Although we routinely use the term “car accident” when referring to a motor vehicle collision, the truth is that most collisions are not true accidents. Instead, they are more often than not the result of negligence on the part of at least one party involved in the crash. The victim of a car accident may suffer physical injury, emotional trauma, and financial hardship as a result of the “accident.” If you, or someone you loved, suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car crash, the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crash will likely be felt for a long time to come. If another party’s negligence caused, or contributed, to the crash, you could be entitled to compensation for all your injuries. Of course, no amount of money can truly compensate the victim of a moderate to severe TBI for all the suffering the injury causes; however, the at fault party should be held legally accountable for the injuries suffered by the victim. If you are a victim who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, or the loved one of one who has, you should consult with a Smyrna car accident lawyer immediately to ensure that you are fully and fairly compensated.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The victim in a car accident can suffer a wide range of injuries from simple bumps and bruises to life-threatening conditions, such as a traumatic brain injury. A “traumatic brain injury” is an injury that covers a broad spectrum of symptoms and injuries to the brain. A TBI occurs when there is sudden trauma to the brain. The trauma can be caused when an object actually pierces the skull and damages the brain or when the brain is suddenly and violently slammed into an object. The second scenario is what often happens in a collision – a victim’s head is thrown back into the head rest and then forward into the steering wheel or dashboard. This often occurs several times before the vehicle comes to rest, though a single impact could be enough to cause a TBI. A TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. A mild TBI is defined as a brief change in mental status or consciousness (commonly referred to as a “concussion”) while a severe TBI is marked by an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss after the injury.
TBI Facts and Figures
Traumatic brain injury occurs far more often than you likely realize. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Approximately 2.5 million TBIs occur every year in the United States.
- TBI contributes to as many as 30 percent of all injury deaths each year in the U.S.
- 138 deaths occur every day from injuries that include a TBI.
- TBI contributed to the deaths of more than 50,000 people in one recent year.
- TBI was a diagnosis in more than 280,000 hospitalizations and 2.2 million ER visits during the same year.
- Motor vehicle collision cause approximately 15 percent of all TBI.
Symptoms of a TBI
The symptoms of a TBI can span a wide range and may not manifest for hours, even days after the injury occurred. It is for this reason that a thorough medical examination immediately following a motor vehicle collision is so important. So of the numerous symptoms of a TBI include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision or tired eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Change in sleep patterns
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
- Vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
Treatment for a TBI
Unfortunately, if a TBI causes damage to the brain it cannot be repaired. Once the injury occurs, the brain may begin the swell and/or bleed. The swelling and/or bleeding can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain, causing permanent damage and potentially leading to death if not treated. Treatment for a TBI focuses on preventing further damage initially. Surgery may be needed to reduce the pressure and stop further swelling. Once the injury’s progress is stopped, treatment will focus on rehabilitation.
How Can a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer Help?
The emotional and financial impact of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating. If you, or someone you love, suffered a TBI as a result of a car accident and you believe someone else caused, or contributed, to the accident, you should consult with an experienced Smyrna car accident attorney right away to discuss your legal options.
Contact Us
If you re the victim of a traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Smyrna car accident lawyer at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby. Contact the team today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your appointment.
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