Symptoms of a Concussion From an Auto Accident

The symptoms of a concussion from a car accident may not be immediately apparent. They may be mild or severe, but it is important to seek medical attention if you think you’ve sustained a concussion regardless of the severity. People who suffer a concussion may not even be aware of it until it’s too late. In some cases, the signs of a concussion may not even show up right away. If you are unsure if you’ve suffered a concussion, make sure you consult a doctor as soon as possible.

If you feel that you’ve suffered a concussion after a car accident, it’s crucial to get medical care as soon as possible. Waiting for treatment will only exacerbate the symptoms of your concussion, making it harder to treat. You can search for a doctor through a website like Accident Help Zone. If you have no insurance, the Accident Help Zone can help you find a doctor in your area fast.

During a car accident, the brain moves inside the skull. This causes it to twist, bruise, or rotate. This damage to the brain can result in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms of a concussion are often hard to diagnose, so it’s essential to visit a doctor for the appropriate treatment. Once your doctor determines the severity of your concussion, he or she can develop a treatment plan.

A car accident can cause a concussion, and you may not feel symptoms immediately after the accident. Symptoms may appear hours, days, weeks, or even months later. This means that you may not realize you’ve suffered a serious head injury until you begin to feel the effects. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing pain in your head right after the accident, you may have a concussion. You may experience nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms of a concussion may be subtle at first, but you should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you have a concussion. It’s also vital to seek medical attention for other conditions, including back pain or soreness in other parts of your body.

Despite the fact that a concussion may be mild, it’s still important to seek medical care. It may not be painful, but it may be dangerous. You should consult a doctor immediately after a car accident to make sure you’re okay. If you’re unable to recall the details of the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A car accident can result in blood clots or brain bleeds resulting in impairments in your cognitive abilities.

Contact the expert brain injury attorneys at Breit Biniazan for professional legal representation.

Drunk Driving Statistics

In the United States, drunk driving is a serious problem. Every day, 27 people die in crashes involving drunk drivers. That means that one person is killed every 51 minutes.

Virginia is no exception to this problem. In fact, according to the most recent statistics from Responsibility.org, there were 240 total alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the state.

In 2018, 22% of the children who died in car crashes were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. 

In addition to the human cost, alcohol-related crashes cost the economy billions of dollars each year. The economic cost of drunk driving crashes in the United States is estimated to be $44 billion per year.

Despite the well-publicized dangers of drinking and driving, many people continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. One reason for this is that people underestimate how much alcohol they can consume before it affects their ability to drive. Another reason is that people believe they can safely drive after having a few drinks.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, it’s important to know that you have legal options. The negligent party should be held accountable for their actions, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Breit Biniazian, we have extensive experience handling drunk driving accident cases. We understand the impact that these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we will fight to get you the justice you deserve.

Contact the expert brain injury attorneys at Breit Biniazan for professional legal representation.

Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Why do you need uninsured motorist coverage? This insurance provides protection to you in the event of an auto accident caused by someone else who does not have proper coverage.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about insurance until you need it. And if you’re like most people, you need it when you least expect it. That’s why it’s so important to have uninsured motorist coverage.

This type of insurance can protect you in the event that an accident occurs and the other driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. So if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, now is the time to get it. It could save you a lot of hassle and money down the road.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance that you purchase to protect yourself financially if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. It also covers you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to pay for your medical bills and property damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to the limit of your policy. It does not cover damage to your car. You should purchase uninsured motorist coverage if you live in a state where it is required by law or if you want extra protection. Some states require uninsured motorist coverage, but others do not. You can check with your state’s insurance department to find out if it is required in your state.

What are the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one in eight drivers in the United States are uninsured. If you’re hit by one of these drivers, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help pay for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Here are five benefits of UM coverage:

1. It can cover you if you’re hit by a hit-and-run driver.

2. It can cover you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

3. It can cover you if you’re hit by an uninsured motorcycle driver.

4. It can cover you if you’re a pedestrian or bicyclist who is hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

5. In some states, it can also provide coverage if your car is damaged by an uninsured driver, such as in a hit-and-run or if your car is vandalized.

