Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., and many of those occur on the nation’s roadways. 38,000 people are killed annually in auto accidents in America, and around 3 million people are injured in crashes each year. And while many of those injuries are minor bumps and bruises, some people suffer catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
TBIs can have profound effects on victims and their loved ones. They can render victims helpless to care for themselves and live independently, and they can make it difficult or impossible for them to work. Many victims also need extensive, frequent medical care, including live-in nurses and caretakers.
How do car accidents cause these debilitating and disabling injuries? There are a few ways, including:
- Direct impact—Some TBIs are caused when victims hit their heads on their vehicles’ steering wheels, dashboards, or headrests. They also may be struck by loose objects inside their vehicles.
- Sudden deceleration—TBIs can occur even when there’s no direct impact. That’s because the sudden deceleration of a crash can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull, resulting in a serious injury.
Both of these causes of TBIs aren’t always immediately obvious. Sometimes victims may think they’re okay at the scene and after going home, but their symptoms may worsen, especially if they have a brain bleed. That’s why it’s vital for auto accident victims to get full examinations after crashes.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia brain injury attorneys stand up for the rights of all car crash victims, especially those who suffer such profound injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
