Car accidents can change lives in an instant – especially when they cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). For victims in Bradenton, Florida, understanding TBIs and their implications is crucial. Our law firm at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh will guide you on what TBIs are and how auto accidents often cause them, outlines common TBI symptoms (including those that may be delayed or overlooked), and highlights advanced diagnostic and treatment options available in Bradenton. We also discuss local accident hotspots where serious crashes frequently occur, the importance of early medical detection and Florida’s 14-day PIP rule, and how the experienced team at Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh (Justice Pays®) can help you pursue compensation. Our law firm has seen firsthand how devastating auto accident brain injuries can be, and we’re here to help Bradenton victims get the care and justice they deserve.
Why Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) Are Common—and Often Overlooked—After Car Accidents
A traumatic brain injury is any disruption of normal brain function caused by an external force – often a violent blow or jolt to the head. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs nationwide. In fact, motor vehicle crashes account for roughly 25% of all TBI-related hospitalizations in recent years. The sudden impact of a collision – or even the rapid whiplash motion – can make the brain collide with the inside of the skull. This can cause bruising of brain tissue, bleeding, or damage to neural pathways. Bumps, blows, or jolts to the head that occur in crashes frequently disrupt neural pathways and brain function, sometimes leading to long-term impairments.
In Bradenton and Manatee County specifically, the risk of TBIs from crashes is a pressing concern. Local highways and streets in the Manatee County area have seen thousands of accidents every year. In 2023 alone, the Bradenton area experienced over 6,400 traffic accidents, resulting in more than 4,600 injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Many of these injuries included head trauma. Given that TBIs are among the most devastating injuries, it’s crucial for accident victims to recognize the possibility of a brain injury even after a seemingly “minor” crash.
Watch for These Delayed Brain Injury Symptoms After a Crash
Not all TBI symptoms show up immediately at the accident scene. It’s common for signs of a concussion or other brain injury to be delayed for hours or even days cdc.gov. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms, and some effects on the brain take time to manifest. This is why you should remain vigilant for red flags in the days and weeks after a car accident, even if you were able to walk away initially. Some TBI symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked, or might be mistaken for stress from the accident.
Common delayed or hard-to-notice TBI symptoms include:
- Headaches (especially if persistent or worsening over time)
- Dizziness or balance problems (feeling unsteady on your feet)
- Memory issues or confusion (forgetting the crash itself or feeling “foggy”)
- Difficulty concentrating or communicating (struggling to find words or follow conversations)
- Mood and personality changes (such as irritability, anxiety, depression, or sudden mood swings)
- Nausea or vomiting (often an early sign of concussion, but can be delayed)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, excessive drowsiness, or unusual sleep patterns)
Any combination of these symptoms after an auto accident could indicate a brain injury. For example, you might feel okay immediately after the crash, but develop a severe headache and memory problems a day later. Or, a week after the injury, you could notice emotional changes or trouble sleeping that weren’t there before cdc.gov. Never ignore these signs. If you or a loved one starts experiencing symptoms like these – no matter how mild – seek medical evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis of a TBI can be life-saving and will also document the injury for any legal claim.
How Concussions Can Turn Deadly After Auto Accidents
When the First Concussion Isn’t the Last Problem—Understanding Second Impact Syndrome
Most people associate concussions with temporary symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion. And while many concussions do resolve with proper rest and care, some can have far more serious – and even fatal – consequences. In rare but devastating cases, a concussion can lead to sudden death, with little or no warning beforehand. For victims of auto accidents in Bradenton and across Florida, this is a critical – and often misunderstood – medical risk.
How It Happens: Second Impact Syndrome and Brain Swelling
One of the most feared complications of a concussion is Second Impact Syndrome (SIS). This occurs when a person suffers a second head injury before a previous concussion has fully healed. The brain, already vulnerable, can swell rapidly after the second trauma, leading to catastrophic intracranial pressure, herniation, and death – sometimes within minutes. This condition is most commonly documented in young athletes but can occur in anyone exposed to repeated trauma, such as in a multi-vehicle crash or rear-end accident followed by another jolt in Bradenton’s high-traffic areas.
Even without a second impact, delayed brain swelling or internal bleeding (such as a subdural hematoma) may occur after what initially seems like a mild head injury. The victim may appear lucid or only mildly dazed, only to suddenly deteriorate hours or days later. In some cases, they may fall asleep and never wake up.
