Brain Injury Overview
Of all the parts of the human body, the brain is one of the most important, but also the one we understand the least. Brain injuries can occur in a number of different ways, but the danger of suffering one in a car accident is higher than average due to the trauma and violence these crashes can generate. The most serious of these injuries is the traumatic brain injury, often shortened to TBI. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly 2 million of these kinds of injuries happen every year, with nearly 20% of them resulting from car accidents. Here is a short guide to what causes TBIs, the symptoms associated, and what can happen to a victim who suffers a head injury.
How Does A TBI Happen?
The sheer physics of a car crash means that any collision has the potential for serious or fatal injuries. Most small cars weigh at least a ton, and larger cars, trucks, and SUVs can weigh two tons or more. When something that size travels at high speeds, the potential for injury only goes up. Even low-speed collisions can be dangerous to drivers and passengers. As for the specific causes of TBIs, a victim can suffer one from direct contact with a surface like the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the car if it rolls or is crushed. And while airbags are meant to help prevent this from happening, it cannot prevent every injury. The force and speed with which a collision can happen may still cause someone’s head to make contact with a hard surface.
Whiplash injuries can also lead to TBIs. When a vehicle decelerates quickly (such as in a crash), the head is jerked forward and then back again with incredible force. This makes the brain bounce around in the skull in a manner which it should not, causing bruising, bleeding, and nerve damage that can be fatal.
TBI Symptoms To Watch Out For
In the aftermath of a car accident, things are going to be chaotic and scary. And to the untrained eye, someone might seem just fine. But it can take a little time for symptoms to appear as adrenaline sometimes masks how severely a person can be hurt. A few symptoms to be on the lookout for after a car crash are:
- Balance problems
- Memory loss
- Eyesight problems
- Trouble speaking or communicating
- Trouble sleeping
Remember that while these symptoms can appear immediately, it may also take time for them to manifest themselves. A TBI can still be present even when a person is conscious and talking.
Diagnosis And Treatment
If you think you or someone else has a brain injury, get medical help immediately. If symptoms don’t start to show until later, visit a hospital right away. The doctors will then give the patient a neurological evaluation that can include CT scans, MRIs, and other tests. Once the severity of the injury is established, the medical team will then put together a treatment plan to help the victim recover. That can mean something as serious as brain surgery, but also cognitive therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as well. Treatment and rehabilitation takes a long time, as the brain needs time to heal. Some patients recover well, while others never fully regain their pre-accident cognitive function.
Contact A Linwood Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Brain Injury Case in New Jersey Today!
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car crash in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured due to car accidents throughout New Jersey. Call 609-601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia 500 JFK Blvd, Suite 520, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.