A traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, can dramatically change one's life. Daily operations and activities can become difficult, and sometimes the TBI may cause a drastic change in lifestyle. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries every year, most of them caused by car accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are two types of TBI. The first is a closed TBI, which occurs when the brain comes into contact with the skull with an extreme amount of force. This injury can be the result of an accident, such as falling or being struck by an object. It also can result from a car crash, when a person's body traveling at high speed suddenly stops on impact, causing the brain to slam against his or her skull. Concussions, which may be caused by relatively slight impact, also are a form of closed TBI that can have lasting health consequences.
The second type of TBI is called penetrating. A penetrating TBI occurs when an object goes through the skull and damages the brain. These injuries typically result when a sharp object comes into contact with the skull or when a bullet goes through the skull and damages the brain.
Car Accidents and TBIs
Car accidents are the leading cause of TBIs in the U.S. In a car accident, both closed and open TBI may occur, along with other possibly life-changing injuries. If the car accident was caused by another driver's negligent behavior, the crash victim may be able to seek monetary compensation, called damages, from the negligent driver through a personal injury lawsuit. Damages may be obtained for pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery and property damage.
A driver may be negligent if he or she failed to pay attention to driving and instead was distracted by texting, drove over the speed limit or too fast for road and weather conditions, or was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand the legal options that may be available to you to help you move forward in your or your loved one's life.
