Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Common in Commercial Truck Wrecks
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the serious impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from truck accidents. Brain injuries from commercial truck wrecks can be life-altering, often requiring extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and financial support. If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in a Tennessee truck crash, working with an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. The aftermath of these crashes demands urgent medical care, thorough documentation, and a strong legal strategy to navigate complex brain injury claims.
What types of brain injuries can truck accidents cause?
The sheer force of a collision with an 18-wheeler can cause the brain to shake, twist, or even suffer direct impact, leading to serious and often life-changing consequences.
One of the most common TBIs is a concussion, which happens when the brain is jolted inside the skull. Even a seemingly minor rear-end crash with a truck can cause a concussion, which can leave you with dizziness, headaches, and memory problems.
More severe crashes can result in contusions or brain bruises, which can lead to dangerous swelling and bleeding. In high-speed collisions, you may suffer a diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a condition where the brain's nerve fibers tear due to violent shaking and results in permanent cognitive damage.
In extreme cases, penetrating brain injuries occur when debris or shattered glass pierces the skull, directly harming brain tissue.
Steps to take after a truck accident
The immediate aftermath of a trucking crash can be overwhelming. However, your priority must be ensuring everyone receives proper medical attention. If you’re still at the scene, call 911 or ask a bystander to make the call. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and brain trauma may not be immediately obvious. So, get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible.
If you can and it's safe to do so, try to gather basic information such as the names of involved parties, contact details, and even the truck driver’s information. If possible, take photographs of the crash scene, including any visible injuries, damage to vehicles, and the surrounding environment.
The importance of seeking immediate medical attention
After a trucking accident, getting prompt and proper medical attention should be your top priority. A TBI requires a full diagnostic workup regardless of your initial symptoms. Tests such as CT scans or MRIs help detect internal bleeding, swelling, or other hidden injuries that may be life-threatening.
If you're unconscious or unable to make decisions at the crash scene, trust the judgment of emergency responders to get you the care you need. In many cases, even if you are awake and seemingly unharmed, it is best to err on the side of caution. A delayed diagnosis of a brain injury can lead to complications later on and make recovery much more challenging.
How to document the accident and your injuries
Immediately following the accident, record every detail about your injuries and the circumstances leading up to the crash. Write down how you felt, the symptoms you experienced, and any changes in your condition, even if they seem minor at the time.
Take photographs of visible injuries and any damage to your personal belongings. If you can, ask a trusted friend or family member to assist in capturing these images. Also, gather contact information from witnesses who may have seen the crash or observed your injuries. Their testimonies can support your account of events and strengthen your case.
Additionally, keep copies of all medical reports, bills, and any other related documents. This helps your doctors understand the progression of your injury and strengthens your case when dealing with insurance companies or legal representatives.
Protecting your legal rights
Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even maintenance crews. This means liability may be spread among several parties, making your case more complicated than a standard two-car crash.
Immediately refrain from making any detailed statements about fault at the crash scene. Instead, let the police and medical professionals handle the situation. Once you have received the necessary medical care and have documented everything, seek legal help from an experienced Tennessee truck accident lawyer. Why? Because insurance companies often use tactics to keep settlements as low as possible. Sometimes, they'll try to shift the blame onto the victim and deny compensation.
Having experienced legal representation levels the playing field, so you're not pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn't fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
Common challenges brain injury victims face during recovery
Recovering from a brain injury is a long journey. You could face cognitive challenges such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment, which can complicate both daily living and the legal process.
In addition to cognitive and emotional challenges, physical rehabilitation can be demanding. Brain injuries may require extensive therapy sessions to regain lost functions. The road to recovery is not linear; setbacks are common, and the process can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
Furthermore, you may face financial hardships due to mounting medical bills and the inability to work during recovery. The long-term nature of treatment and rehabilitation can lead to financial strain.
How a Nashville truck accident lawyer can help after a brain injury
If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in a truck accident in Tennessee, life may feel like it’s never going to be the same. The road to recovery can be long and overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. That's why The Law Office of Eric Beasley is committed to protecting the rights of crash victims in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee.
Trucking companies and insurance adjusters may try to downplay your claim or push for a lowball settlement. We won’t let them. Our Nashville truck accident lawyers will fight tirelessly to hold the negligent parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve for medical treatment, long-term care, and financial stability. For instance, in one case, we obtained $800,000 for a family who sustained significant injuries in a collision involving an 18-wheeler.
There's no pressure or obligation to work with us if you decide not to proceed. Just straight talk and honest answers from a legal team that truly cares about delivering justice to accident victims. Contact us online or call our Nashville office to see how we can help you.
“Eric Beasley was fantastic throughout the entire process. He is extremely knowledgeable and efficient. I had to fill out a few forms, and he took care of the rest! The best experience during my injury case.” — Brenda W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