Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are among the most serious outcomes of car accidents. These injuries can affect a person’s physical abilities, cognitive function, and emotional health. While some TBIs are mild and may resolve over time, others can lead to lasting impairments that affect every aspect of daily life. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of these types of injuries, especially in cases involving high-speed collisions or a sudden jolt to the head.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is typically caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. This can occur when a person’s head strikes a steering wheel, dashboard, window, or another object inside the vehicle. In other cases, the brain can move within the skull due to the force of the crash, causing internal bruising or bleeding.
Why Do Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Motor vehicle accidents produce sudden and intense forces. When a vehicle stops abruptly or is struck by another car, the body and head continue moving until they are restrained. This motion can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Even without a direct hit to the head, the impact of a crash may be strong enough to cause internal injury to brain tissue.
Rollovers, rear-end crashes, side impacts, and head-on collisions all have the potential to result in brain trauma. The type of collision and whether the occupants were wearing seat belts influence the severity of the injury.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a TBI After a Crash?
The symptoms of a TBI reflect the nature of the injury. Common signs include persistent headaches, memory difficulties, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, nausea, and fatigue. Some people also experience blurred vision, slurred speech, or changes in sleep patterns.
It is important to understand that symptoms do not always appear immediately. In many cases, signs may take hours or even days to develop. Anyone involved in a car accident should be cautious about dismissing head pain or confusion, as these can indicate a more serious issue.
How Are TBIs Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosing a TBI typically involves a combination of medical imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, and neurological evaluations. Medical professionals also assess reflexes, motor skills, eye movement, and responsiveness to determine the extent of the injury.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs may require rest and monitoring, while moderate and severe TBIs often involve hospitalization, surgery, or rehabilitation. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may all be part of a recovery plan.
Can a TBI Affect Someone’s Daily Life?
The effects of a TBI can extend far beyond the initial injury. Physical consequences may include chronic headaches, mobility issues, or vision problems. Cognitive challenges may make it difficult to work, study, or perform routine tasks. Emotional and behavioral changes, such as irritability or depression, may affect relationships and mental health.
Some individuals with severe brain injuries may be unable to return to their previous profession or require assistance with daily activities. The impact on a person’s quality of life can be significant, and in many cases, permanent.
Can Legal Action Help After a TBI From a Car Accident?
When a traumatic brain injury occurs due to another driver’s negligence, legal action may offer a path to financial compensation. Medical treatment for TBIs can be expensive, and long-term care may be necessary. In some situations, the injured party may be eligible to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
An experienced legal team can document the circumstances of the accident, collect medical records, and determine liability. They can also address challenges from insurance companies or other parties involved in the case.
Dover Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Help Clients Who Have Suffered Brain Injuries in Car Accidents
If you or someone you care about suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation. Call the compassionate Dover car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC today at 302-888-1221 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, Newark, and Middletown, Delaware.