How much does uninsured motorist coverage cost?

On average, uninsured motorist coverage costs about $500 per year, or $42 per month. However, the exact cost will vary depending on factors such as the driver’s age, location, and the type of vehicle being insured. Regardless of the cost, uninsured motorist coverage is a valuable protection for drivers and their families.

How do I get uninsured motorist coverage?

There are a few different ways to get uninsured motorist coverage. The first way is to purchase a policy from a insurance company. This coverage is typically included in standard auto insurance policies. Another way to get this coverage is to purchase a standalone policy from an insurance company that specializes in uninsured motorist coverage. The final way to get this coverage is to add it to your existing auto insurance policy as an endorsement.

No matter how you choose to get this coverage, it is important to make sure that you are adequately protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

What happens if I’m in an accident with an uninsured driver?

If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, there are a few different things that could happen. First, if the other driver is at fault, they may be required to pay for damages out-of-pocket. This can be difficult to collect, however, so you may want to consider filing a lawsuit.

Second, if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy, your insurer may cover some or all of the damages. Finally, if neither of these options is available to you, you may be able to file a claim with your state’s uninsured motorist fund. This fund is designed to help victims of accidents with uninsured drivers, but it will only cover a portion of the damages and is only available in certain states. Regardless of the outcome, being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver can be a stressful and costly experience.

What if I have multiple vehicles?

In some states, if you have multiple vehicles but only one policy with uninsured motorist coverage, that policy will extend to cover all of your vehicles. However, in other states each vehicle must have its own policy with uninsured motorist coverage in order for the coverage to apply. Check with your insurance agent to be sure you have the coverage you need. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage on all of your vehicles, you may be risking significant financial loss if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Uninsured motorist coverage can help to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage resulting from an accident with an uninsured driver. It can also provide coverage if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver. Don’t take chances when it comes to your safety and financial security – make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance coverage for all of your vehicles.

Is It Safe to Use a Hands-Free Device While Driving?

While 80% of drivers in the U.S. think using a hands-free device while driving is safer than using a hand-held phone, studies have, unfortunately, indicated that this simply isn’t true. According to the National Safety Council, 24% of all call crashes involve cell phone conversations, hand-held and otherwise. In fact, some research even suggests that talking on the phone through a hands-free device is more dangerous than driving drunk!

Protect yourself and your loved ones and educate yourself with the most current research on distracted driving safety.

What is Considered a “Hands-Free Device?”

A hands-free device can be a Bluetooth earpiece, a dashboard system installed in the vehicle itself, or a speakerphone feature on your phone. The National Safety Council’s research has shown that hands-free devices are dangerous because they are distracting. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the United States, and goes beyond texting. Anything that distracts the eyes, hands, or mind from the task at hand is considered a distraction.

The Unknown Dangers of Hands-Free Devices

When listening or speaking on the phone, the brain’s ability to process moving images decreases by up to 1/3, and, even when the driver’s eyes are on the road, they overlook 50% of what is around them. Some may say talking on a hands-free device is the same as having a conversation with a passenger in the car, but the National Safety Council says this isn’t true, because passengers also watch the road and will usually warn drivers about dangers they may overlook. In fact, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration also says talking on a cell phone is more dangerous than having a conversation with a passenger.

Here are a few of the most important statistics on distracted driving, cell phones, and using hands-free devices while driving:

The dangers involved in hands-free phone use while driving are significant and include death, property damage, and personal injury to the driver, their passengers, and those in other cars. For those who have been hurt in a car crash caused by distracted driving, a Virginia personal injury lawyer may be able to help improve the situation and secure your future.

Cell Phone Vs. Drunk Driving Mythbusters

The University of Utah held a benchmark study in 2006 to test adults who drive intoxicated, revealing they were less dangerous than those who held a phone conversation while driving. Additionally, that same study had more cell phone users crash than drunk drivers, and they found no difference between the performance of drivers who used hand-held phones or hands-free devices.

