What Happens to the Brain in a Car Crash?
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries caused by car accidents in Canada today and can range from mild to life-altering. It is estimated that each year, about 150,000 Canadians will suffer some form of brain injury, many of which are the result of a car accident.
The Dangers of a TBI
A traumatic brain injury is damage sustained to the brain due to a sudden blow or jolt to the head. The most common causes of these injuries are car and motorcycle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults, and they can range in severity from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. Those who suffer from severe brain injuries may need emergency surgery and extensive, long-term care. Even moderate brain injuries may require rehabilitation and a need to relearn some skills.
During the impact of a car accident, the brain moves in a back and forth motion inside the skull, colliding with the interior of the skull bone. This can lead to bleeding inside the brain, bruising, and torn nerve fibers. The person who has sustained a traumatic brain injury may experience confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, or lost consciousness. They may not even remember the accident.
The Anatomy of a Brain Injury
After the initial impact, from outside appearance, the individual may seem fine. But the brain can continue to undergo trauma, swelling and pushing against the interior of the skull, sometimes reducing the amount of blood and oxygen to the brain. This can be even more dangerous than the primary injury. Consequently, a traumatic brain injury that is not immediately detectable after a car accident may cause the victim’s condition to significantly decline in the hours and days after the original accident.
Getting Legal Advice
If you have sustained a brain injury in a car crash in Ontario, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries and damages. At Hilborn and Konduros, we are here to help. Our team of Cambridge personal injury lawyers offers a no-cost consultation to discuss your case. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries and costs. Call us today at (519) 658-6341 or contact us via our website.
