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What You Need to Know if you Hit Your Head in a Car Accident

Over the last 100 years, auto accidents have caused severe damages to millions of people; however, brain injuries are still one of the most crucial, but common injuries that result from car accidents. Types of brain injuries that have occurred are concussions, closed head injuries and traumatic brain injuries, among others.

In Florida, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a primary source for death and disabilities, and car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBI. The Brain Injury Association of America estimates that 1.4 million people sustain a TBI each year, and of those 50,000 die and 235,000 are hospitalized. The association defines a TBI as, “a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.”

Since most TBIs are closed head injuries, the force of an accident could be enough to cause damage to the brain. The skull does not have to be punctured in order for a TBI to occur, which is why so many people do not realize they might have a traumatic brain injury. Also, a TBI can occur without a loss of consciousness and can have short or long term consequences.

Not all traumatic brain injuries have the same effect on people. Some injuries are minimal, where others can be life threatening. Not all car accidents produce head and brain injuries. However, if drivers or passengers strike the steering wheel, dashboard or anything else with their heads in a car accident, a TBI could occur. It is important to have a doctor carefully evaluate the injury before dismissing it.

If memory loss, trouble concentrating, headaches or migraines, slowed ability to process information, slurred speech, balance problems, seizures, blurred vision, fatigue, muscle spasms, impaired judgment or problems trying to do more than one thing occur after an auto accident, it is crucial to get evaluated for a TBI especially if any of these symptoms last for more than a few days.

If you have been hurt or involved in an auto accident and would like to get advice or speak with an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer, call The Francis Law Group at (888) 521-2721 to find out what your rights are.