Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways and can range from relatively mild to very severe. Severe brain injuries can result in significant memory loss and prolonged periods of unconsciousness. It is reported that 1.4 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. Over twenty percent of TBIs are the result of motor vehicle accidents, and these accidents causing the greatest number of hospitalizations for brain injuries.
Whiplash can cause especially significant damage to the brain and, in severe cases, may even lead to a coma. High-speed car accidents often result in whiplash and other injuries, such as when the skull impacts the steering wheel, window or other hard object. This causes the brain to slam into the skull, which can be very damaging. The brain can bruise and even tear, leading to many possible long-term health issues such as concussions, amnesia and more.
There are some simple ways to stay safe and, hopefully, avoid the possibility of any traumatic brain injuries. For instance, always wear a seatbelt when riding or driving a motor vehicle, always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, ATV or motorized scooter, and always put children in proper child safety seats.
However, if you are involved in a car accident caused by a negligent drive and suffer a traumatic brain injury, it may be possible to obtain compensation for your injuries from the responsible party. Working with an attorney experienced in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents can help those impacted understand their legal options.
Source: brainandspinalcord.org, “Motor Vehicle Induced Brain Injury,” accessed April 17, 2018