Are brain injuries common in vehicle accidents?

Individuals who are involved in a vehicle collision are likely worried about the impact of their injuries. The accident can have a ripple effect through all facets of life. From the ability to work to loss of cognitive function, a traumatic brain injury is one of the most devastating consequences of a vehicle crash.

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is typified by a wide range of symptoms, including chronic headaches, blurred vision, difficulty multitasking, difficulty sleeping, loss of memory, mood swings and personality changes. Individuals who survive a TBI can face effects that might last only a few days to disabling conditions that might last for the rest of their lives. While individuals might know someone who has suffered a TBI (either “mild” or “severe”), they might not realize how widespread the issue actually is.

In the United States in 2010 alone, about 2.5 million emergency department visits, hospitalizations or deaths were associated with TBI. Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) broke down the leading causes of TBI from 2006-2010. Falls accounted for nearly half of all of the accidents, 40.5%, and motor vehicle accidents accounted for 14.3% of the brain injury cases.

Among all age groups, motor vehicle crashes were the third overall leading cause of TBI. However, when examining TBI-related deaths, motor vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of fatality.

While many people have a level of awareness due to media coverage of sports concussions, it is crucial to remember that a brain injury can result from nearly any type of accident. From falls to assaults to vehicle accidents, even a slight bump to the head can impact cognitive function. Don’t hesitate to see a medical professional to fully diagnose your injury or discuss your case with a personal injury attorney who can advise you on your legal options.