Many similar studies have produced comparable results, and researchers at Touro University, found the level of impairment between drunk drivers and hands-free cell phone users to be nearly equal. Even the popular scientists and TV hosts of the popular show MythBusters put the drunk driving vs. cell phone use theory to the test. In their experiment, the drunk driver did better on a driving course than the driver who spoke on the phone with a hands-free device.

Some speculate that people drive more dangerously when they are using a hands-free device because they are lulled into a false sense of security. Hands-free devices have been popularly advertised as safety measures to minimize the dangers of distracted driving and avoid hand-held cell phone use. Regardless of the ample research debunking this claim, many drivers remain unaware of the risk of hands-free use and companies continue to produce and advertise hands-free devices. The best cell phone safety while driving is not to use a cell phone when you’re behind the wheel.

Virginia’s Cell Phone Driving Laws

Virginia’s cell phone driving laws previously prohibited text-based activities while driving, including texting and emailing. However, effective January 1, 2021, it is now illegal to even hold a handheld personal communications device while operating a motor vehicle on the highways in Virginia. The penalty is a $125 fine for the first offence and $250 for the second.

There are, of course, some exceptions to this law. Those include:

While it is still legal in Virginia to use voice commands like Siri or Google Assistant to make calls, select music, and more, these hands-free controls can still contribute to distracted driving.  

Virginia’s Hands-Free Law

Previously, Virginia’s hands-free law only applied to work zones. Drivers were prohibited from using hand-held devices while driving in a work zone, such as an active construction location. However, Virginia’s cell phone driving laws have been modified to apply to a wider range of drivers.

On July 8, 2020, Governor Ralph Norman signed a bill that bans holding handheld personal communications devices while driving a motor vehicle. The law became effective on January 1, 2021. Violating the law is punishable by a fine of $125 or $250 for a second offence. Being found guilty in a highway work zone results in a $250 fine.

What to Do if Injured By A Distracted Driver

From all of us at Breit Biniazan, we encourage you not to use a cell phone, hands-free or otherwise, while driving any type of motor vehicle.

If you are in an auto accident with someone who was using a hand-held or hands-free cell phone device, we encourage you to contact our personal injury attorneys. A vehicle injury lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve and secure your future in the event of a serious trauma, such as a brain injury. Our legal team is devoted to each and every one of our clients, and we ensure that each case gets the attention it deserves so you can move forward with your life.

What Are Common Triggers of PTSD After a Crash?

Dealing with post-traumatic stress after a car accident often means enduring some triggers that make you relive the crash. Unfortunately, these triggers are associated with sights and sounds of the car accident, meaning any future event similar to the one you experience can bring about unwanted memories.

By recognizing the triggers, you can work to cope with them. Below, we’ll detail some of the most common triggers associated with a car accident and what you can do whenever you feel anxiety or fear because of these sounds or sights.

Loud Bangs

A crash is always accompanied by the loud sound of metal on metal. Unfortunately, so many crashes occur daily, and it’s possible to hear this sound just by walking down the street. If you find yourself feeling anxious whenever the sound of a crash occurs, use one of your most effective coping mechanisms, such as calling on a family member or friend for emotional support.

Sounds of Tires Screeching

Many crashes involve at least one party trying to stop before the collision occurs. Because many drivers travel at higher speeds, they often need to slam on their brakes, causing their tires to skid and make a loud screeching sound. This loud sound can bring back memories of your crash if you had to do the same when your accident occurred.

Blaring Horns

The car horn: it’s a common sound on the road, even when a crash is not the end result. People use horns to show aggression at times. Unfortunately, if the horn was a sound you heard in your crash, the common use of a horn can be daunting for you to experience.

Dealing with these triggers may require therapy and other support that can be costly—as well as unexpected. If you need to pursue compensation to help you cover the expenses associated with post-traumatic stress disorder after a crash, Breit Biniazan is here to help.

Call our Virginia car accident lawyers at (855) 659-4457 today and speak with a legal professional about your potential case.

Car Accidents & Post-Traumatic Stress

Some of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer result from a negligence-related car accident. Often, people sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and many other catastrophic injuries. However, in some cases, mental trauma can last much longer than physical injuries.

