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When someone suffers a blow to the head, it can have serious and long-lasting effects. Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are among the most severe injuries we can experience because the brain controls so many parts of our lives. Even if the rest of our body seems unharmed, a car crash can still cause a TBI with powerful forces acting on the skull.
Protecting ourselves after a car accident is important, especially if another driver’s actions caused the injury. We need to understand the risks, the possible effects of TBIs, and the importance of having experienced support to guide us as we recover and move forward.
When we talk about traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, we mean damage to the brain from an outside force. This force could come from a hit, bump, or violent movement. Head injuries can happen in car accidents, sports, falls, or even from a blow to the head. The force can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to swelling or bruising of the brain tissue.
There are two main types of head injuries: closed and open head injuries. In a closed injury, nothing breaks through the skull, but the brain still moves forcefully inside. This movement can cause swelling, torn blood vessels, and damage to our brain’s tissue. Open head injuries happen when the skull is cracked or pierced by an object. This can tear the protective layers and let things like bacteria into the brain.
Key facts about TBIs:
| Type | Cause | Possible Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Head Injury | Blow or jolt to the head | Swelling, concussion |
| Open Head Injury | Object penetrates the skull | Infection, tissue damage |
When doctors suspect brain injury, they often use MRI or CT scans to see how much harm has been done. We need to watch out for symptoms like confusion, headaches, dizziness, or loss of memory after a head injury. Sometimes, what looks like a mild concussion can lead to more serious problems if not checked. For more public health facts, traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of disability in the United States.
It is important for us to know the signs and take head injuries seriously. Early care can make a big difference for recovery.
Traumatic brain injuries can lead to lasting challenges that affect many parts of our lives. We may notice symptoms such as dizziness, frequent or severe headaches, and persistent pain and suffering. It is common for us to struggle with memory loss, confusion, or even problems with balance and movement.
Many people also develop emotional issues like anxiety and depression after a brain injury. Simple things, such as mood swings or changes in the way we see or hear, can become part of daily life. The injury’s effects often mean long recovery times and ongoing care, especially for those who were plaintiffs in injury claims.
| Common Effects | Physical | Emotional & Mental |
|---|---|---|
| Dizziness | ✔ | |
| Headaches | ✔ | |
| Memory Loss | ✔ | |
| Anxiety | ✔ | |
| Confusion | ✔ | |
| Depression | ✔ | |
| Pain and Suffering | ✔ | ✔ |
When we look at car accidents, even those that seem minor, it’s clear how easily they can cause TBIs. The human brain is sensitive to the sudden forces that happen during collisions. Inside the skull, the brain floats in fluid, making it vulnerable to quick changes in motion.
Common Ways Car Crashes Cause TBIs:
We should remember that symptoms from a TBI may not appear right away. It’s important to seek medical help if we’ve had any head impact during a collision, as some injuries can be identified early with scans and treated before they become worse. For more details on accident injuries and TBI risks, see this population-based study on traumatic brain injuries.
After an accident, our focus turns to the effects a traumatic brain injury can have on many parts of our lives. The type and seriousness of the brain injury affect how long and difficult recovery will be. Some of us may only need rest, while others will need long-term rehabilitation and support from medical experts.
Key steps to take include:
Meeting these needs can lead to significant damages, including costs for ongoing care. Seeking advice on compensation for traumatic brain injuries may help us manage these challenges and cover future expenses.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to another driver’s negligence, it is important to act quickly. Missouri law gives us five years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury claim. Delaying action may put your case at risk.
What we provide:
Filing a negligence claim can be complicated. We work directly with you to gather evidence and document your injuries so that your claim is backed by strong facts. Our legal team is familiar with issues unique to car crash TBIs, and we make sure your rights are protected.
We encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential case review so we can start helping you right away. Together, we will pursue justice and compensation for your traumatic brain injury. Learn more on the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury.
We look at police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to figure out who caused the accident. Insurance companies and lawyers may also use accident reconstruction experts. Missouri uses a system called comparative fault, so each person’s responsibility for the crash can affect the outcome of any claim.
-Call 911 and get medical help right away, even if symptoms are mild -Do not move the person unless there is immediate danger -Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries Exchange contact and insurance information -Speak to police and ask for a copy of the report -Record any symptoms such as confusion, headache, or memory loss -Contact a legal professional at OnderLaw
People who survive with a brain injury may face long-term problems with memory, thinking, movement, and emotions. Some may have lasting headaches, trouble concentrating, or mood changes. In some cases, people do not notice symptoms right away, and issues can show up weeks or months after the crash. More details are available in this CDC report on TBI hospital discharges.
A traumatic brain injury can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and trouble handling stress. Emotional changes might happen along with physical symptoms. Support from doctors, counselors, and family is important for recovery.
Victims can usually file insurance claims for medical costs, lost income, and pain. In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit may be needed to recover fair compensation. Speaking with a lawyer who is experienced in traumatic brain injury cases can help us understand our rights and options, as shown in resources like this brain injury toolkit.
Doctors use physical exams, check reflexes, and may order brain scans such as CT or MRI. They ask questions to check memory, awareness, and other mental skills. Tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale help to rate how serious the injury is. In some cases, further testing is used to track recovery.
