A brain injury is often more serious than it first appears. Even mild symptoms can signal deeper damage. Without proper care, these injuries can lead to lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. That’s why early detection and medical attention are so important after any accident. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key signs of a brain injury, explain why they’re easy to miss, and highlight why legal support matters for protecting your health, your rights, and your future.

Understanding Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden jolt, blow, or impact disrupts normal brain function. This can occur during car accidents, falls, sports collisions, or even seemingly minor bumps to the head. While some TBIs are immediately obvious (like a loss of consciousness or severe trauma), others are far more subtle.

That’s what makes brain injuries so dangerous. Symptoms might not show up right away, and people often dismiss early signs like headaches or confusion as stress or fatigue. But even a mild TBI can have serious, lasting effects if left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to understand the risks, recognize potential symptoms, and seek medical help—even if you think you’re “fine” after an accident.

Physical Signs to Watch For

Here are some important signs to watch for:

• Headaches That Persist or Worsen: A constant or increasingly painful headache after an accident can be a warning sign of a serious issue, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain. Even if the pain seems mild at first, it’s important not to brush it off, especially if it doesn’t go away with rest or over-the-counter medication.

• Dizziness or Loss of Balance: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room is spinning may indicate that the part of your brain responsible for balance has been affected. This can increase the risk of falls and make everyday tasks more difficult or dangerous.

• Nausea or Vomiting: While nausea might seem like a reaction to stress, it can also be a direct result of brain trauma. Vomiting (especially if it happens more than once) can signal pressure inside the skull and should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Fatigue or Drowsiness: If you feel overwhelmingly tired, sleepy during the day, or struggle to stay awake, it could mean your brain is working overtime to recover from trauma. Excessive fatigue is common with TBIs and shouldn’t be ignored.

• Sensory Issues: Blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and sensitivity to light or sound are all classic signs of a brain injury. These symptoms can develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss, but they’re strong indicators that something isn’t right neurologically.
  

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms

These cognitive symptoms are important to be aware of: 

• Confusion or Disorientation: After a head injury, you might feel mentally “foggy,” unsure of where you are, or struggle to follow conversations. This confusion can come and go, making it harder to recognize as a symptom, but it’s a key sign that your brain is not processing information as it normally would.

• Memory Loss or Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble remembering recent events, focusing on tasks, or following instructions can point to a disruption in the brain’s cognitive functions. This can impact work, school, or everyday activities, and may continue even if you appear “fine” on the outside.

• Mood Swings, Irritability, or Depression: Emotional changes are common after a brain injury. You might find yourself easily frustrated, sad for no clear reason, or reacting differently to situations than you normally would. These changes can be confusing for both the injured person and their loved ones.

• Difficulty Sleeping or Sleeping More Than Usual: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia, frequent waking, or sleeping far more than usual, can be the brain’s response to trauma. Sleep disruptions are not just frustrating; they also slow down recovery and can worsen other symptoms.

Delayed Symptoms and Why They Matter

Not all brain injury symptoms show up right away—some may take hours or even days to appear. It’s easy to overlook early warning signs like mild headaches or fatigue, especially when adrenaline masks pain after an accident. But even minor symptoms can point to a more serious, hidden injury. That’s why follow-up care is crucial, even if you feel okay at first. Getting checked by a medical professional can catch problems early and help you avoid long-term complications. When it comes to brain health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Why Legal Help Matters

Brain injuries can affect your life in ways you never expected—emotionally, physically, and financially. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care can quickly pile up. Unfortunately, insurance companies often minimize these injuries to avoid full payouts. That’s where legal help becomes essential. An experienced personal injury attorney can work with doctors, gather strong evidence, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They’ll advocate for your recovery and future—so you can focus on healing while they handle the legal pressure.

What to Do if You Suspect a Brain Injury

If you think you or a loved one may have a brain injury after an accident, seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms seem minor. Document everything—from how you feel to each doctor visit. These records are crucial. Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies without legal guidance, as your words can be used against you. Instead, contact a personal injury attorney who understands brain injury cases. They’ll protect your rights and help you get the care and compensation you need.