Most people think of former military service members when they hear the term post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a severe condition, but it is not solely designated to a specific subgroup of people. Anyone can suffer post-traumatic stress, including those who suffer harm in a severe crash.

It’s vital for you to recognize how to deal with post-traumatic stress after a car accident. Of course, you can discuss your potential legal options with a lawyer as mental trauma may fall under the umbrella of non-economic damages. Below, we provide some ways to cope with PTSD after a crash and your rights moving forward. You’ll learn some of the coping mechanisms that can help you anytime you encounter any of the stressors that lead to emotions from PTSD.

If you suffer mental trauma due to someone else’s negligence, call our firm at (855) 212-8200 to learn about your potential options.

How to Cope with PTSD

After a crash, you may endure some of the daily effects that come with this severe condition. It may make it difficult for you to complete some of the simplest tasks you did before you were in a crash. These steps can help you through each step so that you can start your healing process.

1. Participate in Activities that Clear Your Mind

It’s easy for something like post-traumatic stress disorder to impact your entire life. It can take away some of the things you enjoyed most before your injuries. As such, you may fear these activities after a crash, especially when it comes to driving. Make sure you are finding ways to help clear your mind whenever you find yourself concerned about the outcome.

2. Know How to Get Around Without Encountering Your Triggers

One of the biggest problems you may encounter after a car accident is triggers. Whenever you find yourself in the face of one of your triggers, it’s almost as though you’re not in your own body. You find yourself frozen, dealing with anxiety and stress because of the situation at hand.

In most cases of PTSD from a car accident, triggers can arise any time you try to drive again. If this is the case, and you find yourself anxious whenever you’re driving, it’s important to consider your options. While some people can continue driving and face their fears head-on, others may consider alternative ways of transportation to get to their regular destinations.

3. Speak with a Group or Professional About Your Feelings

One important thing you should keep in mind is that you’re not alone. Countless people experience post-traumatic stress because of one reason or another. You can find various support groups or therapists who you can discuss your feelings with on a regular basis.

For many individuals, discussing the triggers they have or their experience leading to PTSD can be a big stepping stone to recovery.

4. Put a Supportive Family Member or Friend on Speed Dial

Your feelings can come back at any time and make it difficult for you to continue doing what you were doing. Whenever this happens, one thing you can do is have someone you trust on speed dial that you can call at a moment’s notice.

Make sure this is someone who can provide you emotional support and maintain as much of your life as possible after a severe crash.

5. Remember the Method: R.A.I.N.

There are numerous methods that can help you deal with your trauma. One of the helpful things you can do is remember the R.A.I.N. method any time you feel anxiety, fear, or other emotions coming over you. R.A.I.N. stands for:

6. Don’t Place the Blame on Yourself

Negligence is not something that is always preventable. You have no control over a situation when someone’s acting recklessly. You may feel frustrated with yourself for having trauma and being unable to complete certain tasks. Remember, though, none of this is your fault. You didn’t do anything to deserve a severe condition, and you can take action to right the wrongs you have encountered.

Like any situation, it can be difficult to seek treatment following a car accident because it can become costly. Of course, nobody expects to be in a car accident; thus, the financial situation can quickly turn into a big concern for you. It’s critical for your treatment to pursue compensation when applicable.

Before you start the legal process, speak with a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options following mental trauma in a car accident. Keep in mind; that most personal injury cases involve two types of compensation which you can recover:

You shouldn’t have to endure life with post-traumatic stress disorder because of someone’s actions. It’s our goal to help you overcome the emotions you have by pursuing the compensation you need to pay for therapy and any other necessary treatment to move forward.

At Breit Biniazan, you are our top priority. We’ll analyze your situation and work to determine what your legal options are. We know how difficult this can be for you, and we recognize the struggles that come along with severe mental trauma after a crash. We are ready to stand in your corner throughout the process.

Our Virginia car accident lawyers have a long history of helping people just like you when they need it most. If you find yourself dealing with mental trauma because of a negligence-related accident, know that we’ll be the voice you need to obtain justice.