Car Accidents Are a Leading Cause of TBIs

A car accident can cause a myriad of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI is when the brain sustains damage generally caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head. Car accidents are a major cause of TBIs. In fact, car crashes are the second leading cause of all TBI-related hospitalizations, according to the CDC.

What makes a TBI so dangerous is that symptoms may not appear immediately following the accident, yet TBIs need prompt medical attention to minimize the damage. Failing to seek medical care right away could result in further injury to the brain. TBIs are classified based on their severity.

Mild TBIs

A mild TBI is classified as minor brain trauma resulting in a headache, concentration problems, and temporary memory loss. It is possible to not lose consciousness from a mild TBI. However, some report a lost consciousness for a few seconds or minutes, while others may be dazed. Other mild TBI symptoms include:

• Vomiting or nausea.
• Drowsiness and fatigue.
• Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Loss of balance.
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too often.
• Dizziness.

Moderate TBIs

Moderate TBIs are more serious, with symptoms lasting from a month to a year. Someone who has suffered a moderate TBI may be unconscious for several minutes, even up to a few hours, following an accident. A concussion or concussion-like symptoms that last for more than six months are referred to as post-concussion syndrome, which likely leads to depression and anxiety. Common symptoms of moderate TBIs include:

• Coordination issues.
• Frequent and reoccurring headaches.
• Seizures.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Clear fluid from ears or nose.
• Numbness or weakness.
• Slurring speech.
• Severe confusion.
• Mood changes or agitated behavior.
• Coma.

Severe TBIs

Severe TBIs are the most dangerous with the most severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness for days or weeks or permanent brain damage. Severe TBIs normally involve injuries where the brain moves inside the skull or when an object pierces the skull and damages the brain. Symptoms of a severe TBI are similar to those of a moderate TBI, if not more serious in some cases.

TBIs in Children

Unfortunately, there are times when children are in a car during a crash, and they are just as susceptible to TBIs as anyone else, if not more. However, children may not be able to communicate their symptoms, especially infants. You may observe these symptoms in an infant or child:

• Change in nursing or in eating habits.
• Irritability.
• Persistent crying or inability to be consoled.
• Change in sleeping habits.
• Seizures.
• Depression.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Loss of interest.

National Harbor Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Accident Survivors Suffering from TBIs

TBIs are common, but they can be severe enough to cause permanent disability or even death. If you have a TBI from a car accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with one of our National Harbor car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King to learn more. Call us at 202-331-1963 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.