Car Accidents Are a Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries

In March, the focus is on raising awareness about brain injuries

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to highlight the link between motor vehicle accidents and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In one recent year, there were about 2.5 million non-fatal injuries from car accidents in the U.S., and 39,000 were categorized as moderate to severe TBIs.

A brain injury sustained in a crash can severely impact an individual's quality of life and result in lifelong disabilities. If you suffered a head or brain injury in a car accident due to negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, and Twenge + Twombley Law Firm can help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

What is a TBI?

TBIs are the result of a sudden jolt or blow to the head, which can happen in various situations, such as car accidents, but there are other ways TBIs happen, too. These include slip and fall incidents, sports-related injuries, physical assaults, and medical malpractice.

TBIs can be classified into different types - open or closed - based on the extent and location of the damage to the brain. Some common types of TBI injuries include:

Concussion. Concussion victims may experience a brief loss of consciousness, confusion, and other symptoms. While a concussion is typically classified as a mild form of traumatic brain injury (mTBI), its potential impact on your health and well-being should not be underestimated.
Contusion. A bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head, which can result in localized bleeding and swelling.
Coup-contrecoup injury. This type of injury occurs when the brain is jolted within the skull, causing contusions at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
Diffuse axonal injury. This type of injury occurs when the brain is shaken or rotated, causing damage to the nerve fibers or axons within the brain.
Penetration injury. When an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain, causing localized damage, it's a penetration injury.
Anoxic brain injury. This happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen. The damage may be irreversible.

How do car accidents cause TBIs?

Any car accident can result in a traumatic brain injury, but certain types of crashes are more likely to cause them than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the crash types most commonly associated with TBI include:

Rollover accidents.
T-bone or side-impact crashes.
Head-on collisions.
Motorcycle accidents.

According to recent statistics, car accidents account for over 17% of all TBIs each year, making them the second most common cause of such injuries after falls, which account for just over 35%.

TBI symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common signs and symptoms that someone might show after a car accident include the following:

Headache or pressure in the head.
Loss of consciousness (even for a brief period).
Confusion or disorientation.
Dizziness or loss of balance.
Nausea or vomiting.
Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
Sensitivity to light or noise.
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping.

TBI symptoms may not appear immediately following a car accident, and in some cases, signs of brain injury may not manifest for several hours or even days after the crash.

If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential.

Talk to a brain injury lawyer about your legal options

At Twenge + Twombley Law Firm, we've helped many clients in South Carolina who have suffered severe injuries due to negligence. Our car accident attorneys work hard to get real results for our clients and always fight for maximum compensation.

If you or someone you love has suffered a car accident TBI, our aggressive and dedicated brain injury attorneys are ready to help.

Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. Our firm proudly serves clients in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and other communities throughout South Carolina's Lowcountry. We look forward to speaking with you about your potential legal case.