Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Key Takeaways
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head.
- The symptoms of a brain injury can take time to develop, and you may not notice signs until hours or days later.
- Common causes of brain injuries include falls, assaults, firearm-related suicides, and car crashes.
A shock to the head can leave you dazed and confused. In a car accident, you may not even be sure what happened after you hit your head. Many motor vehicle accident injuries are challenging to assess because it takes time for the symptoms to develop. It is essential to get medical attention for possible head injuries as soon as possible.
If you do suffer a head injury in a car accident, a personal injury lawsuit is a way to recover compensation. Contact a local car accident lawyer to find out about your legal options after a brain injury accident.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head. A TBI can affect how the brain works. As part of the central nervous system, a brain injury can affect how you function, including thoughts and basic activities of daily living. Brain injuries can be categorized as:
- Mild TBI (concussion)
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI
Head trauma injuries can depend on the extent of the injury, the type of TBI, and where on the brain the injury occurred. Damage to small parts of the brain tissue can cause permanent damage and disability.
The brain and the skull are protected by cerebrospinal fluid. However, the brain can suffer tissue damage from direct force or indirect trauma. For example, a TBI can come from hitting your head on the steering wheel in an accident or from severe whiplash where the head doesn’t have a direct impact.
What Are Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Auto Accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the most common causes of brain injuries include falls, assaults, firearm-related suicides, and car crashes. Even a minor fender-bender can cause a brain injury or contusion. Types of motor vehicle crashes that can lead to severe injuries include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact or T-bone accidents
- Motorcycle accidents without a helmet
- Driver or passenger not wearing a seat belt
What Are the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The symptoms of a brain injury can take time to develop. A head injury victim can appear fine after a severe car accident and suffer a fatal injury the next day. Most head injuries don’t involve an open head injury, so you may not know you suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. If there is any possibility of a head injury, you should seek medical care.
A brain injury can affect cognition, motor control, language, emotion, and the senses. Signs and symptoms of brain injuries can include:
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Anxiety
- Aggression
When you go to the doctor for a possible head injury, the emergency room doctor may use different methods to diagnose a potential brain injury. Diagnostic tools include computed tomography (CT) scans and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
How Do Doctors Treat Brain Injuries?
Treatment for different types of traumatic brain injuries can depend on the timing and severity. For a mild traumatic brain injury, the doctor may recommend rest to allow the brain tissue to recover. More severe brain injuries may involve surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. Talk to your healthcare provider about brain injury treatment options.
Who Is Responsible for Brain Damage After a Car Accident?
If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver, they may be responsible for your injuries. A car accident personal injury lawsuit can hold the other driver liable for your damages. Damages in a car accident lawsuit can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
A product liability claim is a way to recover damages for your injuries, and this lawsuit will help determine who is liable. For example, If your brakes fail and you crash, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for selling you a defective vehicle. However, if a faulty vehicle part causes injury, then the manufacturer of that vehicle may have some liability. A class action suit may be appropriate if the same part causes other car accidents.
How Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Help?
Talk to a personal injury lawyer about your legal options. An attorney can review your accident claim and explain your legal rights. Your attorney can negotiate a settlement or file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Contact a car accident lawyer to find out about your legal options after a brain injury accident.
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