Traumatic brain injuries can take their toll on victims and their families and can cost them both in more ways than one. Because car accidents are one of the leading causes of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, it is helpful to understand the impacts of traumatic brain injuries and what you can do to get help for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that you suffered in a car accident.
Impacts of traumatic brain injuries
You can receive a traumatic brain injury from a bump, blow or jolt to the head, which is a motion that your head may sustain during a car accident. TBIs are linked to thousands of deaths in the United States each year. Five-year outcomes for those who have suffered a TBI include a third of victims becoming worse, while just under a quarter died or stayed the same and a quarter showed improvement.
Victims who survive a TBI may be left with long-term health problems that can impact every aspect of their life. These health problems can be lifelong and can mirror the impacts of living with a chronic illness.
Victims of TBIs may require ongoing care, which can also affect family members. TBIs can also have a significant economic impact on victims. The lifetime economic cost of a TBI, including direct and indirect medical costs, is estimated at $76.5 billion.
When you have suffered a catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another driver, legal resources may be available to help with the costly physical, financial and emotional consequences. These consequences can alter the victim’s entire life forever, which is why victims should be acquainted with their legal protection.
