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Car crashes, along with falls and interpersonal violence, are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S. People who are involved in motor vehicle collisions often hit their heads on a window or on a steering wheel. Sometimes, just the aggressive motion of the vehicle upon impact could cause an injury to someone’s brain by shaking them around too much. Pieces of metal or glass also cause brain injuries in some cases.

A TBI can lead to major medical expenses and even more in lost income. The medical consequences of a brain injury can include lifelong dependence on life support or a need for extensive rehabilitative care. Unfortunately, those trying to mitigate the consequences of a brain injury after a car crash may find the process particularly challenging. Why are brain injury claims after a car crash so difficult to navigate successfully?

Delays in symptoms cause gaps in documentation

It is common for people with a TBI to leave the scene of the crash without realizing there is anything wrong yet. Often, it takes several days before the swelling or bleeding inside the skull will cause symptoms serious enough to send someone to a medical center.

Someone can leave the scene of the crash without realizing the collision hurt their brain. They might go several days without medical care. Not only can the injury worsen during that delay, but there can be a risk of an insurance company trying to claim that crash wasn’t the true cause.

Car insurance may not be enough

The required insurance mandated by state law may only cover the initial trauma care that someone needs after a crash-related TBI. In extreme cases, a brain injury could lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions of dollars in care costs.

Many people dealing with a crash-related TBI will need to look into a lawsuit because insurance won’t fully reimburse them. A civil lawsuit can lead to more compensation for those with catastrophic injuries after a car crash.

People who don’t recognize the severity of their condition or the importance of getting full financial compensation may end up struggling to cover the costs generated by a crash-related brain injury in the long term. Thus, pursuing insurance claims and even civil lawsuits can help those who are struggling with a traumatic brain injury following a car crash.