Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that happen to the brain. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that traffic crashes remain a primary public safety issue in Broward County. The chances of you suffering a TBI from your car accident are higher due to the dangerous combination of force and metal with your body. A traumatic brain injury happens when your brain is injured by intensive forced contact with your head or body. When this sudden violent contact occurs, the brain is harmed.
Depending on the nature of the force, the extent of the injury can range from mild to life-threatening. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of TBI resulting in hospitalization. As a result of these injuries:
- 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive.
- 50,000 people die.
- 80,000 to 90,000 people experience the onset of long-term disability.
Recovery from the symptoms of traumatic brain injury can range widely depending on the damage. Medical treatment is always recommended after every car accident, no matter the severity, to ensure there are no underlying symptoms of a traumatic brain injury that may worsen over time.
What Are the Different Types of TBI?
TBIs are primarily differentiated as penetrating or closed. Penetrating injuries, also known as open head wounds, occur when the head suddenly becomes in violent contact with another force or object and the skull does not remain intact; an object penetrates the skull and the brain tissue. Sometimes, the skull may also fracture inward due to impact and be the source of the damage to the brain tissue.
Closed injuries happen when the head suddenly impacts another force or object violently, but the skull does remain intact. A car accident can cause the following closed injuries:
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Concussion
- Contusion
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
John Hopkins Medicine has found that the symptoms of brain injuries can vary widely based on the severity of the damage. This wide variety of symptoms reinforces the need to seek medical treatment immediately following any motor vehicle accident. Injuries may continue to persist over time and worsen if untreated. Commonly recorded symptoms of brain injuries include:
- Dizziness and nausea
- Head and neck pain
- Temporary to prolonged loss of consciousness
- Confusion and loss of memory
- Blurred vision and dilation of pupils
- Slurred speech
- Ringing in ears
- Agitation
What To Do for TBI After a Car Accident
Only professional medical care will identify if you have a TBI and the severity of the injury. Seeking medical help after your motor vehicle accident is not just best practice; it could save you from additional problems down the road; everyday obligations in your life could suffer if your TBI goes untreated for long.
Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Establish legal representation from a brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. When dealing with symptoms of traumatic brain injury, your legal team should be skilled and trustworthy enough to take care of the legal side of matters.
Deciding which lawyer will best represent your case can be challenging. For best results, choose an attorney specializing in car accidents and has experience with TBIs. Personal injury lawyers that have expertise in representing clients with brain injuries understand the need to be patient because of your injuries and honest when acting on your behalf.
At Cecere Santana our attorneys have extensive experience handling TBI cases and obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts for our clients.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
All car accidents are traumatic.. Despite your heightened state of stress and potential injury, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind to make the process easier.
Remember any details you can about the accident. If you feel like recalling events is starting to get fuzzy, write down everything you can remember, or voice record it on your phone. Also, try to get the other driver’s information.. If you don’t feel safe or stable, stay in your car until police arrive and record their license plate while you wait.
Once your report has been filed, contact us for a free consultation regarding the accident and your injuries. Our team is able to meet with you in person, investigate and document the accident and also refer you to the proper medical professionals, depending on your injuries.
At Cecere Santana, our attorneys understand that automobile accidents are stressful enough without dealing with legal matters. When a car accident occurs and medical bills start coming in, it can place a serious financial burden on accident victims. Our injury lawyers work hard to ensure you know your rights, understand your options, and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to for your TBI case. Call us at 1-800-753-5529 to speak with an attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
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