After a Crash, Feeling Fine Doesn’t Mean You’re Safe — for Your Health or Your Legal Claim
Tragically, some victims of car crashes may never realize how seriously they were hurt. They may decline to visit a hospital, assuming their symptoms are minor. This is particularly dangerous when the victim experiences no obvious signs of a brain injury – no loss of consciousness, no visible trauma, and no immediate neurological symptoms.
However, concussions can still cause microscopic damage or internal bleeding, and without imaging like a CT scan or MRI, these injuries may remain undetected. We’ve seen cases where crash victims in Bradenton appeared fine at the scene – even passed initial ER checks – only to suffer a sudden, fatal event due to undiagnosed cerebral edema or hemorrhage.
What Families Need to Know When Caring for a Loved One After a Concussion or Head Injury
If a loved one dies suddenly within hours or days of a car accident, a post-mortem investigation may reveal a brain injury that wasn’t diagnosed or treated in time. In these cases, surviving family members may have legal grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim – especially if the death could have been prevented with proper medical evaluation or if another party’s negligence caused the accident.
At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we’ve handled deeply tragic cases involving sudden post-accident deaths. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to reconstruct what happened, identify signs that may have been missed, and hold the responsible parties accountable. We approach these cases with compassion, professionalism, and relentless dedication to justice for the families affected.
Red Flags After a Crash-Related Concussion That Require Immediate Care
While not every fatal concussion shows advance symptoms, the following red flags after a head injury should be treated as emergencies:
- Sudden or worsening headache
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- One pupil larger than the other
- Seizures or convulsions
- Sudden drowsiness or unresponsiveness
If any of these signs appear after an auto accident in Bradenton, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Even subtle changes in behavior or awareness should be taken seriously.
Advanced TBI Diagnosis and Treatment in Bradenton, FL
Bradenton is fortunate to have modern medical facilities and specialists capable of diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries. If you suspect a TBI, it’s important to know that help is available close to home:
Emergency Trauma Care: HCA Florida Blake Hospital (formerly Blake Medical Center) operates the only Level II Trauma Center in Manatee County hcafloridahealthcare.com. This means that victims of severe car accidents in Bradenton have access to a high-level trauma team 24/7. At a trauma center, doctors can perform rapid imaging and interventions – such as CT scans or emergency surgery – to treat serious head injuries. Immediate care at a facility like this can make a critical difference in outcomes for TBI patients.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: Quickly and accurately diagnosing a brain injury is key. Bradenton hospitals and imaging centers offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including multi-slice CT scans and high-resolution MRI. For instance, Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Imaging Services department uses advanced CT and MRI technology to detect injuries to the brain manateememorial.com. MRI scans are especially useful for detailed brain imaging and can reveal microhemorrhages, diffuse axonal injuries, or other subtle brain damage that might not show on a regular X-ray manateehealth.com. With these tools, physicians in Bradenton can identify even “invisible” TBIs like concussions.
Specialist Care and Therapies: After an initial diagnosis, proper treatment may involve neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists. Bradenton has access to excellent specialists in traumatic brain injury care. Manatee Memorial Hospital, for example, has a dedicated Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center with neurologists on call manateememorial.com – expertise that also benefits TBI patients with complex brain injuries. For rehabilitation, comprehensive therapy services are available locally. Manatee Memorial offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to help brain injury survivors regain function manateememorial.com. Additionally, nearby facilities like Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital (in Sarasota) or Sarasota Memorial’s Heritage Harbour therapy center specialize in neuro-rehabilitation, providing cutting-edge treatments for TBI patients in the Bradenton area. These can include cognitive therapy (to help with memory and thinking skills), vestibular therapy (for dizziness and balance issues), and even emerging treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or neurofeedback offered by certain clinics.
Ongoing Medical Support: Recovering from a serious brain injury often requires a team approach. Bradenton patients can find support through local support groups for brain injury survivors and outpatient programs. Having medical professionals who understand TBIs monitor your progress is crucial. They can adjust treatment plans, manage symptoms (like prescribing medications for headaches or mood disorders), and coordinate with your legal team to provide documentation of your injuries.
Bradenton Roads with the Highest Risk for Serious Auto Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries from car crashes can happen anywhere, but certain Bradenton roadways and intersections have a reputation for severe accidents. Being aware of these local crash hotspots can help you exercise extra caution:
U.S. 41 & Cortez Road – This busy junction in Bradenton has been dubbed “the perfect storm” for accidents by law enforcement. It’s a wide, multi-lane intersection where heavy vehicle traffic meets significant pedestrian and bicycle activity. Four lanes of fast traffic in each direction, plus vehicles turning and people crossing, create a recipe for high-impact collisions. Numerous serious crashes – including those causing head injuries – have occurred here over the years. If you’re driving through U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Cortez Road, stay alert and watch for erratic drivers or people in the crosswalk.
