A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a condition that can occur as a result of a car accident or any sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head. It occurs when external forces cause damage to the brain, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.

Examples of Brain Injuries Post Accident

Here’s an explanation of traumatic brain injuries following a car accident:

1. Impact and sudden deceleration

During a car accident, the occupants may experience a sudden impact or deceleration, such as when a vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. This can cause the head to forcefully move back and forth or side to side, leading to a traumatic injury to the brain.

2. Primary injury

1. Closed head injury: In this type, there is no visible penetration of the skull. The brain can collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising (contusion), bleeding (hemorrhage), or shearing of nerve fibers (diffuse axonal injury).
2. Open head injury: In some cases, the skull may be fractured, and an object may penetrate the brain. This can cause localized damage at the site of impact and also result in secondary injuries.

3. Secondary injury

In some cases, bike share programs may contract with third-party maintenance companies to handle bike repairs and upkeep. If the maintenance contractor was negligent in their duties, such as failing to identify and repair broken bikes, they could be held liable for resulting injuries.

1. Brain swelling: The brain may swell in response to the injury, which can increase pressure inside the skull and potentially cause further damage.
2. Reduced oxygen supply: The brain’s blood vessels may be damaged or constricted, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to brain tissues.
3. Chemical changes: The injury can cause an imbalance of neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain, which can contribute to cell dysfunction and further injury.
4. Inflammation: The body’s immune response can lead to inflammation in the brain, further impacting its function and potentially causing additional damage.

4. Symptoms and effects

If the bike share program is located on property owned or managed by a third party, such as a municipality or private entity, they may have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises. If a hazardous condition on the property, such as a poorly maintained docking station, contributes to the bike breaking and causing injury, the property owner or municipality could be held liable for negligence.

1. Physical symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, fatigue, blurred vision, seizures, and sensory impairments.
2. Cognitive difficulties: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, slowed thinking, and difficulties with problem-solving.
3. Emotional and behavioral changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, personality changes, and increased impulsivity.
4. Communication challenges: Difficulty with speech and language, understanding others, and expressing thoughts.

5. Diagnosis and treatment

Traumatic brain injuries require prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis. This typically involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals, which may include imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. Treatment options depend on the severity of the injury and can involve rest, medication, surgery (in severe cases), rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, and speech therapy), and support from healthcare providers, family, and friends.

After the Accident

It’s important to note that the effects of a traumatic brain injury can vary widely from person to person, and each case is unique. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences a head injury during a car accident to assess and manage any potential brain injuries. It’s also critical to document your pain and condition following any type of motor vehicle crash as cases sometimes take years to resolve. Insurance companies purposely delay payment for claims and drag out lawsuits with the hope that injured people will just give up or take a settlement that only represents a fractional portion of what they are owed.

It’s important to discuss this type of case as soon as possible with an experienced lawyer who understands how to handle and present this case to an insurance company to maximize your recovery.

About Coffman Law Offices, P.C.

Coffman Law is Chicago’s leading personal injury law firm and is committed to providing superb legal representation for people who are suffering from severe personal injuries or are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Coffman Law is results-driven law firm focused on ensuring that clients receive the compassion, attention, and consideration that they need to seek adequate compensation for injuries or loss. The firm is led by Owner and Founding Partner Brian Coffman, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and obtain compensation for their injuries.