Thousands of drivers suffer from brain injuries due to car accidents every year. Unfortunately, not all of these injuries are properly diagnosed and treated by doctors, leaving victims with long-term effects. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when there is sudden trauma and damage to the brain. During a car accident, a TBI can happen when the head suffers a direct hit or when the skull strikes an object. If you were in a car accident and experienced a blow to the head, your doctor will likely check for a TBI. Unlike TBIs, concussions are not always detected because they can occur without a direct hit to the head.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI occurs when an external force strikes the skull and causes the brain to jolt around inside it. It can also be caused by penetrating wounds, such as bullets and flying shrapnel. Because the brain is the most vital organ, medical professionals consider these types of injuries “catastrophic,” as they can severely negatively impact their victims’ health and quality of life. Over-the-counter medications can often treat mild TBIs, but moderate to severe brain injuries usually require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Not all TBI symptoms are evident for the victim or the people around them. Because of this, symptoms can go unnoticed for weeks or months. Some symptoms of a TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness or coordination
- Convulsions or seizures
- Numbness in fingers and toes
- Coma
- Profound confusion
- Speech problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory loss
- Balance and coordination difficulties
How Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car accidents present many opportunities for severe brain injuries to occur. For example, when a car comes to a sudden stop after an accident, it can cause the occupant’s head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or any other nearby object. Severe whiplash can also cause TBIs since the violent whipping motion mimics the effects of a blow to the head. Car accident victims not wearing their seatbelts are at a particularly high risk of suffering TBIs, as they can often be thrown from the vehicle and strike their heads on the pavement when they land. While wearing a seatbelt can dramatically reduce your chances of suffering a TBI, or at least reduce the severity of the injury, nothing can prevent them.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Maryland, seeking legal representation is an essential step. Our experienced car accident attorneys at Snyder Law Group can help build your car accident case and get you the proper compensation for your injuries.
- Discover key information on serious car accident injuries to understand the long-term impacts of traumatic brain injuries.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.