Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Victims of motor vehicle accidents, through no fault of their own, can be rendered incapable of functioning normally in their day-to-day lives. Traumatic head injuries lead to extended hospital stays. Even after release from medical facilities, victims of head injuries can face years of rehabilitation while never fully recovering from the injuries sustained in a vehicular accident. This reduced functionality might mean loss of employment and loss of personal relations for the victim. Thus, victims of traumatic brain injuries resulting from a motor vehicle crash may be entitled to significant recovery.
The Center for Head Injury Services reports that there are 2 million traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year. 500,000 of these injuries require hospitalization. 70,000 – 90,000 of those who survive will have lifelong disabilities, and 2,000 more will live in a persistent vegetative state. A survivor of severe brain injury faces 5 to 10 years of intensive services and rehabilitation. The costs to treat severe brain injuries often exceed 4 million dollars. The financial and personal burden placed on both the victim and the victim’s family can be catastrophic.
51% of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States are a result of motor vehicle accidents according to the Center for Head Injury Services. The likelihood of being the victim of a traumatic head injury is highest when participating in an activity undertaken by most American numerous times each day. For many Americans, this risk is unavoidable.
In order to provide victims of traumatic brain injuries proper medical care, it is important to identify the injury as quickly as possible. The Center for Head Injury Services provides the following reminders for victims of motor vehicle accidents:
• Motor vehicle accident victims do not need to be knocked out or lose consciousness to sustain a brain injury.
• Motor vehicle accident victims do not need to strike their head in the accident to sustain a brain injury. Whiplash may lead to a significant brain injury.
• No head injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident should be taken lightly, even mild traumatic brain injuries may lead to cognitive impairments, which might affect a person’s ability to function normally personally or at work.
If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car crash, call a Coweta County accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 and ask to schedule a free legal consultation.