Brain Injury Awareness Month: Auto Accidents May Result in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, occur far more frequently than you may imagine. In fact, every day 153 people die in the U.S. from injuries that include a TBI. Altogether, 2.8 million people annually suffer a TBI in the U.S. (statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC)

A TBI can be mild, such as a concussion, or very severe. This type of injury is caused by a bump, jolt or blow to the head that disturbs the normal brain function. From a headache to serious harm such as memory loss, paralysis and even death, TBIs can result in long-term, life-altering damage.

Physical Effects of a Car Accident on the Brain

Many head injuries in car crashes occur when the driver’s or passenger’s skull strikes an object like the steering wheel or windshield. Amazingly, the head does not even have to be penetrated or fractured for a TBI to happen.

When a vehicle comes to a rapid stop, the force of the accident may cause the brain to strike against the inside of the skull. This trauma will cause bruising and hemorrhaging and the damage may not be observable when the accident occurs.

The Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury May Be Devastating

A mild TBI can temporarily affect brain cells and cause:

• Physical symptoms including headache, loss of consciousness, fatigue, speech problems, nausea and dizziness.
• Sensory issues such as ringing in the ears, blurred vision, sound or light sensitivity, anxiety or depression, cognitive problems, mood swings and concentration difficulties.

A moderate to severe brain injury that damages the brain itself can cause long-term complications and even death. This more serious trauma may result in any of the above symptoms plus severe headache, difficulty waking up, convulsions or seizures, pupil dilation, loss of coordination, weakness in the extremities, slurred speech, profound confusion and coma.

You can read more about TBIs at this Brain Injury Association website.

It is easy to understand how a traumatic brain injury can change the life of its victim. There will be ongoing need of medical care, physical therapy, multiple rehabilitation stays, assistive devices and major home, vehicle and lifestyle changes.

If you or a family has sustained a TBI from an auto accident, a slip and fall or any other type of accident, please contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case to determine whether you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries.

Let Us Help If You Have Experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.