A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is one of the most serious and life-changing injuries a person can suffer in a car accident. People most commonly get TBIs from falls, firearm-related injuries, motor vehicle crashes, or assaults. When a crash happens on a busy stretch like I-35 through Denton or at a congested intersection near the University of North Texas campus, the forces involved can be violent enough to cause serious brain trauma, even when the accident looks minor from the outside. If you or someone you love suffered a TBI in a Denton car crash, you need to understand your rights, and you need to act quickly. The team at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is ready to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A traumatic brain injury is an injury that affects how the brain works. In a car accident, TBIs typically happen when the head strikes a steering wheel, window, or headrest, or when rapid acceleration and deceleration forces the brain to move violently inside the skull. You do not have to hit your head on anything to suffer a TBI. The sudden jolt of a rear-end collision on Carroll Boulevard or a T-bone crash at a Denton intersection can be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even a minor brain injury, such as a concussion, can lead to serious short-term problems with functioning, and more serious brain injuries can lead to long-term disability or even death. TBIs are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, but the word “mild” is misleading. These injuries are still serious and can lead to challenges in learning, memory, concentration, and problem-solving. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours or days after the crash. That delayed onset is one reason many TBI victims do not connect their symptoms to the accident right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common signs of a TBI include persistent headaches, blurred vision, confusion, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and memory loss. Severe TBIs can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, and permanent cognitive impairment. Some victims never fully recover. If you were in a crash and you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get medical attention immediately. A prompt diagnosis not only protects your health, it also creates a medical record that connects your injury to the accident, which is critical for your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As personal injury lawyers<\/a> serving Denton and the surrounding area, Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys understands how devastating a TBI diagnosis can be for victims and their families. We take these cases seriously because we know the stakes are high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas law gives TBI victims a clear path to compensation when another driver’s negligence caused the crash. To recover damages, you must show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused your TBI and resulting losses. This is the foundation of any personal injury claim in Texas, and it applies whether the crash happened on Loop 288, Teasley Lane, or anywhere else in Denton County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas also has specific rules about shared fault. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, the state follows a proportionate responsibility system. Each party in a lawsuit is assigned a percentage of fault. Under CPRC Section 33.001, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. If a jury finds you 30% responsible for the crash, your total damages are reduced by 30%. But if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This matters in TBI cases because insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the injured person. They may argue that you were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or distracted. A skilled attorney can push back against those arguments with evidence, including the TxDOT crash report (CR-3 form), which is available under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065 to any person directly involved in the accident. That report is one of the first pieces of evidence we gather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a drunk driver causes the crash, Texas Penal Code Section 49.07 adds another layer of accountability. Under that statute, causing a TBI that results in a persistent vegetative state elevates the charge to a second-degree felony. While criminal charges do not automatically win your civil case, a DWI conviction or charge creates strong evidence of negligence that supports your claim for damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The financial toll of a traumatic brain injury is enormous. Medical bills pile up fast, and for moderate to severe TBIs, the costs can continue for years. Victims often need emergency care, neurology consultations, imaging like CT scans and MRIs, inpatient rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, and long-term care. On top of that, many TBI victims cannot return to work, or they return to a reduced capacity, which means lost wages and lost earning potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Texas law, TBI victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your past and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and costs for in-home care or assistive devices. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for your spouse. For TBIs that result in permanent disability, future medical costs and long-term care needs can represent the largest portion of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 139 also addresses structured settlements in cases involving substantial disablement. When a TBI leaves a victim with long-term or permanent impairment, a structured settlement may be offered as a way to pay out damages over time. Any such offer must be presented in writing to the claimant’s attorney, who is then required to advise the client on whether accepting the offer is in their best interest. We make sure our clients fully understand every option before making any decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving gross negligence, such as a drunk driving crash. These damages go beyond compensating you for your losses. They are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct. To discuss what your specific case may be worth, call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation. Past results in other cases do not guarantee the same outcome in yours, as every case depends on its own facts and applicable law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TBI claims present unique challenges that other injury claims, like broken bones or whiplash, do not. A broken bone shows up clearly on an X-ray. A TBI, especially a mild or moderate one, may not show up on standard imaging at all. Symptoms like memory problems, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating are real and serious, but they are also invisible to the naked eye. Insurance adjusters know this, and they use it against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurers often argue that your symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash. They may point to a gap in treatment, a pre-existing condition, or a lack of visible trauma to the head. This is why the evidence-gathering process in a TBI case is so thorough. Medical records, neuropsychological testing, expert testimony from neurologists and accident reconstruction specialists, and witness statements all play a role in building a strong case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The TxDOT CR-3 crash report is one of the first documents we obtain. