October 15, 2024 | Accidents

Traumatic brain injuries are a common type of injury caused by car accidents. In fact, car accidents are amongst the leading causes of TBIs. These injuries range from mild to severe. In turn, TBIs are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country. These injuries leave survivors grappling with long-term physical, emotional and financial challenges. Below, we discuss TBIs, how they occur in car accidents as well as their long-term impact.

How Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are brain injuries that occur as a result of an external force. These injuries result in damage to brain tissue. Car accidents are a common cause of these types of injuries because of the sudden and violent forces involved in these accidents. Below are some ways that TBIs can occur in car accidents.

• A direct blow to the head

Car accident victims may strike their heads against a part of the vehicle including the steering wheel, dashboard, window or even the pavement when they are ejected from the vehicle. Blunt force trauma to the head can cause the brain to collide with the inside surface of the skull. This in turn can result in bruising, bleeding and swelling of the brain tissue.

• Whiplash

TBIs can occur even without direct contact to the head or body. The forces occurring in sudden deceleration or acceleration of a car during an accident result in the violent movement of the body. These forces are transferred to the head and can cause the brain to move violently back and forth within the skull. The motion can result in impact of the brain with the inside surface of the skull causing damage to brain tissue.

• Penetration

In more severe accidents, objects may penetrate the skull. Penetration results in direct damage of brain tissue. This leads to more serious TBIs. In many cases, penetration results in the death of the victim. Those who do survive are left with lifelong disabilities.

Long Term Health Impacts of TBIs

The long-term impacts of TBIs vary from one victim to another. They also vary depending on the location of the injury. Some of the long-term effects of TBIs include:

• Cognitive impairment – This includes memory loss, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment and challenges in problem solving. Survivors may experience challenges carrying out day to day tasks and may never be able to engage in gainful activities. They may also require assistance with everyday tasks making them dependent on others.
• Motor skill impairment – TBIS can lead to interference with coordination, balance and other motor functions. They can result in physical disabilities such as paralysis or reduced mobility. Victims may require physical rehabilitation to regain some motor function. In severe cases, victims may require lifelong care.
• Speech and communication problems – brain injuries can impair the car accident victim’s ability to speak, write or even understand language. This makes it difficult to communicate effectively with others.
• Chronic pain and fatigue – many accident victims with these injuries suffer from persistent headaches, migraines and other types of chronic pain. They also suffer other symptoms such as fatigue and sleeping disorders. All of these can significantly reduce their quality of life.
• Personality and mood changes – TBIs can also cause changes in personality or mood. Victims may suffer increased irritability, anxiety, depression or even a difficulty in controlling their emotions.

Financial Impact of TBIs

TBIs can impose a significant financial burden on car accident survivors and their loved ones.

• Immediate medical costs – these include expenses such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery and diagnostic imaging. The victim’s medical bills can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
• Rehabilitation and therapy – these include expenses such as long-term physical therapy costs and the costs for cognitive therapies, speech therapy and even occupational therapy. These costs may continue for years depending on the health of the victim and the impact of their injuries.
• Medications and assistive devices – TBI victims may have to consume medication for the long term to deal with symptoms such as headaches, mood disorders and seizures. They may also require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication aids or even to have their homes modified to accommodate their new needs.
• Lost wages and earning potential – Victims may not be able to return to their previous work temporarily while recovering or permanently. They may not be able to work at all. This loss of income can lead to long-term financial instability for the victim and their loved ones.
• Long term care and support – in severe cases, survivors may require full-time care. This may be in the form of care at a specialized facility or care from health care professionals or from family members at home. This can be expensive.

Traumatic brain injuries from car accidents can be life-altering. Their impact extends far beyond the immediate injuries and affects both the victim and their loved ones. We at High and Younes Attorneys, LLC are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them get back on their feet. Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help.

Traumatic Brain Injury Car Accident