Every day approximately 138 people die in the United States because of injuries that include a traumatic brain injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents cause most of the traumatic brain injury related deaths for people aged five to 24 and motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury deaths for all age groups.
But Traumatic Brain Injuries Aren’t All the Same
The term traumatic brain injury encompasses many different injuries to the brain. Some of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries that can occur after a car accident include:
- Concussions: There are at least a dozen physical symptoms that could indicate a concussion after a car crash. While many people recover from concussions, it is important to have an accurate medical diagnosis. Complications from concussions can include epilepsy, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome.
- Blood clots or hematomas: Blood vessels in the brain can be damaged in a crash. When this happens, blood can clot outside of the blood vessel and result in serious, life-threatening complications. Brain surgery, medications, and rehabilitation therapies may be part of a treatment plan when a brain hematoma occurs.
- Lacerations: A cut or tear of the brain tissue can result in lifelong disability, coma, or death depending on where in the brain the injury occurs. Surgery and rehabilitation therapies can be an important part of a recovery plan for a brain laceration.
- Nerve damage, diffuse axonal injuries, and shearing or tearing of the white matter: Nerve damage in the brain can result in traumatic, life-changing injuries. People who suffer mild forms of this injury may benefit from rehabilitation therapies. However, people who suffer widespread nerve damage, or diffuse axonal injuries, may be in a vegetative state, they may be in a coma, or they may die from their injuries.
The severity of each of these injuries depends on numerous factors including the force with which the brain was injured, the part of the brain that was hurt, and the overall health of the person who was wounded in the accident. Thus, the physical recovery and prognosis may differ for every brain injury victim.
But the First Step Toward a Legal Recovery Is the Same
If you have suffered any kind of traumatic brain injury or if your loved one has died from a brain injury following an Iowa car crash, then it is important to protect your legal recovery. If someone else caused the accident, then you may be able to recover for your past, current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages.
The first step toward your legal recovery is to learn more about your rights and about how to protect them. You can do that right now by downloading a free copy of our book, The Ultimate Guide for Automobile Accident Victims, or by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced attorney today.
