TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AND AUTO ACCIDENTS
To start with, auto accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Considering the brain is one of the most important organs in the human body, an injury can leave a lasting impact. In fact, it could leave individuals suffering physically and financially.
Thus, if you or someone you love sustained a head injury from an auto accident, see a doctor immediately. Afterward, contact an auto accident attorney to protect your rights. And help you recover damages for your injuries.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Generally, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain. Specifically, this occurs from sudden trauma to the head, resulting in contusions and swelling. Now, two types of TBI can result from an auto accident: closed head and open head injuries.
- Closed Head – These injuries happen when the brain slams against the interior surface of the skull.
- Open Head – As the name implies, open head injuries result from foreign material making contact with the brain due to a fractured or pierced skull.
Actually, traumatic brain injuries are unlike any other physical auto accident injury. Because brain injuries can also affect the victim cognitively and emotionally. Moreover, these injuries can be temporary or permanent, subtle, or catastrophic.
What are the Common Causes of TBI?
Regarding causes, traumatic brain injuries have a myriad of causes. Because of any sudden impact to the head could cause damage to the brain. Despite the myriad of causes, the most common TBI causes include:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), motor vehicle accidents cause 20% of all TBIs in the U.S. every year. Because even low-impact auto accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries in victims. Additionally, other TBI causes are assault and unintentional blunt trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
So, how would someone know if they are suffering from a traumatic brain injury? As a result of the injury, the brain swells against the skull, causing a variety of physical and cognitive issues. Although these symptoms may not present themselves right away. In some cases, it takes hours, days, or weeks for the symptoms to show.
Since each brain injury is different, a person can experience any of these symptoms. For example, the most common symptoms people experience are:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Severe Headaches
- Convulsions and Seizures
- Loss of Consciousness
- Agitation or Mood Swings
- Blurred Vision
- Slurred Speech
- Loss of Coordination
As a matter of fact, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms following an auto accident, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statute of Limitations
For most Florida car-accident negligence claims arising from crashes on or after March 24, 2023, a lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims arising from earlier crashes may be subject to the former four-year negligence period.
A traumatic brain injury may not be diagnosed immediately, but a later diagnosis does not automatically restart the statute of limitations for an ordinary negligence claim. Florida uses delayed-discovery rules only in certain types of cases where the law specifically provides for them. Because TBI symptoms can appear after an accident, seek medical care promptly and determine the applicable legal deadline as soon as possible.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
