A traumatic brain injury can alter nearly every aspect of a person's life. What may initially seem like a mild concussion can develop into ongoing symptoms that affect a person's ability to work, drive, care for family members, and enjoy their daily life. In some cases, the consequences can be permanent and may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. If you or a loved one suffered a head injury because of someone else's negligence, a Roseville brain injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for any ongoing medical costs.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our legal team fights for accident victims throughout Roseville and the larger Placer County. We understand the devastating impact a traumatic brain injury can have on victims and their families, and we are committed to helping clients recover the financial resources they need to move forward. By hiring our firm, you can rest easy knowing you have a dedicated team of legal advocates fighting for you.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Brain Injuries Are So Serious
Unlike broken bones or other visible injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often referred to as "invisible injuries", because symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident and can worsen over time if they don’t seek medical attention.
In fact, according to a 2025 fact sheet from the Brain Injury Association, there are 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits each year. This is due to the fact that victims initially believe they are fine, only to experience significant cognitive and neurological issues days or weeks later.
As the brain controls virtually every function of the human body such as memory, motor skills, speech, vision, and even sleep patterns, even a seemingly minor brain injury can have lasting consequences that affect employment, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Roseville
Brain injuries can occur in many types of accidents throughout Roseville and surrounding communities. As such if you have been involved in any of the following accidents it is vital that you seek medical attention, no matter how “fine” you feel.
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions remain one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries nationwide. High-speed crashes along Interstate 80, Highway 65, Douglas Boulevard, Sunrise Avenue, and other heavily traveled roadways in Roseville can cause occupants to strike their heads against steering wheels, windows, airbags, or other vehicle components.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck collisions often generate tremendous force, increasing the likelihood of severe head trauma. As a result, victims may suffer skull fractures, brain bleeding, diffuse axonal injuries, or permanent neurological impairment, all of which can forever change their quality of life.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even when riders wear helmets, motorcycle crashes frequently result in serious head injuries on top of other injuries like road rash and broken bones. As motorcyclists don’t have the structural protection like drivers in passenger vehicles do, motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of catastrophic brain trauma. Depending on the severity of the accident, they can potentially suffer fatal injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
Roseville's busy shopping districts, including areas surrounding Galleria Boulevard and Roseville Parkway, experience substantial pedestrian traffic especially on weekends and holidays. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, head injuries often occur upon impact or when the victim falls to the pavement and much like motorcyclists, pedestrians do not have any protection from vehicle collisions and are very likely to experience fatal injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls remain one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the country, particularly among older adults. As slip and fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere, property owners who fail to maintain safe premises may be held responsible when dangerous conditions lead to serious head trauma.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, warehouses, industrial facilities, and other workplaces can expose workers to falling objects, falls from heights, and other hazards capable of causing significant brain injuries. While workers can file workers compensation to cover their injuries, the amount may not cover comprehensive treatment for severe injuries.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries vary considerably in severity and long-term impact.
Concussions- Referred to as the most common forms of traumatic brain injury, concussions are often caused by bumps to the head that forces the brain to rapidly shift or twist inside the skull.
Contusions- A brain contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain caused by a direct blow to the head and depending on the severity of the injury, treatment will vary, but severe contusions may require surgical intervention.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries- Diffuse axonal injuries occur when the brain rapidly shifts within the skull, causing widespread damage to nerve fibers. These injuries frequently occur in high-speed motor vehicle collisions and can result in permanent disability.
Penetrating Brain Injuries- Penetrating injuries occur when an object enters the skull and damages brain tissue. These injuries are often catastrophic and require emergency medical treatment immediately.
Brain Hemorrhages- Bleeding in or around the brain can create dangerous pressure within the skull. Without prompt medical attention, brain hemorrhages can become life-threatening.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on the nature and severity of the brain injury, symptoms may appear immediately or develop gradually following an accident. However, if an injury victim has experienced any of the following symptoms and hasn't seen a doctor, it is highly urged for them to do so to prevent any fatal or serious injuries from occurring.
Persistent headaches
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Blurred vision
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Loss of consciousness
Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries
The consequences of a traumatic brain injury can extend far beyond the initial accident and victims may experience medical conditions that can drastically impact their ability to work and live their daily lives.
For instance, permanent cognitive impairment, emotional instability, personality changes, and a general increased need for medical care can not only change a person’s lifestyle, but the associated medical costs can place them in financial instability. Even less severe but chronic conditions like constant headaches and speech difficulties can create emotional burdens that can last a lifetime.
How Liability Is Established in a California Brain Injury Case
Most brain injury claims are based upon negligence and in order for an injury victim to recover compensation, they must prove four things:
The defendant owed a duty of care.
The defendant breached that duty.
The breach caused the accident.
The accident caused the brain injury and resulting damages.
For example, a distracted driver who runs a red light and causes a collision can be held liable for the resulting traumatic brain injuries that the injured party has suffered. While not all accidents are going to be as black and white, if there is any confusion or debate about liability, it is highly recommended to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer to gain insight regarding liability.
California's Comparative Negligence Law
California follows a pure comparative negligence system under California Civil Code principles established through state case law. This means an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, the compensation awarded will generally be reduced by the individual's percentage of fault.
This is important to know because insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injury victims to minimize payouts. Even if the injury victim is partially at-fault, insurance adjusters will try to over exaggerate the extent of the injury victim’s actions. Should that happen, it is urged to hire an experienced brain injury lawyer who can push back against these tactics and protect your rights.
Compensation Available in a Roseville Brain Injury Claim
Depending on the circumstances of the case, victims may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages that can either be categorized as economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to calculable expenses the injury victims have suffered and in the context of TBI cases, this can include medical expenses, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, physical and vocational therapy, lost income, and quality of life adjustments.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages are incalculable costs that the TBI victim has suffered and experienced as a result of the accident in question. For instance, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability are all things that are difficult to place an objective price on because it affects every person differently.
How Long Do You Have to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. However, if the injured victim in question lives out of state, is a minor, or is in jail then exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. With that in mind, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible, because failing to act within the applicable statute of limitations may prevent you from recovering compensation no matter how much evidence you have.
What To Do After a Brain Injury Accident
If you suspect a brain injury following an accident, taking the following steps can ensure your chances of filing a strong personal injury claim and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Seek immediate medical attention
Follow all treatment recommendations
Attend follow-up appointments
Preserve accident-related evidence
Document symptoms and limitations
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal counsel
Contact an experienced brain injury attorney as soon as possible
While it is possible to file a brain injury claim all on your own, it is discouraged to do so unless you are familiar with the legal process. As there is a lot of documentation that needs to be filed in an orderly manner, it can be difficult to do so while trying to recover from a brain injury. Taking everything into consideration, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Speak With a Roseville Brain Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in Roseville, you should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else's negligence. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, truck collision, motorcycle crash, pedestrian accident, slip and fall, or another preventable incident, the legal team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is ready to help.
Why Choose Our Roseville Brain Injury Attorneys
Brain injury cases are among the most complex personal injury claims and they require extensive investigation, medical analysis, and a thorough understanding of how traumatic brain injuries affect victims and their families. Our legal team works aggressively to:
Investigate the accident
Gather critical evidence
Consult with medical experts
Calculate future damages
Negotiate with insurance companies
Prepare every case for trial if necessary
We understand that brain injury victims often face uncertainty about their future. Our goal is to provide compassionate guidance while pursuing the maximum compensation available under California law.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.