State Road 64 (Manatee Ave) & 48th Street Court East – On Bradenton’s east side, as development has expanded outward, this intersection has seen a rise in accidents. State Road 64 (also known as Manatee Avenue) is a major thoroughfare running east-west through Bradenton, and at 48th St Ct East near the interstate, traffic can be especially heavy and fast. This area has been identified as particularly dangerous for crashes, likely due to high speeds and drivers not anticipating cross traffic. A violent collision here can easily result in a driver or passenger hitting their head or sustaining a whiplash-induced brain injury.
Interstate 75 Corridor – I-75 runs just east of Bradenton and is the main highway for commuters and travelers in Manatee County. Several segments near Bradenton (such as the interchanges at SR 70, SR 64, and University Parkway) experience frequent accidents, some involving multiple vehicles at high speeds. The sheer force of highway crashes often leads to severe trauma, including TBIs. If you drive I-75 through Bradenton, remember that high-speed impacts greatly increase the risk of brain injury. Always wear your seatbelt – it’s estimated to be about 57% effective in preventing traumatic and fatal brain injuries in crashes.
Of course, accidents can happen anywhere – on a quiet residential street or a parking lot – if another driver is negligent. But these Bradenton locations see a disproportionate share of serious crashes. If you were injured at one of these hotspots or any local roadway, make sure to get checked for a TBI, even if you think you’re “okay.” Some of the worst brain injuries occur in high-impact collisions that initially leave victims stunned but not obviously bleeding. Always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention after any significant impact to your head.
Early Detection Of TBI Matters – Don’t Miss Florida’s 14-Day PIP Rule
When it comes to brain injuries, time is of the essence – both for your health and your legal rights. Getting a prompt medical evaluation after a car accident is critical. A doctor can perform neurological exams or order imaging tests to catch a TBI early. If a traumatic brain injury is diagnosed soon, treatments like relieving pressure on the brain or preventing swelling can be started, which may save your life or prevent permanent damage.
From a legal and insurance standpoint, early detection is also vital because of Florida’s “no-fault” insurance laws. Florida’s 14-Day PIP Rule: Under Florida law, anyone injured in a car accident must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance benefits. PIP is the coverage that pays a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident – but if you don’t see a doctor within two weeks, the insurance company can legally refuse to pay any of your accident-related medical bills.
What does this mean for a potential TBI victim? It means you absolutely should not wait to see a doctor. Even if you feel “fine” or only have a mild headache, get a thorough medical exam as soon as possible (ideally immediately or within a day or two of the crash). Tell the doctor that you were in an auto accident and mention any hit to your head or any weird symptoms, no matter how minor. This way, you (1) protect your health by catching a brain injury early, and (2) preserve your right to use insurance benefits for the injury. It also creates medical records linking the accident to the TBI, which will be important if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
If you start feeling symptoms days after the crash, still go to a doctor right away – and remember that 14-day deadline. Many people each year in Florida miss out on critical insurance coverage because they delayed seeking care. Don’t let this happen to you. If the 14-day window is about to close and you haven’t had an evaluation, go to an urgent care or emergency room to get checked out. It can literally be the difference between having your treatment paid by insurance or being stuck with the bills.
Finally, early detection and documentation of a TBI can strengthen your legal case. Brain injuries can be complex to prove because they are not always visible on the outside. Having medical evidence from soon after the accident – doctor’s notes, CT/MRI results, neurological exams – provides a clear link between the crash and your injury. This makes it much harder for an insurance company to argue that your symptoms “came from something else” or weren’t serious.
Injured in a Crash? Bradenton Brain Injury Lawyers Ready to Help You Recover
Facing a traumatic brain injury is overwhelming. Victims and families are suddenly dealing with medical appointments, therapy, worry about the future, and insurance paperwork – all while the injured person may be struggling with memory, confusion, or pain. You don’t have to go through this alone. The Bradenton personal injury lawyers at Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh are here to provide guidance, support, and aggressive legal representation for TBI victims and their families.
Our firm (known by the motto Justice Pays®) has a long-standing local presence in Bradenton and a track record of success in auto accident brain injury cases. We understand the unique challenges that TBI cases present. From identifying all the lasting effects on your cognitive function, personality, and ability to work, to working with medical experts who can explain these invisible injuries, our attorneys know how to build a compelling case that fully accounts for your losses. We take an authoritative yet compassionate approach – we know you’re going through possibly the toughest time of your life, and we’re here to fight for you while treating you with care and respect.
