Do I Have To File a Police Report for a Car Accident In California?

How Do You Know If You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury?

It’s important to see a doctor after a car accident if you think you might have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Don’t delay medical care because TBI’s can lead to severe and significant life-altering complications as well as overwhelming financial consequences. Symptoms of a TBI include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. You might also have nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures might occur. A physician should examine you thoroughly and document your injuries. Seeking immediate care may strengthen your traumatic brain injury lawsuit​ and insurance claim by documenting the injury early.

Factors Influencing The Average TBI Settlement

The average settlement for a traumatic brain injury case can be influenced by the degree of medical care needed, whether you can return to work, and if negligence was involved in the accident that caused the TBI. More severe TBIs often result in higher settlements because of their impact on the victim’s life. These can include expensive surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and future medical care. Lost income is also a factor, including reduced earning capacity. The accident and subsequent injuries often cause emotional distress, resulting in compensation for pain and suffering. Long-term care needs are an important factor, too. If comparative negligence exists, it may also affect the amount of compensation.

How does long-term care affect a TBI settlement in California?

Long-term care expenses can significantly impact a TBI settlement in California. Severe TBI patients often need ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and personal care, which can be expensive. Settlements include future care expenses, as well as modifications to the patient’s home and lifestyle. The higher the anticipated long-term care costs are, the larger the settlement will likely be. The victim should receive adequate compensation in a TBI lawsuit to cover all medical and care expenses as well as future expenses that result from a TBI injury. 

What Evidence Do You Need In a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit​?

Collecting evidence effectively can establish the link between the accident and your TBI to support your compensation claim.

Medical Records: Get official records from hospitals and physicians to confirm TBI diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Accident Reports: Police reports detail the circumstances of the accident.

Witness Testimony: Statements from witnesses provide important details about the specifics of your case. 

Expert Testimony: Expert opinions from neurologists can explain your injury and its long-term effects. 

Photos and Videos: Gather visual evidence of the accident and your injuries.

Financial Records: Document related costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses.

Personal Statements: Write down what you remember about the accident, your injury, and its effect on your daily life.

How Much Money Can You Get From a Brain Injury Settlement?

The potential amount for traumatic brain injury settlements in California is influenced by the evidence, the severity of your injury, your loss of income, your medical expenses, and your long-term care needs. The specifics of every case are different, but severe TBI settlements in California can often be as high as $5 million. Your final compensation is determined by the specific facts of your case, supporting evidence, and having the right lawyer who will advocate for you. 

Tips for Maximizing a TBI Injury Settlement

Hire an Experienced Lawyer: An attorney who specializes in TBI cases will have a successful track record of winning high settlements.

Thorough Preparation: Access to police reports, medical records, and witness statements will help your lawyer build a stronger case.

Expert Testimony: Medical experts can explain the severity of your injury as well as its impact on your life. 

Document Expenses: Accurately show your expenses with detailed records of medical bills, lost wages, and estimates of future care costs.

Emphasize Long-Term Effects: Be able to show the impact of the injury on your quality of life.

Negotiation Skills: Work closely with your attorney to create effective negotiation strategies to counter the opposition’s arguments.

Stay Informed: Understand your claim’s value by staying informed about TBI laws and average TBI settlements.

Be Patient: Traumatic brain injury settlement​ negotiations take time. Trust your lawyer and avoid agreeing to an early settlement without a full understanding of its implications.

The Importance of Choosing The Right Injury Attorney

Establishing fault is essential in a TBI case, and a Los Angeles car accident lawyer experienced in TBI cases can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to prove the other party was responsible for your injury. They know how to navigate the California legal system and negotiate with insurance companies who want to limit your compensation award. California has specific laws regarding TBI lawsuits and claims.

Novik Law Group attorneys know that your traumatic brain injury and the resulting effects can be overwhelming for you and your family, and we can provide you with support and legal expertise to ensure you get the maximum TBI injury settlement you deserve. We’ve helped our clients get millions of dollars in awards for car accident injuries, and we can help you. Allow us to review the details of your case during a free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers.