Due to the negligence of another party, individuals may sustain a traumatic brain injury in an auto accident. Unfortunately, a common result of a traumatic brain injury is incapacitation or fatality. TBIs can temporarily or permanently debilitate and disable an individual depending on the severity of the injury. In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced and skilled Westchester County Car Accident Attorneys. Our firm is committed to helping our clients recover appropriate compensation for their damages.

What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen when a forceful and sudden blow to the head damages the brain by causing internal bleeding or bruising. Victims may sustain mild, moderate, or severe TBIs. Depending on the severity of the TBI victims may suffer serious symptoms such as:

• Blurred visions
• Ringing in the ear
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Loss of memory

What are common causes of TBI?

Unfortunately, there are many causes of traumatic brain injuries. However, two of the most common causes are auto accidents and falls. When an auto accident involves a pedestrian or a cyclist, the victim will typically sustain a TBI. This is because they have very limited to no protection from such a forceful impact. Additionally, individuals who slip and fall typically sustain TBIs due to the sudden jolt to the head when they smash their head into the ground or on an object. Ultimately, auto accidents and falls are two of the most common causes of TBIs.

What are the different types of TBIs?

As mentioned above, TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. However, TBIs are also commonly classified into the following categories:

1. Closed brain injuries. This type of TBI occurs when there is no penetration. Essentially, this means no external object has penetrated the brain and skull. Victims of auto accidents commonly sustain closed brain injuries due to a sudden shake (forward and backward movement) to the brain which causes it to collide with the skull.
2. Penetrating brain injuries. The other type happens when an object penetrates the brain and skull. It is fairly rare for victims of this type of TBI to survive.

Additionally, TBIs that occur at the time of an accident are considered primary brain injuries. Secondary brain injuries develop over time. Secondary brain injuries occur as a result of a primary brain injury. Victims of auto accidents may sustain these types of TBIs:

• Concussion
• Brain contusions
• Coup-contrecoup injuries
• Brain penetration
• Skull fracture
• Acquired brain injuries
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries
• Hematomas

If you or someone you care about has sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of an auto accident, reach out to one of our determined and adept attorneys. Our firm is on your side and ready to fight on your behalf today.