Although the human brain is incredibly powerful, it is also relatively vulnerable. The skull is thick and strong, but it may also contribute to the progression of a brain injury after physical trauma occurs.
Car crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through a variety of different means. Some people strike their heads on the windows or steering wheels of vehicles. Other times, the aggressive motions of a vehicle can cause TBIs by causing bleeding or inflammation of the brain.
Without medical intervention, the pressure inside the skull may slowly increase, producing worsening symptoms. Many people adjusting to life after acquiring TBIs or caring for a family member with a car crash TBI discover that insurance cannot cover all of their losses. Why do TBIs frequently cost more than the amount of coverage available from an automotive insurance policy?
1. Significant medical expenses
Moderate to severe TBIs typically do not lead to full recoveries. However, people still require intensive medical intervention when they first arrive at the hospital.
Surgery is often necessary. Health care professionals may put an individual into a medically induced coma. There are also rehabilitative services to consider. Brain injury medical care can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or sometimes even millions of dollars in total lifetime medical expenses.
2. Reduced income
People who miss weeks of work to undergo medical care may lose out on thousands of dollars in regular income. Their injuries can also leave them incapable of continuing in the same career. Some people may never be able to work full-time again after acquiring a TBI. Lost income and reduced earning potential can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the lifetime financial impact of a TBI.
3. Accommodation expenses
Brain injuries can affect everything from personality and memory to motor function. Individuals with TBIs may need to make significant adjustments to their homes and vehicles. Those changes can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Working with an attorney may make it easier for people to estimate their losses and evaluate insurance coverage while adjusting to life with catastrophic car crash injuries. Filing a lawsuit is sometimes necessary in cases where injuries are likely to generate lifetime losses that exceed available liability insurance coverage.