Choose LeBaron & Jensen

When it comes to brain injuries, early medical care and experienced legal support can make all the difference—not just in your recovery, but in securing the financial help you need. At LeBaron & Jensen, we understand the hidden impact of brain trauma and fight to ensure our clients get the care and compensation they deserve. Don’t face this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our dedicated team help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Being hit by a car is traumatic, but when the driver speeds off, it adds a whole new level of fear and frustration. In moments like these, having a skilled legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. From navigating insurance battles to tracking down the person responsible, a trusted attorney can help you regain control and fight for justice. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents and why legal representation is essential to protect your rights and your recovery.

The Harsh Reality of Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are becoming alarmingly more common, especially in urban and high-traffic areas. One moment you’re crossing the street or walking through a parking lot—and the next, a driver hits you and speeds away without offering help, calling 911, or taking responsibility. It’s not just illegal—it’s devastating.

Why do drivers flee? Often it’s out of panic, fear of being caught driving under the influence, having no insurance, or even driving with a suspended license. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: the victim is left alone to deal with the pain, confusion, and uncertainty.

What makes hit-and-run accidents especially traumatic is the lack of closure. When the at-fault driver can’t be identified, victims face serious challenges—from getting medical bills paid to receiving fair compensation. It’s a harsh reality that no one should face alone.

The Legal Challenges Victims Face

After hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, the road to justice is anything but simple. One of the biggest hurdles is actually identifying and locating the driver. Without a license plate number or clear surveillance footage, tracking down the person responsible can feel like chasing a ghost.

Even when the accident occurs in a public place, evidence may be limited, and eyewitnesses are often few or unreliable. Time is critical—details fade, and leads grow cold. That’s why immediate legal action and investigation are key.

Then comes the insurance maze. If the driver isn’t found, you may be left filing a claim under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can be confusing and frustrating. Some insurers may even push back or offer less than what your claim is worth.

Having an experienced attorney makes a huge difference in cutting through red tape and fighting for the compensation you truly deserve.

Why Legal Representation Makes All the Difference

Having a skilled attorney on your side can be the difference between feeling powerless and taking back control. While you’re focused on healing, your lawyer is hard at work investigating the accident. They work with police, review traffic and surveillance footage, track down potential witnesses, and piece together every detail to identify the driver.

Even if the driver isn’t found right away, your attorney knows how to navigate complex insurance claims, including pursuing compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout or delay the process, but an experienced lawyer will push back, negotiate firmly, and fight for what you’re owed.

Most importantly, your attorney is there to protect your rights every step of the way—so you’re not facing the emotional and financial fallout alone. They handle the legal stress so you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.

What Compensation Can Cover

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents don’t just leave physical scars—it can turn your life upside down. Compensation is about more than just covering the basics. It can pay for emergency medical bills, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, and even long-term care if your injuries are severe. You may also be entitled to lost wages and future income if you’re unable to work. On top of that, victims can seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the impact the accident has on daily life. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may apply to hold the offender truly accountable.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you’ve been hit by a driver who fled the scene, your first priority is your health—seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Then, report the accident to the police and try to document everything: photos of the scene, witness information, and anything you remember about the vehicle. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to help protect your rights and start building your case. And remember—don’t speak to insurance companies without legal guidance. They may try to minimize your claim, and having a lawyer ensures you’re not taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.

Choose LeBaron & Jensen for Legal Assistance

Injured in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents? You don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At LeBaron & Jensen, we understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty that come with these cases—and we’re here to fight for you. Our team offers compassionate, experienced legal support and will work tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward healing and holding the responsible party accountable.

Runways are meant to be tightly controlled zones, but accidents still happen, especially when aircraft collide with ground equipment like fuel trucks or baggage carts. These incidents can cause serious injuries to passengers, crew, and airport workers alike. Understanding how these accidents occur and who may be responsible is key to getting the help you need. Whether you were on the plane or working on the ground, knowing your rights matters. Here’s what you should know about runway accidents—and how a personal injury attorney can help you move forward.

