As a personal injury attorney, one of the most concerning injuries I see after auto accidents is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unlike broken bones or cuts, TBIs often remain invisible at first, yet they can alter every aspect of a person’s life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies TBIs as injuries that disrupt normal brain function, typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Recognizing the seriousness of these injuries early can make a crucial difference in both recovery and protecting your legal rights.
You Don’t Have To Hit Your Head To Suffer A TBI
One of the biggest misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries is that they only occur when someone’s head makes contact with a hard surface. While a blow to the skull certainly can cause a TBI, it isn’t always necessary. The brain essentially “floats” inside the skull, cushioned by fluid. In a car accident, the sudden force of impact can cause the brain to move back and forth with tremendous speed. This rapid acceleration and deceleration can slam the brain against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or stretching of delicate nerve fibers. This is often called a coup-contrecoup injury, where the brain is injured first on the side of impact and then on the opposite side as it rebounds. Even without a visible bump, bruise, or cut on the head, the brain can sustain serious trauma.
Mild TBIS
The most common form is a mild TBI. While labeled “mild,” the consequences are anything but. Victims may experience headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms may not show up immediately, and mild TBIs almost never show up on imaging. This is why it’s vital not to dismiss even a minor bump to the head after a crash and to continuously monitor your symptoms in the days, weeks, and months following the crash.
Moderate TBIS
These involve more significant trauma and can lead to prolonged confusion, memory problems, difficulty with speech, and behavioral changes. Hospitalization is often, but not always, required.
Severe TBIS
At the most devastating end of the spectrum are severe TBIs, which can involve loss of consciousness for extended periods, long-term cognitive impairments, and sometimes permanent disability. Severe brain injuries often necessitate extensive rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and lifelong medical care. These injuries completely alter the trajectory of a victim’s life and demand a strong legal response to ensure the resources for future care are secured.