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065, any person involved in the accident has the right to request this report. It captures the responding officer’s observations, road conditions, vehicle positions, and any traffic violations noted at the scene. Combined with medical documentation and expert analysis, this report helps us establish a clear connection between the crash and your injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Denton County courts, including the 158th and 211th District Courts located near the Denton County Courthouse on West Hickory Street, handle these cases regularly. We know how to present TBI evidence in a way that is clear, credible, and persuasive. If you were involved in a crash near the University of North Texas, TWU, or anywhere along US-380, do not let the insurance company convince you that your injury is not serious enough to pursue. Call us and let us evaluate your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time is one of the most important factors in a TBI case. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a person must bring suit for personal injury not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues. That two-year clock generally starts on the date of the crash. If you miss that deadline, you lose your right to sue, regardless of how severe your injuries are or how clear the other driver’s fault may be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two years sounds like a long time, but TBI cases require extensive preparation. We need to gather medical records, secure expert witnesses, analyze the crash report, and build a complete picture of your damages, including future medical costs and long-term care needs. Starting early gives us the time to do that work properly. Waiting too long can mean lost evidence, faded witness memories, and a weaker case overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also practical reasons to act fast. Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately after a crash. Their adjusters may contact you within days, asking for recorded statements or offering a quick settlement that is far below what your case is actually worth. Accepting an early settlement without legal advice could waive your right to future compensation, even if your TBI symptoms worsen over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the crash involved a commercial vehicle, a government vehicle, or a driver operating under their employer’s authority, additional deadlines and notice requirements may apply. These situations require prompt attention. Whether your crash happened near Rayzor Ranch, on University Drive, or anywhere in the Denton area, our team is ready to move quickly on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys serves clients throughout Denton and the surrounding communities. Our car accident lawyer<\/a> team in Fort Worth also handles TBI cases for clients injured in crashes across the region. We also serve clients in Irving car accident<\/a> cases, and our Lewisville car accident attorney<\/a> team is ready to assist those injured in crashes throughout Denton County’s neighboring communities. Clients in the Decatur area can also reach our Decatur auto accident lawyers<\/a>, and we handle Gainesville car accident<\/a> claims as well. Call (940) 800-2500 today to speak with our team at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Loss of consciousness is not required for a TBI diagnosis. Many TBI victims remain fully conscious throughout the crash and in the hours that follow. Symptoms like headaches, confusion, memory gaps, and sensitivity to light can all indicate a TBI even without any blackout. If you were in a crash and feel “off” in any way, see a doctor right away and mention the accident. A medical evaluation creates the documentation you need to support a legal claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every case is different, and there is no single answer that applies to all TBI claims. Some cases resolve through settlement negotiations within several months. Others require filing a lawsuit and going through discovery, which can take a year or more. TBI cases involving severe or permanent injuries often take longer because we need to fully understand the long-term medical picture before accepting any settlement. Settling too early can leave you without compensation for future care costs you have not yet incurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a real concern in Texas. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your TBI-related losses, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it. Texas law does not require drivers to carry this coverage, but it is highly recommended. We can review your own policy and identify all available sources of compensation, including any third-party liability that may apply to your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can still recover damages under Texas law as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, the proportionate responsibility system reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $500,000, you would recover $400,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce or eliminate their payout. Having an attorney on your side helps counter those tactics with evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys handles car accident and TBI cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses to get started. You can call us at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how the process works. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options with no pressure and no obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attorney responsible for this content: Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, principal office located in Denton, Texas. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and past results in other matters do not guarantee the same outcome in your case. Results depend on the specific facts and applicable law. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a Texas law firm. Attorneys are licensed in Texas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Texas Law Supports TBI Victims After a Crash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Compensation Can You Recover for a TBI in Denton?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why TBI Claims Are Harder to Prove Than Other Injury Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why You Need to Act Quickly After a Denton TBI Crash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims After a Car Accident in Denton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I have a TBI even if I never lost consciousness in the crash?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long will my TBI case take to resolve?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if I was partially at fault for the crash that caused my TBI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much does it cost to hire Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys for a TBI case?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n