Portland injury attorney

Traumatic Brain Injury from Car Accident: What You Need to Know

Car Accident Brain Injury Overview

traumatic brain injury infographic

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is generally caused by a sudden and forceful blow to the head. The long-term effects of TBI vary, depending on the severity of the injury. Severe TBI can leave a person in a vegetative, unresponsive state. But even mild TBI can — and often does — have a dramatic impact on a person’s life.

Further, traumatic brain injury is more common than you might think. The Center for Disease Control estimates that in the United States, 1.4 million people sustain a TBI each year, and traumatic brain injury from car accidents make up about 17% of these injuries. At least 5.3 million Americans are unable to fulfill normal, everyday functions as a result of TBI, and will require long-term help. But the real numbers may be even higher, because TBI symptoms — which include headache, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings, and frustration — are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or completely ignored.

Unfortunately, even though the prestigious Mayo Clinic states that 50% of all traumatic brain injuries are caused by collisions involving cars, motorcycles and bicycles, car crash survivors who exhibit TBI symptoms may not ever be evaluated for TBI. The general symptoms of mild TBI may be written off as emotional responses to the shock of being in a serious car accident, and TBI often goes undiagnosed.

So why mention TBI on a lawyer website? Because the Portland brain injury attorneys at DuBois Law Group are committed to protecting you and your family. It is a sad truth that after you’ve been injured, sometimes you have to fight to get the medical attention that you or your loved ones need. Many doctors and lawyers miss crucial signs of TBI, leaving victims without adequate treatment. If somebody you love has been injured in a car accident and begins to show signs of TBI, make sure that they see a medical professional who is trained in TBI treatment and diagnosis. It is always better to be safe than sorry.