If you are one of the thousands of people who suffer a traumatic brain injury each year, you know how difficult it can be to cope with the aftermath. A TBI can affect every aspect of your life, from your physical abilities to your emotional well-being. If you have been in a car crash in Illinois and are suffering from the effects of a TBI, here’s what you need to do.
Get medical help
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. A TBI can sometimes take days or weeks to manifest itself, so it’s important to get checked out by a professional.
Consider filing a personal injury claim
If your traumatic brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Just remember that you may need certain types of evidence to prove your case. One of the best pieces of evidence you can have is a detailed account of the accident from an eyewitness. This can help to establish negligence on the part of the other driver.
Another important piece of evidence is the police report from the accident. This can help to establish how the accident happened and who was at fault. The doctor or hospital where you were treated for your TBI can also provide important evidence. Make sure to get copies of all your medical records and bills.
Understand which tests are admissible in court
If your personal injury claim goes to trial, you will need to establish the severity of your TBI with evidence. One way to do this is by having a neuropsychological evaluation. This type of test can help to show how your TBI has affected your cognitive abilities.
An MRI or CT scan can also be used to show the severity of your TBI. These tests can show the location and extent of the damage to your brain.
If you are successful in your personal injury claim, you may get entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the other driver was particularly careless or reckless.