A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically caused by a violent jolt or blow to the head or body. An object penetrating brain tissue may also result in a TBI; If a shattered fragment of skull is forced into brain tissue, it could cause a traumatic brain injury. Around 1.7 million TBIs occur every year in the U.S, and many of them are the result of motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the second leading cause of TBIs in America is on the road, with the CDC reporting that over 292,000 of all TBIs are caused by motor vehicle accidents.
Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Are A Leading Cause Of TBIs
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries due to the abrupt, violent movement vehicle occupants go through during a car crash. Since the neck and head don’t stay strapped to a seat during an accident, they can whip around and hit objects such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. Moreover, objects flying around a vehicle during such an accident may hit a vehicle occupant’s head and result in a TBI.
What Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents Typically Result In TBIs?
There are many different types of motor vehicle accidents that can cause people to suffer TBIs. A rear-end accident, for instance, may result in a traumatic brain injury since the head is usually thrown violently backward and forward in these kinds of crashes. This violent motion can cause whiplash along with a traumatic brain injury when the brain strikes the inside of the skull. Front-end collisions can also cause traumatic brain injuries. In front-end accidents, the car abruptly stops while the passenger continues to move forwards at the same speed as before the impact, which can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. Other kinds of motor vehicle accidents that commonly cause brain injuries include:
- Rollover accidents
- Side-impact collisions
Symptoms Of A Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury symptoms typically vary depending on how severe the injury is. Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury may include:
- Trouble with balance
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
Severe to moderate TBIs may include signs of a mild TBI along with other symptoms that come up within the first hours to days following a head injury, such as:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Profound confusion
- Inability to awaken from sleep
What To Do If You’ve Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury From A Motor Vehicle Accident
If you or somebody close to you were the victim of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you or somebody close to you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Florida motor vehicle accident, your priority should be to focus on recovering mentally and physically while being with loved ones. Let an experienced car accident attorney help you collect evidence and navigate your case during this difficult time. Call Terry M. Rosenblum & Associates in Hollywood, FL to speak with a car accident lawyer today.