Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) & Concussions

Car accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions in Texas. These injuries often occur suddenly and can have lasting effects on a person’s life. At Universal Law Group, we help injured clients understand their rights, pursue compensation, and rebuild after a serious injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury after a crash, this guide will help you understand what to expect and what legal options are available.

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What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain is damaged by an external force, such as a blow, jolt, or penetrating object. Even a minor collision can cause a concussion, which is a form of mild TBI. More serious brain injuries can lead to swelling, bleeding, or long-term impairment.

Types of Brain Injuries After a Car Crash

Concussions: The most common type of TBI. Caused by a sudden impact or jolt.
Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue, often caused by a direct blow to the head.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Involves tearing of brain tissue due to sudden rotation or shaking, common in high-speed crashes.
Penetrating Injury: Occurs when an object breaks through the skull and damages the brain.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury: Damage occurs at the impact site and the opposite side of the brain.

How Brain Injuries Happen in Car Accidents

Brain injuries happen when the head hits an object or is thrown violently. In a rear-end crash, the head can whip back and forth, causing the brain to move inside the skull. Airbags, seatbelts, and the design of a car can reduce the risk, but they don’t prevent all injuries.

Common causes of TBI in car accidents include:

Hitting your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
Sudden deceleration or acceleration
Ejection from the vehicle
Objects striking the head during the crash

Even if the skull remains intact, the brain can be injured from the movement alone.

Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries can affect thinking, memory, behavior, and physical coordination. Some symptoms appear right away. Others may take hours or days.

Immediate Signs:

Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Confusion or memory gaps
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Blurred vision
Dizziness or balance problems

Delayed Symptoms:

Difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to light or noise
Mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Ongoing fatigue
Slurred speech

If you notice any of these signs after an accident, seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage.

The Long-Term Impact of a TBI

A brain injury can affect every part of a person’s life. Some people recover fully within weeks. Others face lifelong challenges.

Possible Long-Term Effects:

Chronic pain or headaches
Speech and language problems
Changes in behavior or personality
Memory loss
Depression or anxiety
Inability to work or care for oneself

For severe TBIs, recovery may involve hospitalization, surgery, rehab, and ongoing care. These injuries may affect your ability to earn a living or maintain relationships.

Why Medical Attention Is Essential

Some brain injuries are invisible on standard scans. A person might appear fine but still have serious internal damage. Doctors often rely on neurological exams, cognitive testing, and imaging studies like MRIs to evaluate brain function.

Prompt medical care serves two key purposes:

Health – It ensures you get the right treatment and avoid worsening symptoms.
Legal – It creates a medical record that links your injury to the accident, supporting your legal claim.

If you wait too long, the insurance company may argue your injury is unrelated.

Proving a Brain Injury After a Car Accident

Insurance companies often challenge brain injury claims, especially when symptoms are mild or delayed. That’s why documentation is critical.

To prove your injury, your legal team may collect:

Emergency room records
MRI and CT scan results
Neurologist or neuropsychologist reports
Testimony from family or coworkers about changes in behavior
Expert opinions on how the injury limits your daily life

At Universal Law Group, we know how to gather and present this evidence clearly and effectively.

Compensation for Brain Injury Victims

If someone else caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A brain injury often leads to more than just medical bills. It can affect your career, relationships, and future.

Damages in a Brain Injury Case May Include:

Past and future medical expenses
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Long-term care needs

We work to estimate the full value of your claim, including long-term costs. Texas law gives injured people the right to recover these losses from the at-fault party.

How a Houston Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help

Brain injury cases are complex. They often involve medical experts, contested evidence, and high financial stakes. Our attorneys can guide you through the process and protect your interests at every step.

At Universal Law Group, we:

Review the details of your crash
Work with doctors and specialists
Handle insurance negotiations
Build a strong legal claim
File a lawsuit if necessary

We are committed to honest communication, practical strategies, and responsive service. We represent clients across Houston and throughout Texas.

No Upfront Fees – We Work on a Contingency Basis

You don’t need to worry about paying upfront. We handle brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

No attorney fees unless we win your case
We get paid only from a successful settlement or verdict

This gives you access to legal services without risk.

Contact Universal Law Group After a Brain Injury

A brain injury can change your life. You don’t have to face the legal system alone. Let us help you understand your rights, hold the at-fault party accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call Universal Law Group today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We are ready to help you and your family move forward.