What is Ground Support Equipment (GSE)?

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) may not have wings, but it’s just as critical to flight operations as the aircraft themselves. From the moment a plane touches down to the second it lifts off again, a fleet of specialized vehicles is hard at work behind the scenes. Tugs help move aircraft safely around the tarmac. Baggage carts transport suitcases from the terminal to the plane. Fuel trucks refill aircraft with the precise fuel loads needed for each flight, while maintenance vehicles stand ready to handle repairs and inspections. 

Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in making sure flights stay on schedule and passengers have a smooth experience. Without GSE, airports would grind to a halt and planes couldn’t go anywhere without the right help on the ground. Understanding the importance of this equipment sheds light on why safety around it is absolutely essential.

How Runway Collisions Happen

Runway accidents between airplanes and ground support equipment may seem rare, but they’re more common than most people realize, and often completely preventable. These incidents usually happen when multiple small breakdowns in communication and protocol occur at once. Miscommunication between the ground crew and flight crew is one of the top causes. If instructions are misunderstood or updates aren’t shared quickly, a plane could begin taxiing while a baggage cart or maintenance vehicle is still in its path. 

In poor weather or low visibility conditions, even well-placed equipment can become a hidden hazard. Sometimes, gear is left in unintended locations or parked outside of designated zones, creating unexpected obstacles. When airport personnel are rushed or skip steps in established safety procedures, the likelihood of an accident rises sharply. These collisions not only damage expensive aircraft and equipment. They also delay flights, risk injuries, and disrupt operations, all of which can be avoided with better coordination and accountability.

Injuries That May Result

Runway accidents involving collisions with ground equipment can cause serious injuries for both passengers and airport employees. For travelers, what begins as a normal boarding or taxiing experience can quickly turn into a frightening incident if a vehicle or machinery strikes the aircraft. Ground crew members are at even higher risk, working in close proximity to fast-moving aircraft and heavy equipment. 

These runway accidents can result in serious injuries like head trauma, broken bones, or burns from fuel or electrical hazards. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Whether you were working on the tarmac or seated on the plane, understanding your rights is essential. A personal injury attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve and guide you through recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable

When a runway accident involves ground equipment, determining who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may be liable depending on the circumstances. Airlines could be at fault if their crew failed to follow proper safety procedures. Airport authorities might be liable if they failed to maintain safe conditions or properly manage ground traffic. Ground services contractors (such as baggage handlers or fuel providers) may be to blame if their workers operated vehicles negligently or ignored safety protocols. Even equipment manufacturers could be held liable if a malfunction or design flaw contributed to the accident. 

For victims, untangling this web of responsibility can be overwhelming. That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in—to investigate the details, identify liable parties, and help ensure the right people are held accountable. You deserve answers, and you shouldn’t have to fight for them alone.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

After a runway accident involving ground equipment, the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries. A personal injury attorney can step in to handle the tough stuff so you can focus on healing. They’ll investigate the cause of the accident, pinpoint who’s responsible, and work through the maze of aviation regulations and liability laws. Whether you’re a passenger or an airport employee, they’ll fight to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Injured workers may also have workers’ comp or third-party claims, and an attorney ensures no option is left unexplored.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you’ve been injured in a runway accident involving ground equipment, taking the right steps early can make a big difference. First, get medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, internal issues may not be immediately obvious. If you’re able, document the scene: photos, witness names, and any visible hazards can help later. Be sure to report the incident to airport authorities or your employer, depending on your role. Finally, reach out to a personal injury attorney who has experience with aviation cases. They can help you navigate the legal process and fight for compensation.

Choose LeBaron & Jensen for Legal Support

Runway accidents involving ground equipment can lead to serious injuries and complex legal situations. Navigating liability and aviation laws isn’t something you should face alone. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait. Reach out to the experienced team at LeBaron & Jensen for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.