inside the skull, it can cause something called a shear injury. During a truck accident, your car can come to a sudden stop, which can cause your head to hit an object such as the steering wheel or dashboard.
In this instance, your body and brain are traveling at speed and come to a sharp and sudden stop. This causes the brain to impact the skull and bounce backward. You can experience a brain injury where you’re the brain initially impacts your skull and directly on the other side of the impact when it bounces back. This is called a coup contrecoup injury.
Medical professionals often describe a concussion as a mild traumatic brain injury because they are not life-threatening. However, concussions are serious conditions and require medical attention and sometimes rehabilitation. Reach out to us if you have pressing questions about your case.
Symptoms of a Concussion
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle. They do not always show up immediately after the accident. You may not experience symptoms until you have left the scene of the accident and are heading home.
However, any injury to the brain can be serious. We always recommend that our clients see a medical provider immediately after an accident. This helps to document your injuries, demonstrates to the court your interest in your health, and can help identify concussion injuries. Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Memory loss surrounding the traumatic event
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or feeling as if you’re operating in a fog
- Blurred vision
- Clear fluid dripping from the nose
- Dizziness immediately afterward or in the following days
A witness to the accident may observe that a person who experienced a concussion has a temporary loss of consciousness, slurred speech, or delayed response to questions. They may appear dazed for several minutes or may repeatedly ask the same questions. In the days and weeks after a concussion, you may experience:
- Concentration and memory problems
- Personality changes
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances-insomnia or hypersomnia
- Sensitivity to light and Noise
- Depression or anxiety
- Difficulty with taste and smell
What Are Potential Complications?
There are significant complications that can occur in the weeks and months following the accident. After a concussion, your brain is at risk of a secondary injury. Imagine if you have a bruise on your leg and someone hits it again before it has time to heal. This is what can happen to the brain. A second concussion can cause more significant damage and may be fatal.
Some people experience spinning or dizziness for months after a mild traumatic brain injury. This is called post-traumatic vertigo, and it can significantly impact your ability to walk and work.
Persistent post-concussive syndrome happens to a small portion of people. It includes symptoms of headache, dizziness, and difficulty with thinking that continue for more than three weeks. If this is something you or a loved one is facing, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately.
What Type of Compensation Is Available?
After an accident with a commercial truck, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover losses that are verifiable and objective, and that can include medical expenses and lost wages when you are unable to return to work immediately after the accident.
Non-economic damages cover losses that are not verifiable and are subjective. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of companionship, or disfigurement.
How an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
If you experience a concussion after a truck accident, you want an experienced and compassionate brain injury attorney on your side. There are unique challenges for people who have experienced a concussion. You want an attorney who understands those challenges and will fight to protect your rights to receive fair compensation. The at-fault party’s insurance company has an experienced and skilled attorney on its side to protect its financial assets. You should have one, too.
Trust Tiemann Law Firm With Your Case
If you were injured in an accident with a commercial truck that was not your fault, call the attorneys at Tiemann Law Firm today. A personal injury accident case with a commercial trucking company is complex and may involve more than one plaintiff. We will work hard to ensure that all who are at fault for your injuries will be held accountable. Call our office today at (916) 999-9000, or reach out online to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.
