When it comes to road traffic, the United States can be listed as one of the busiest countries, with around 218 million individuals holding a valid driving license, as per statistics and facts available on Statista. With the sheer amount of traffic on the roads, auto accidents are prone to happen. While some of the accidents may only result in monetary loss and victim is able to escape with minor injuries, others may be more severe and lead to severe injuries or even fatality.
One of the most common injuries that a victim may suffer from an auto accident is traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is caused due to damage to the head and can have life-altering effects on the victim’s life. A victim usually requires extensive period to recuperate as they may suffer from memory loss or may lose the ability to speak or think due to the damage, thus requiring legal representation from a competent personal injury lawyer to obtain compensation for their treatment and recovery period.
A competent personal injury lawyer will assist the victim by presenting the medical reports containing the symptoms pertaining to traumatic brain injury. These symptoms generally include impairment of cognition and motor skills, dizziness, migraines, loss of consciousness, amongst others. A medical professional may perform different tests to assess the impact and severity of the injury and provide a report, which may be used in the court as an evidence to strengthen the case.
There are 4 points of negligence that must be proved by the plaintiff to obtain compensation from the defendant, which include duty of care, breach of duty, injuries, and causation. Thus, your personal injury lawyer will have to demonstrate that defendant owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty of care, and that breach caused you a traumatic brain injury.
Every driver on the road must obey traffic rules and owe a duty of care to their surroundings. The breach of duty can also be determined by surveillance video. The medical report of the injuries that you sustained after an accident can be used to associate the damages to the accident and may help you to prove that the traumatic brain injury you suffered has a direct connection to the auto accident.
In case of a successful claim, a victim may be able to obtain compensation related to their traumatic brain injury including medical bills, loss of income, trauma, and pain and sufferings that they had to endure due to the accident. These calculations can be extremely complicated as they depend upon the severity of the case, thus an expert witness with a background in the field of economics and medicine may be utilized to substantiate and explain the damages that are necessary for recovery.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from car accidents pose a serious public health concern in Illinois, leading to significant medical costs and long-term disabilities for many individuals. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, comprehensive injury-related data is essential for helping policymakers understand the extent and impact of TBIs. This understanding enables effective allocation of resources and the implementation of strategies to mitigate these injuries.
In Illinois, thousands of motor vehicle crashes occur each year, and a substantial number of these incidents result in head injuries. TBIs can vary widely in severity, encompassing mild concussions, which may cause temporary cognitive and physical disruption, to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in permanent disability. These injuries can profoundly affect cognitive function, impair mobility, and alter the overall quality of life for victims and their families.
Several factors significantly contribute to the occurrence of TBIs in car crashes within Illinois:
High-Speed Collisions – Accidents that occur at high speeds generate greater forces during impact, thereby increasing the risk and severity of head trauma. The higher the speed, the more severe the potential injury can be.
Failure to Wear Seat Belts – Despite the well-documented effectiveness of seat belts in preventing injuries, many vehicle occupants neglect to buckle up. Unrestrained passengers are particularly vulnerable to head injuries during crashes, as they can be violently tossed around the vehicle’s interior.
Rollovers and Side-Impact Crashes – These types of accidents often lead to direct collision with the vehicle’s structure, directly impacting the head and neck. Rollovers are particularly dangerous due to the vehicle’s tumbling motion and the likelihood of occupants being ejected.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents – Individuals who are outside of vehicles, including pedestrians and cyclists, face a higher risk of severe TBIs when involved in collisions with motor vehicles. These incidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protective structures around the human body.
The medical costs associated with TBIs from car accidents are substantial and can include emergency hospitalization, surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and ongoing care for individuals facing permanent disabilities. The psychological and emotional toll on victims and their families can also be profound, stressing the importance of effective injury prevention and healthcare interventions. The Illinois Roadway Crash Data system provides valuable insights into trends in crashes and safety measures aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of these injuries.
To address and mitigate the risk of TBIs resulting from car accidents, Illinois promotes several key initiatives:
Stricter Enforcement of Seat Belt Laws:** Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to rigorously enforce seat belt regulations, as studies consistently demonstrate that wearing seat belts significantly decreases the likelihood and severity of head injuries in crashes.
Public Awareness Campaigns:** Statewide campaigns are focused on educating drivers and passengers about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, aiming to change behavior and promote safer driving practices among all road users.
Improved Vehicle Safety Features:** Automakers are increasingly incorporating advanced safety features in vehicles, such as enhanced airbags, collision avoidance systems, and improved structural design aimed at protecting occupants’ heads during an accident.
Understanding the statistics and risks associated with TBIs in Illinois can empower residents to take proactive steps toward prevention, such as promoting safe driving practices and adhering to traffic laws. If you or a loved one has sustained a TBI due to a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and consult healthcare professionals and legal experts to ensure appropriate care and recourse are pursued
If you wish to find out more about traumatic brain injuries from car accidents or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.