Car crashes are a leading cause of many severe injuries. People involved in collisions can experience limb loss or even acquire spinal cord injuries. Brain injuries are also among the more common and severe challenges that could follow a car crash.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent symptoms that affect an individual’s health and employment. They create major medical expenses, but many people fail to recognize the risk until the condition has progressed after the initial injury.
Understanding how crashes cause TBIs can help people get the care and compensation they deserve.
Blunt force trauma isn’t necessary to injure the brain
The most common and easily identifiable source of a car crash TBI is blunt force trauma. People who hit their heads on the steering column or a vehicle window can injure their brains. The bleeding or inflammation that occurs because of that physical injury can damage the structure of the brain.
People can potentially also injure their brains in scenarios where they do not strike their heads. If a crash causes a vehicle to roll over or spin violently, the violent motions can shake the brain inside the skull, causing serious damage.
Other times, flying debris will cause penetrating injuries. There are other, less common, crash-related brain injuries, including oxygen deprivation and percussive force from explosions. People may struggle to recognize the initial warning signs of a brain injury. They may need to see a doctor to secure an accurate diagnosis when there are clear risk factors present.
Being aware of scenarios where serious injuries are more likely can help people protect themselves. Those with significant car crash injuries may need help negotiating with insurance providers or preparing to pursue compensation in civil court.