Drivers in New York and New Jersey are known to be some of the most aggressive in the nation. While road rage can lead to other problems, the negligence and anger of others can also result in more vehicle crashes.
Because of these circumstances, motorists can face a higher risk of getting hurt. One injury that can be of great concern to many are traumatic brain injuries.
How people can get TBIs from car crashes
TBIs typically occur when a person endures a hard blow to the head, penetrating the brain tissue. During a car crash, TBIs can occur as a result of impact at a variety of speeds. That’s because the brain injury’s severity doesn’t always correlate with how fast the car is moving. While airbags can reduce impact severity, that doesn’t mean motorists are entirely safe from TBIs.
Common types of TBIs
There are many variables in a car crash that can determine how a TBI occurs. Here are some of the most common brain injuries car crash victims may endure:
- Concussion: Also called a mild TBI, concussions are quite common. They typically get caused by a sudden blow to the head that ends up shaking the brain.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury: Known as a more severe concussion, these TBIs can cause the head to move so violently, the brain stem often can’t keep up with the rate of movement. Unfortunately, these injuries can cause tears in brain connectivity, which can be fatal in some cases.
- Brain contusion: A contusion is typically when the brain hits a part of the skull, causing it to bleed. If the brain contusion does not stop bleeding may have to get surgically removed.
- Penetration: A penetrating brain injury can occur when a blunt object hits someone’s head, causing skull, skin or other fragments to hit it. In some instances, it may be difficult for medical professionals to remove a penetrative object because it may exacerbate damage. Unfortunately, these types can result in death if not treated immediately.
The damage can be life-long
Depending on one’s circumstances, a TBI can lead to both short-term and long-term impairments. In some cases, such impairments can significantly reduce the victim’s quality of life and leave them with expensive medical bills. If this happens, victims and their families deserve to receive compensation for their suffering.
