Car accidents can be dangerous and often have fatal consequences for those involved. Apart from causing disabilities, car accidents may also result in death. For example, in Indiana, the statistics indicate that between January 2020 and September 2020, 639 people perished in Indiana due to accidents.
The number increased by nine percent in the following year, with accidents causing 699 deaths from January 2021 to September 2021. Unfortunately, 2022 isn’t much better, as the fatalities of January and February already eclipsed the number of deaths at the same time last year by 22.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reckons traumatic brain injuries (TBI) account for around 30 percent of total injury deaths. Traumatic brain injuries can cause by various events or accidents that lead to brain injury. They include falls, car accidents, and playing sports.
Whether you or a loved one is experiencing traumatic brain injuries due to a traffic accident, there are various things you should know. Read on to find out more.
Symptoms and Indications of TBI
Contrary to popular belief, loss of consciousness and an open wound is not necessarily certain marks for those experiencing TBI. For example, you may still have TBI after a traffic accident, even without a blow to your head.
As mentioned, it is crucial to be examined after you an accident. As soon as feasible should use it for this. Nonetheless, there are specific symptoms that you should be aware of that may indicate brain injury. They include the following:
- Constant headache
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Trouble maintaining concentration
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Light sensitivity
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Posture and balance issues
What Are the Various Types of TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries occur in various ways and take several shapes. It is important to note that traffic accidents can cause all these forms of TBI. While the injuries may not be noticeable to you or the first responders, it is vital to go for a check-up because even a minor crash can cause brain injury. The common types of brain injuries are:
Penetrating Injury
While penetrating injuries are most commonly associated with gunshot wounds, they can also occur due to a traffic accident. In addition, they can occur when an object penetrates or pierces the skull due to a collision. These injuries are hazardous and can cause permanent damage to the survivors.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
The forceful twisting of the skull causes this damage. It causes severe rapture of nerve tissues across the brain. In a vehicle accident, it is often a result of the sudden rotational forces that happen during the collision impact.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
A coup-contrecoup injury can result in bruises, contusions, and swellings on the affected region and the opposite side of the brain.
Concussions
This type of injury occurs frequently and is the most common one. In most car accidents, a concussion may result from various causes. For example, an object is shaken violently or hit forcefully by the head.
Recovering from TBI
Recovering from brain injury needs a lot of medical attention to deal with the symptoms. Apart from that, patients often require long-term therapy to help them manage the shock and impact of the accident. Physical therapy, speech therapy, lifestyle changes, and psychiatric treatment might also be necessary. It is also advisable for the patient to hire an experienced Indianapolis traumatic brain injury lawyer to guide them, as the aftermath of a car accident may involve some legal procedures.
A specialized attorney can help victims file claims or lawsuits against the at-fault party to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment for daily activities, and more.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, in some forms of TBI, complete recovery might be impossible. Victims who experience traumatic brain injuries need assistance and personal care for the rest of their lives. Traumatic brain injuries can be costly to address, particularly if they result in long-term problems for the victim.
Notably, you or your loved one are eligible to receive compensation, especially if the traffic accident was the fault of another party. Contact an experienced attorney to help you file a claim and recover monetary and non-economic damages. This money can be used to meet the expenses related to your brain injury and the recovery, care, or lifestyle changes you need to get your life back on track.
