Car wrecks are a common cause of TBIs.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by car accidents. The impact of a car wreck can extend far beyond physical damage to vehicles. They often result in head or brain injuries that can significantly alter a person's life.
Recovery from car accident-related TBIs can be a daunting journey, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. In such trying times, protecting your legal rights is crucial.
So, why do car accidents cause so many brain injuries? How does someone know if they have a brain injury after a car accident? What are the warning signs and symptoms of a brain injury? And what medical care is available to treat brain injuries? The dedicated legal team at Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C., explains what you need to know.
How common are brain injuries?
According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), a nationwide advocate for brain injury awareness, someone sustains a brain injury every 9 seconds in the United States. This staggering statistic amounts to over 3.5 million brain injuries annually across the nation.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 200,000 individuals require hospitalization for traumatic brain injuries each year nationwide. Alarmingly, TBIs rank among the leading causes of death, particularly among adults aged 75 and above, as highlighted by the CDC's findings.
Car accidents are consistently among the top 5 causes of all brain injuries, according to a scientific study conducted by the CDC. Specifically, an estimated 14 percent of all brain injuries occur due to car accidents. Based on that number and BIAA brain injury estimates, nearly 490,000 people each year sustain a brain injury due to a car accident.
Why do car accidents cause so many brain injuries?
Car accidents are notorious for causing a significant number of brain injuries, and several factors contribute to this unfortunate reality. Firstly, the force generated by the collision of two vehicles can be substantial. Upon impact, although the vehicles come to a halt, the occupants within them continue to move forward at the same velocity.
Consequently, drivers and passengers are often propelled forward rapidly upon impact, leading to their heads abruptly snapping in one direction. This sudden movement can cause the brain to collide with the interior of the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Additionally, occupants may also be thrown into various parts of the vehicle, such as the dashboard or windshield, further increasing the risk of sustaining a brain injury. When accidents occur at high speeds, the force of impact intensifies, often resulting in more severe brain injuries.
What types of brain injuries are commonly associated with car accidents?
Brain injuries resulting from car accidents typically fall into three main categories based on their severity: mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), moderate TBI, and severe TBI. Within these categories, specific types of brain injuries commonly observed in car accident victims include:
- Concussions: Often categorized as mild TBIs, concussions result from the brain's rapid movement within the skull upon impact.
- Hematoma: This condition involves the formation of blood clots within the brain, which can lead to increased pressure and potential brain damage.
- Brain hemorrhage: Characterized by bleeding within the brain, brain hemorrhage can lead to serious complications and neurological deficits.
- Contusion: Brain contusions refer to localized bruising or swelling of brain tissue, often caused by direct impact during a car accident.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): DAI occurs when the brain undergoes rotational or shearing forces, leading to widespread tearing or damage to nerve fibers within the brain.
Symptoms of a brain injury after a crash
Identifying the signs and symptoms of a brain injury resulting from a car accident is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Here are some common indicators to watch for:
- Disorientation and dizziness immediately following the car accident.
- Sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, which can exacerbate discomfort.
- Persistent and severe headaches that may worsen over time.
- Ringing or buzzing noises in the ears, known as tinnitus.
- Nausea or feelings of sickness, especially in the aftermath of the accident.
- Difficulty waking up from a deep sleep or experiencing excessive drowsiness.
Brain injury treatment options
It's crucial to take any symptoms of a brain injury seriously right from the outset. Seeking prompt medical attention is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which is why you should always get checked out by a healthcare professional after a car accident.
Your doctor may conduct various tests, including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, to assess the extent of your brain injury. Based on the diagnosis, the medical interventions for car accident-related brain injuries may include:
- Emergency brain surgery, particularly in cases of life-threatening conditions such as brain hemorrhage or bleeding.
- Overnight observation and monitoring in a hospital setting.
- Rest and relaxation under supervised conditions for several days to aid in recovery.
- Prescription medications to manage symptoms and facilitate healing.
- Follow-up surgeries or procedures as deemed necessary by medical professionals.
How can a Fort Worth car accident attorney help me?
Navigating the challenges of a brain injury claim in Texas can quickly become overwhelming. With significant financial implications, especially in cases of severe injuries that result in long-term disability or loss of income, seeking legal help from an experienced attorney is crucial.
We know what's at stake at Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C. in Fort Worth, and that's why we want to help. Attorney Coby L. Wooten and his dedicated legal team have the knowledge and experience you need to handle every aspect of your claim.
Don't take chances after suffering a brain injury in a car accident. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Fort Worth car accident attorney you can count on in a crisis. We handle injury claims and lawsuits throughout Texas.