How is a TBI caused?

A Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is caused by any severe injury to the head. When brute force, a jolt, or even penetration of the skull causes the brain to be injured, the victim of the accident could be diagnosed with a TBI.

The Types of TBIs

There are two main types of traumatic brain injuries:

1. Penetrating TBI (open TBI) – occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain.
2. Non-penetrating TBI (closed head injury or blunt TBI) – occurs when an outside force causes the brain to collide with the skull.

There are also specific levels of TBIs that categorize the severity of the injury:

1. Mild TBI (or concussion) – occurs when the injury to the brain is not life-threatening, but could still cause changes in the victims behavior.
2. Moderate or Severe TBI – occurs when the injury to the brain drastically changes the victim’s life. Some moderate to severe TBIs are life-threatening.

TBI Statistics 

Based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020 alone, there were over 64,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States. In 2019, there were over 223,000 TBI-related hospitalizations.

New Mexico has seen a steady upward trend in Traumatic Brain Injury deaths since 2013, peaking in 2017 with 587 deaths attributed to TBIs.

The CDC also states a few of the most common ways people get TBIs are falls, firearm-related injuries, motor vehicle wrecks, and assaults. All of these occurrences could result in any type of TBI, penetrating or non-penetrating and mild or severe.

Recognizing a TBI

Traumatic Brain Injuries can be frightening, especially because those suffering from TBIs may be completely unaware of their own symptoms. The signs of a brain injury may not be immediately noticeable without medical testing. A brain injury can occur without a physical blow to the head, which means a victim could suffer from a TBI while looking perfectly normal. Additionally, some symptoms take days or weeks to appear, and problems with cognitive function may make it difficult for the victim to recognize any changes in their health or behavior. What may seem like lapses in memory, judgement, or character after a wreck may be the result of a brain injury. Seeking treatment immediately after a wreck is critical for getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for a TBI. Loved ones should pay special attention to those who have been injured in wrecks and look for the signs of a brain injury in case the injured victim is unable to recognize the symptoms themselves.

If you or a loved one sustained a TBI due to a car, truck, or any other category of motor vehicle wreck, it is in your best interest to get a brain injury lawyer on your side. Our team at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers has experience representing TBI victims in all types of claims. We can help you navigate the legal side of your case to get you the compensation you deserve and allow you to focus on your recovery.

TBI Symptoms and Effects

If someone is diagnosed with a TBI, they may experience both short-term and long-term effects. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim could have physical symptoms, cognitive problems, and changes in personality or behavior.

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Difficulty communicating, understanding, learning, and remembering information
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Mood shifts and heightened emotional feelings
• Problems with coordination and balance

Physical Symptoms:

• Chronic headaches
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Trouble walking or standing
• Change in motor skills

As mentioned, all of these symptoms can be short-term or long-term. Short-term symptoms of a TBI tend to resolve within a few days or weeks, while long-term symptoms can last longer than a few months or could be permanent. It is important to understand that the term Traumatic Brain Injury does not only refer to severe and permanent brain injuries, but also refers to minor injuries associated with this type of accident.

Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) and TBIs

According to a study published as a journal article in Brain Communications, almost 70% of all road traffic collisions (RTCs) globally each year involve some type of head injury.

Pedestrians and cyclists (including motorcyclists), who are qualified in the study as vulnerable road users (VRUs), have a higher risk of a TBI when involved in a motor vehicle wreck. In ratio comparison to restrained (buckled) car occupants in an auto accident, pedestrians are 9.2 more likely, unrestrained (unbuckled) car occupants are 3.9 more likely, and motorcyclists wearing a helmet are 2.8 more likely to experience a severe TBI.

It is estimated that 34 million people globally sustain TBIs in road traffic collisions per year. This number is alarming, and is one of the many reasons you should seek treatment immediately following a car wreck – whether you are in a vehicle, a pedestrian, or a motorcyclist. Any significant amount of force can result in a TBI, even if you don’t physically hit your head on something. If your body is jolted hard enough during the accident, the sheer force of your brain colliding with your skull is enough to sustain a TBI.

Ron Bell Injury Lawyers Can Help

Regardless of whether you’ve sustained a blow to the head, are suffering from a penetrating injury to the skull, or are experiencing whiplash, the effects on your life can be devastating. In car wrecks, TBIs are extremely common and require treatment.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, be sure to immediately seek treatment, especially if a head injury was sustained. For additional steps to take after a car accident, click here.

At Ron Bell Injury Lawyers, we have a team of attorneys with experience handling various personal injury claims. Whether you are injured in a car wreck, big truck wreck, or have sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help.

We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your treatment and recovery. TBIs can have a particularly long treatment and recovery process. While you focus on healing your injuries, we will handle all communications with the insurance company and do everything within our power to support you through any challenges you face.

Call (505)898-BELL if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. We have a team available to take your call 24/7 and will complete a free case evaluation upon your initial call. Let us support you. Call now!