Proven Results in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
When you’re choosing a Bradenton car accident lawyer to handle your TBI claim, experience matters. At Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh, we bring decades of experience (over 150 years of combined legal expertise across our team) to the table, and it shows in our results. Our attorneys have helped recover over $500 million in compensation for injured clients in Florida. This includes numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for brain injury victims. For example, our firm achieved a $6,000,000 settlement for a crash victim who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury – one of the three largest motorcycle accident settlements in Florida history. We’ve seen how life-altering a TBI can be, and we know how to convey that impact to insurance companies or a jury to demand the full justice you deserve.
Equally important, we limit the added stress on you during the legal process. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or offer a quick lowball settlement before you understand the extent of a TBI. Having a skilled TBI attorney in Bradenton advocating for you evens the playing field. We handle the paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident (to prove fault), work closely with your doctors and medical experts (to gather evidence of your brain injury and future care needs), and calculate all your damages – from medical expenses and lost income to the very real pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life a brain injury causes.
Your Local Bradenton Advocates
We pride ourselves on being part of the Bradenton community. Our office is right here in town, and our attorneys live and work in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. We know the local roads, the common accident scenarios, and the medical providers who treat accident victims. This local knowledge helps us serve you better. When you come to our firm, you’ll meet caring professionals who truly understand what you’re going through. We take the time to listen to your story and answer all your questions. Justice Pays Bradenton isn’t just a slogan – it’s our commitment that if you’ve been wronged by a negligent driver, we will fight tirelessly to make sure justice is served and that it pays you the compensation you need for your recovery.
Call for a Free Consultation – Get the Justice You Deserve
A traumatic brain injury from a car accident can turn your world upside down. But you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Let our experienced legal team help you secure the medical care and financial compensation that can make a difference in your future.
Contact Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh today for a free consultation. We welcome you to visit our Bradenton office (located at 1215 Manatee Ave W) or we can come to you if you’re unable to travel. Our phones are answered 24/7. Call 941-752-7000 to speak with a compassionate Bradenton car accident lawyer – your dedicated TBI attorney in Bradenton – who will listen to your story and explain your legal options.
Don’t wait and wonder. Let us put our experience to work for you, so you can focus on healing. Justice Pays® when you have the right team on your side. We are ready to help you hold the negligent parties accountable and guide you every step of the way. Your road to recovery and justice starts with a single call – reach out to our Bradenton personal injury lawyers today.
Medical and Legal Research Sources
- CDC – Traumatic Brain Injury Data
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/index.html - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) – TBI Information
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury - Mayo Clinic – Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms and Treatments
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury - Brainline.org – Recognizing and Treating Brain Injuries
https://www.brainline.org/ - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) – Crash Data Portal
https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/ - Manatee County Crash Reports & Statistics
https://www.manateesheriff.com/Public-Interest/Accident-Reports
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2023.pdf
Bradenton Medical Facilities & Diagnostic Centers
- HCA Florida Blake Hospital (Level II Trauma Center)
https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/blake-hospital - Manatee Memorial Hospital – Imaging Services
https://www.manateememorial.com/services/diagnostic-imaging - Manatee Memorial Hospital – Stroke & Neuro Care
https://www.manateememorial.com/services/stroke-center - Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
https://encompasshealth.com/sarasotarehab - Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Heritage Harbour Outpatient Rehab Center
https://www.smh.com/Home/Locations/Heritage-Harbour-Outpatient-Center
Advanced Diagnostic Technologies
- RadiologyInfo.org – CT and MRI for Head Injuries
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/headct
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/headmr - Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Mild TBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969134/ - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Post-Concussion Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6346222/
Legal References and Law Firm Sources
- Florida Statutes – Personal Injury Protection (PIP) 14-Day Rule
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2013/627.736 - Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh – Justice Pays® Bradenton
https://www.justicepays.com/bradenton/ - Justice Pays® – Notable Settlements & Case Results
https://www.justicepays.com/case-results/ - Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh – TBI Case Highlights
https://www.justicepays.com/news/tag/traumatic-brain-injury/
Super Lawyers Profile – Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh
https://profiles.superlawyers.com/florida/bradenton/lawfirm/goldman-babboni-fernandez-murphy-and-walsh
The post How Bradenton Car Accidents Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries—and What You Can Do appeared first on Justice Pays.
