Drivers and passengers have very little head protection when driving. In an accident, the airbag may go off, but that may only absorb some of the shock from an accident. If a driver’s or passenger’s head is injured in a collision, they could suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A TBI is the result of the head suffering a hit, blow or strike, causing brain damage, which can cause fatal injuries or permanent disabilities. Car accidents are possibly the largest cause of TBIs, but they can also happen from sports injuries, work accidents or slip-and-fall injuries.
There are two kinds of TBIs: closed and penetrating brain injury. A closed brain injury means that the brain is injured and there’s no break in the skull. A penetrating brain injury happens when the skull is fractured and the brain is damaged.
Here are two kinds of TBIs:
Concussions
A concussion is possibly the most known kind of TBI. This medical condition is often a direct result of rapid movement of the brain. As the brain shakes around, the brain releases chemicals. The brain may then suffer from damaged cells. Victims often feel disoriented from concussions and, in some cases, may go unconscious.
Brain bruising, swelling and bleeding
In either a closed or penetrating brain injury, the brain may suffer a bruise. Much like a bruise you would get after hitting their knee on a table, the bruise may swell. When this happens, the bruise may put pressure on the brain, which can even be fatal.
If you believe you are suffering from a TBI after an auto accident, then you need to seek medical attention. Medical bills can be expensive and you may need to learn your legal rights to seek compensation.