Traumatic brain injury claims from head-on collisions are often worth more than typical car accident claims because the injuries are usually more severe, the recovery is longer, and the long-term costs are much higher. A head-on crash involves two vehicles colliding at combined speed, which creates far more force on the body, including the head and brain, than most other types of accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a head-on collision, understanding why these claims carry higher value, and what needs to be proven to recover full compensation, can help you make informed decisions during recovery.
Insurance companies often try to undervalue brain injury claims because the damage isn’t always visible on the surface. A free case review from The Voorhies Law Firm can help you understand what your claim is really worth before you accept any offer. Call 504-875-2223.
Why Head-On Collisions Cause More Severe Brain Injuries
In a head-on collision, both vehicles are typically moving toward each other, which means the force of impact is combined rather than absorbed by just one vehicle’s speed. This creates significantly more energy at the moment of impact compared to a rear-end or side-impact crash.
Factors that make head-on collisions especially dangerous for the brain include:
- Sudden, violent forward motion that causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull
- Direct impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield
- Airbag deployment forces, which can still cause injury even as they prevent worse harm
- Whiplash-type movement that can cause additional strain on the brain and neck
- Higher likelihood of loss of consciousness at the scene
Because of this combined force, head-on collisions are more likely to cause moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries compared to many other crash types.
Why These Injuries Lead to Higher-Value Claims
A traumatic brain injury is rarely a short-term problem. Depending on severity, it can affect memory, personality, physical ability, and a person’s capacity to work for years, or for the rest of their life. This is the main reason these claims tend to carry more value than injuries with a clear, short recovery period.
Ongoing Medical Care
Brain injuries often require far more than emergency treatment. Depending on severity, care may include:
- Neurological testing and imaging
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Speech, physical, or occupational therapy
- Long-term medication management
- Home health care or assisted living support
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
Many people with a moderate to severe TBI are unable to return to their previous job, or any job, for an extended period. In some cases, the injury may permanently reduce their ability to earn a living, which is factored into the value of a claim.
Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Brain injuries can affect memory, mood, personality, and relationships in ways that are harder to quantify than a broken bone, but that does not make them less real. Louisiana law allows injured people to seek compensation for these non-economic losses in addition to medical bills and lost wages.
Family and Caregiver Impact
In more severe cases, family members may need to provide daily care or make significant changes to their own lives and work schedules. These impacts can also factor into the overall value of a claim.
What Has to Be Proven in a Head-On Collision Case
To recover compensation after a head-on collision, it generally must be shown that the other driver was negligent and that this negligence caused the crash and the resulting injury.
Evidence that may help support a TBI claim includes:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and video from the scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records and imaging showing the extent of the brain injury
- Cell phone records, if distracted driving is suspected
- Data from the vehicle’s event data recorder, if available
Because brain injuries are not always immediately obvious, especially in the hours right after a crash, it is important to seek medical evaluation quickly and to continue that care even if early symptoms seem mild.
What If You Were Partly at Fault for the Crash?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which generally allows an injured person to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash, though their damages may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Because fault can be disputed after a serious crash, especially a head-on collision where both drivers’ accounts may differ, having a thorough investigation is an important part of protecting your right to recover.
Speak With The Voorhies Law Firm About Your Brain Injury Claim
At The Voorhies Law Firm, our brain injury attorneys understand how a traumatic brain injury from a head-on collision can change a family’s life. We work to fully document the medical, financial, and personal impact of these injuries so that no part of your claim is undervalued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are head-on collisions more likely to cause traumatic brain injuries?
Head-on collisions generally involve two vehicles moving toward each other, which creates significantly more combined force at impact than other crash types. This added force increases the likelihood of the head striking the interior of the vehicle or experiencing violent motion that can injure the brain.
How much is a traumatic brain injury claim worth after a car accident?
There is no fixed amount, since every case depends on the severity of the injury, the cost of medical care, and the impact on the person’s ability to work and live independently. Claims may account for both current costs and future needs.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the crash?
In many cases, yes, though the amount you can recover may depend on your percentage of fault under Louisiana law. An attorney can review the specific facts of your crash to explain how fault may affect your claim.
What long-term costs should a TBI settlement account for?
A fair settlement should generally account for future medical care, ongoing therapy, lost earning capacity, and the long-term impact on the person’s daily life, not just the medical bills that have already been paid.
Contact The Voorhies Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Louisiana head-on collision, you deserve a full and fair evaluation of your claim. The Voorhies Law Firm is ready to investigate your crash, document the true extent of your injury, and fight for the compensation you may be owed.
Call us today at 504-875-2223 to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process.