Few things can compare to the emotional and physical trauma a car accident can cause. The situation can worsen when car crash victims suffer severe injuries. Severe injuries such as brain injuries can take a long recovery time and may require costly medical treatment. However, there are ways to obtain compensation for the losses you suffered from the parties that caused your harm. Our New York City car accident lawyers at Sullivan & Galleshaw invite you to keep reading as we discuss more information about brain injuries from car accidents in New York City.
Car Crash Brain Injury Information
The human brain is responsible for everything we do on a daily basis. The brain is essentially the body’s command center, and any damage to arguably this most essential part of the human body can cause numerous health issues or even death. A brain injury often results from massive trauma to the head or damage caused by a penetrating object.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury primarily caused by massive blows to the head. TBI can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the damage.
One of the most common types of mild TBI is a concussion. Concussions are caused by receiving a blow to the head. This type of injury is most often seen in car crashes and sports injuries. Common symptoms of concussions include vomiting, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty sleeping, disorientation, and other symptoms. Generally, this type of injury is not life-threatening.
However, severe TBI injuries are more complex and dangerous. For instance, a “penetrating injury” or “open head wound” from something like a piece of shrapnel or sharp debris from a car crash can penetrate the skull, reaching the brain and causing irreparable damage to the brain tissue. A penetrating wound can cause life-long health issues, such as loss of sensation, trouble thinking, and other neurological problems. Death is especially common with serious injuries like this.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries happen primarily due to a heavy blow or bump to the head. For instance, one of the leading causes of brain injuries is slip and fall accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million people required a visit to the emergency department due to TBI in 2013. In the same year, the CDC reported falls were the leading cause of TBI, accounting for almost 50% of all visits to the emergency department. Falling accidents such as slip and falls can happen virtually anywhere. For instance, slip and fall accidents can occur in stores, construction sites, and workplaces. While some of these accidents can cause mild injuries, others can lead to severe injuries like TBI.
Car accidents are another leading cause of brain injuries. The CDC reported that car crashes were the third leading cause of TBI-related emergency visits, hospitalizations, and death among children, teenagers, and senior citizens. This comes as no surprise given the forces and momentum present in a car accident. For instance, during a car crash at high speed, it’s easy to lose control over your body and be thrown against the windshield, the steering wheel, or the dashboard.
However, there are instances where a person can experience a brain injury without necessarily hitting their head. Since the brain’s only protection consists of the skull and brain fluid, sudden, violent impact or movement can cause the brain to crash against the skull’s wall. This can cause brain injuries such as concussions and contusions.
How Often Do Car Accidents Cause Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries caused by car accidents happen frequently. The likelihood of brain injury will depend on the circumstances surrounding your crash. Low-speed accidents are less likely to cause severe brain damage, but high-speed collisions increase the risk of brain damage.
According to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), car crashes are responsible for many hospitalizations and visits to the emergency department. The NYS DOH states that car accidents “are the leading cause of hospitalizations due to TBIs for teens and young adults 15 to 24 years old in New York State.” This illustrates not only how dangerous car crash TBI is but also how often these injuries can happen.
Car Accident Attorneys Handling Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in New York City
Suffering from a traumatic brain injury can place a victim under intense pressure. Not only do car accident victims have to go through the recovery process, but they also have to think about paying their medical expenses. Additionally, they may feel stressed out over the fact they cannot return to work or find a way to support their family. Don’t let these matters get in the way of your recovery. Let a New York City personal injury lawyer help you get the compensation you are entitled to. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Sullivan and Galleshaw today at (718) 843-0300.