Provo, UT Car Accident Brain Injury Attorney: Your Guide to Navigating Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Claims
Experiencing a brain injury from a car accident can be life-altering, even when the injury isn’t outwardly visible. These “silent injuries” can have a profound effect on your cognitive abilities, emotions, and daily life. This guide provides insights into understanding mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) and how to handle your case effectively with the assistance of a skilled attorney.
Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI)
What is a Concussion or MTBI?
A concussion, also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), occurs when your brain is affected by a sudden force or movement. This injury doesn’t always involve direct head trauma; even rapid motion during a car accident can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to cognitive impairments.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
While car accidents are a leading cause, MTBIs can also result from:
- Falls
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Sports injuries (e.g., football, skiing)
- Impacts from objects or other people
Why Brain Injury Car Claims Are Difficult to Handle
Handling MTBI cases is more complex than standard car accident claims for several reasons:
- Hidden Nature of Injuries
Many brain injuries lack visible signs, making them easy to dismiss. High-functioning individuals may still perform well in daily tasks, masking the severity of their injury. - Client Challenges
Brain fog and cognitive impairments often prevent injured individuals from following through with medical treatments. Gaps in care or delayed diagnoses provide ammunition for insurance companies to undervalue or deny claims. - Insurance Company Skepticism
Insurers often view MTBIs as exaggerated claims, making it harder to prove the injury’s impact on your life and secure fair compensation.
Best Practices for Handling an MTBI Case
1. Seek the Right Medical Care
Choosing the appropriate medical professionals is critical. Chiropractors and general practitioners might identify symptoms but often lack the specialization to treat or document brain injuries effectively. Instead:
- Seek early evaluation from a neurologist or neuropsychologist.
- Specialized clinics, such as Cognitive FX in Provo, use advanced tools like functional MRI (fMRI) to diagnose and measure the injury’s severity.
2. Prioritize Radiological Imaging
Radiology, especially an MRI or fMRI, can objectively demonstrate brain injuries. Imaging should be done promptly after the incident, and any pre-existing scans can be helpful for comparison.
3. Gather Before-and-After Witnesses
Witnesses who knew the injured party before and after the accident can provide powerful testimony. They can highlight the changes in memory, personality, or cognitive abilities, which are often challenging to convey through medical records alone.
4. Undergo Neuropsychological Testing
Cognitive testing by a clinical psychologist specializing in brain injuries helps quantify impairments such as memory loss, decision-making challenges, and concentration difficulties. These assessments are invaluable in proving the injury’s depth.
Role of Expert Witnesses in MTBI Cases
Expert witnesses are critical in brain injury claims but come with significant costs, often exceeding $10,000 in fully worked-up cases. These experts can explain complex medical evidence to a jury, counter insurance company arguments, and validate the impact of the injury on your life.
Why Experience Matters
Not all attorneys have the resources or courtroom expertise to handle brain injury cases. A seasoned trial attorney can navigate these complexities, secure expert testimony, and present your case effectively in court.
Why Choose Jake Gunter as Your Provo, UT Brain Injury Attorney?
With nearly 20 years of trial experience, Jake Gunter focuses exclusively on representing injured individuals and those accused of misconduct. He has the expertise and resources to handle even the most challenging brain injury cases.
Get in Touch Today
- Call/Txt: (801) 373-6345
- Ask for Jake
Conclusion
Brain injuries from car accidents are among the most complex personal injury cases. With hidden symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and insurance company skepticism, navigating these claims requires specialized medical care and experienced legal representation. By partnering with an expert like Jake Gunter, you can focus on recovery while ensuring your case is handled with the diligence it deserves.
