Your loved one has seemed different ever since the accident—quieter, forgetful, or struggling to focus. You want to believe it’s just stress, but your gut says something else is going on. When a loved one has been in a car crash, fall, or other serious accident in Texas, subtle behavior changes can signal a hidden brain injury.
The Bonneau Law Firm is here to help families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through these uncertain moments. Brain injuries aren’t always obvious, but prompt action can protect your loved one’s health, legal rights, and long-term future. Here’s what you should know and do right away.
Step One: Recognize the Signs of a Brain Injury
Brain injuries can be invisible. Even without visible trauma, brain injuries can disrupt memory, behavior, and mood. Symptoms may take hours or days to appear and may include:
- Personality changes. Sudden mood swings, aggression, or withdrawal may all be signs of a brain injury.
- Cognitive issues. Trouble concentrating, confusion, or memory lapses may be indications of a brain injury.
- Speech problems. Sometimes, slurred speech or difficulty finding words occurs after a brain injury.
- Physical symptoms. A doctor should evaluate headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vision problems to determine if a brain injury occurred.
- Fatigue or sleep changes. Unusual tiredness or insomnia can also be a signal that a brain injury occurred.
If you notice any of these changes, seek medical care immediately, even if your loved one insists they feel “fine.”
Step Two: Get Immediate Medical Attention for Your Loved One
Early diagnosis is critical for treatment and documentation. After any suspected brain trauma, go to the emergency room or see a neurologist as soon as possible. A CT scan or MRI may be needed to confirm the injury.
Early treatment can:
- Prevent worsening damage
- Provide essential documentation for any future injury claims
Delays can be used against you by insurance companies.
Tell the doctor about the accident and every symptom, even if it seems minor.
Step Three: Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of symptoms and changes. Brain injuries can affect memory, so your loved one may not recognize how much they’ve changed. That’s why your notes matter.
Start a recovery log including:
- Daily symptoms and emotional changes
- Missed work or school days
- Doctor appointments and test results
- Any help needed with daily tasks
Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or injuries can also help paint a clear picture later.
Step Four: Gather Evidence From the Accident
Time-sensitive details can strengthen your loved one’s legal case.
Whether the brain injury occurred in a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident, collecting evidence early can make or break a future claim.
Don’t wait to:
- Get a copy of the police report
- Take photos or video of the scene
- Identify witnesses and get their contact info
- Save damaged personal items or vehicles
If possible, ask another friend or family member to help with this process so nothing gets overlooked.
Step Five: Speak With a Texas Brain Injury Lawyer
Legal guidance can protect your loved one’s future.
Insurance companies may downplay or deny brain injury claims, especially if symptoms are “invisible.” An experienced Texas brain injury lawyer can make sure your loved one is taken seriously and compensated fairly.
At The Bonneau Law Firm, we help families across Dallas-Fort Worth:
- Understand their legal rights
- Calculate long-term costs of brain injury
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File lawsuits when needed
Consultations are free, and there's no fee unless we win compensation for you.
If you think a loved one may have suffered a concussion or other brain injury after an accident in Texas, don’t wait and hope it resolves on its own. Trust your instincts, seek medical care, and get legal support right away.
Attorney Hunt Bonneau has lived through concussions himself and can effectively explain your injury to insurance companies, judges, and juries. Hunt has represented many clients with brain injuries over the past few decades, including Christy, who worked with three different lawyers before hiring Hunt. The other attorneys did not believe that Christy suffered a brain injury during a car crash, but Hunt recognized her symptoms, examined her medical records, and fought for her fair recovery. Hunt was able to recover $450,000 for Christy.
The Bonneau Law Firm is ready to guide your family through the next steps, starting with a free, compassionate case review.