Car Accidents and Brain Injury
The injuries sustained in an auto collision can be devastating. Many crash survivors have to deal with a lasting disability, and may spend years in rehabilitation just to perform daily tasks. In the case of head trauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI), the effects can lead to mood disturbances and worse. Given the realities of these kinds of injuries, crash survivors in the Ogden and Layton, UT, area should speak with a car accident attorney to discuss a potential lawsuit.
The lawyers at Froerer & Miles would like to go over the basics of traumatic brain injuries sustained as a result of auto accidents. We’ll note the common symptoms of brain injuries and whether or not you have a case.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury refers to any sort of harm to the brain that is caused by a strong blow to the head or face. The blunt trauma from such impact harms the brain tissue. These injuries are even worse if an object winds up penetrating the skull and reaching the brain.
Statistics on TBI and Car Accidents
According to findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), auto accidents were the second leading cause of brain injuries that required hospitalizations. This was beaten only by falls.
Based on the CDC numbers, an estimated 20 percent of TBI hospitalizations are the result of an auto collision. For a sense of scale, there were 2.87 million TBI-related fatalities, hospitalizations, and trips to the emergency room in 2014.
The Lasting Effects of Brain Injuries
Brian injuries can cause all sorts of serious problems depending on what part of the brain was affected. Possible effects of a TBI include:
- Mood swings and disturbances
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Difficulty maintaining focus
- Cognition issues
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination and motor control
- Vision loss
- Seizures
- Vertigo
- Severe headaches
Even with medical monitoring and treatment, these issues may affect the rest of an accident victim’s life. Medical care for a TBI can be costly. If the injury affects your ability to process information or perform certain tasks, the brain damage could also lead to a change in your career path and the loss of livelihood.
Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable
If your auto accident was the result of another driver’s negligent actions, it’s worth pursuing a personal injury case. Our lawyers can go over the evidence in your case and determine if someone else was at fault and if there is grounds for a lawsuit.
Our team will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses as well as the costs associated with your injury. If a settlement cannot be negotiated or mediated, we will take your case all the way to trial, fighting for you every step of the way.
Contact the Law Firm of Froerer & Miles
If you live in the greater Utah area and want more information about your legal options following an auto collision, be sure to contact our team of injury accident attorneys. The team at Froerer & Miles is here to help. You can reach our office in Ogden by calling (801) 876-6348.