How Often Are Brain Injuries Associated with Car Accidents?
One of the most common causes of brain injuries is in car accidents. During a car accident, the car moves at such high speeds that the head and neck are vulnerable to violent movements and impacts against hard surfaces. If the brain hits the side of the skull hard enough or if the skull becomes fractured, brain damage can occur. The effects of brain injuries vary depending on severity, but many can lead to lifelong disabilities. Consider hiring a New York Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyer if you were in a car accident caused by someone else.
Brain Injury Basics
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) vary on three different levels. Mild TBIs tend to create symptoms that go away within a few weeks or a month. Common symptoms of mild TBIs include:
- Headaches
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Sense of confusion
- Blurry vision accompanied by dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
- Cognitive problems
Cognitive problems encompass difficulties with concentration, memory, and attention. Some mild TBIs do not require medical attention, but it is always a good idea to have yourself checked out by a professional to make sure.
Moderate-to-severe TBIs do require immediate medical attention because they can become worse, the person could slip into a coma, or death could occur. These come with the same symptoms of mild TBIs, but the symptoms can become worse or last for life. People have also been known to experience:
- Nausea with vomiting
- Seizures
- Complete loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Loss of sensation in the arms or legs
- Paralysis in parts of or the whole body
- Anger and personality changes
In severe cases, some people may never be able to walk or speak again. Others may fall into a vegetative state in which they will require at-home care for the rest of their life. This is why it is important to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Statistics on Brain Injuries
For people between the ages of 20-24, car accidents were the leading cause of death by TBI. Hospitalizations for TBIs from car accidents were the highest for people aged 15-44 in 2013. Out of the 2.8 million people who suffer TBIs, 50,000 die and 282,000 survive after being cared for by medical professionals. This means thousands of people suffer permanent impairments from TBIs each year.
New York Car Accidents Attorney
If you suffered a serious TBI from a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. This does not only mean compensation to cover your medical expenses, but also for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future lost wages. Talk to a Cortland Car Accidents Lawyer about your situation to make a plan for filing a lawsuit if the insurance company was unable fully compensate you.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli we offer our clients four areas of legal practice. Call us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. You can find out services in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. We will investigate your claim, collect evidence, and acquire documents relevant to your case to increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover.