Car accidents can have tremendously devastating consequences. These can range anywhere from minor back injuries, to the most serious injury that can occur, a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is a complex condition that can result from the violent impact of jarring to the head during a collision. Educating yourself on what a traumatic brain injury is and how it can affect someone involved in a car accident can be crucial for both those who have been affected by the injury, as well as their legal representation in a personal injury case.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the National Library of Medicine “In the United States, around 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury, with adolescents between ages 15 and 19 and adults age 65 and older among the most likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury.” A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) refers to damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow, bump, or jolt to the head as well as a penetrating head injury. A TBI can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the brain damage and the resulting impairment.
The Impact of TBIs in Car Accidents
Immediate Symptoms
One of the quickest and easiest ways to find out if you may have a TBI is to focus on your immediate symptoms. These symptoms can range from loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Cognitive and Behavioral Changes
The impact of a TBI can significantly affect your cognitive functions among other things. You may experience memory problems, difficulties paying attentions and maintaining concentration, as well as reduced problem-solving abilities, and impaired decision making skills. A TBI may also affect your behavior, causing you to experience irritability, aggression, mood swings, or even depression.
Physical Impairments
A TBI does not just affect your emotional well being and cognitive abilities, it also can impair and change your physical functions. You may experience symptoms ranging from muscle weakness, coordination problems, difficulties with balance, and even paralysis depending on the severity of the brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries can have long lasting effects on daily activities, as well as changes to your quality of life.
Sensory and Perceptual Deficits
TBIs can also impact a person’s sensory and perceptual abilities. Victims may experience changes in vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch, making it challenging to perform routine tasks.
Emotional and Psychological Challenges
The effects of a car accident can often be emotionally traumatizing, and a TBI amplifies these feelings. Those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury may suffer from anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, or even changes in personality. These conditions can significantly affect the individual’s ability to lead a fulfilling life, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities.
Legal Implications and Seeking Compensation
If you or a loved on has suffered from a brain injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. The Salt Lake City brain injury attorneys at LifeLaw Personal Injury are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. The experts at LifeLaw can help you understand your rights, as well as guide and navigate you through the legal process, along with fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you have been in injured LifeLaw can help you, call us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.