The Complexities of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents in Arizona

The brain is considered the command center of the body. It is from the brain that organs and biological systems receive orders and messages and when the brain is injured in some way, such as being involved in a car accident in Pima County, the brain may be unable to function the way it is supposed to.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year and concussions make up 75 percent of that number. Car accidents cause a little more than 17 percent of TBIs and 31 percent of those diagnosed with TBI after a car accident actually die from the injury.

Recognizing TBI

It is important for people to understand how to recognize TBI after they have been involved in a car accident so that they can seek immediate treatment. Symptoms of a TBI or concussion include:

• Nausea
• Loss of balance
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion/loss of memory
• Sensory difficulties; trouble with smells, sight, hearing
• Mood swings

Other symptoms may be headaches, sleeping problems, difficulty focusing on things or organizing, speaking issues and tiredness. When a car accident victim hits their head, it is important for someone to monitor their behavior for the first 24-48 hours. Sometimes it can take a few days before the symptoms of a concussion appear. Any changes should immediately be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Treating a TBI

The treatment for a TBI or concussion, vary, depending on the severity of the injury. When a serious injury is suffered through a blow to the head, a person may need surgery in order to relieve a contusion (blood clot), repair a crack in the skull, or alleviate a hemorrhage according to the University of Arizona Medical Center.

For basic concussions, the best treatment is rest and this may require a car accident victim to take time off of work. People with concussions should avoid any activity that could be taxing on the brain. The brain requires rest so that it can recover from the damage it received. The CDC recommends even avoiding driving a car or riding a bike until a doctor gives their okay.

Sometimes a concussion develops into something more serious due to the complexity of the brain. While most concussions can heal with time and rest, others may cause the person difficulty for weeks, months, and even years.

Seeking legal compensation

Due to the seriousness that a concussion or TBI represents, a person’s entire life can be affected, preventing them from being able to work, requiring additional medical care and even impacting their way of life. These problems create financial challenges that can be taxing on a family. However, victims of car accidents can seek appropriate compensation from the party at fault in a court of law. If you are the victim of a car accident, it is important to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your options.