Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, which have a significant impact on the lives of those affected. Many TBI-related deaths result from car accidents.
Understanding the factors contributing to this link is important for raising awareness about TBI risks and promoting preventive measures to enhance road safety.
High-speed collisions
Car accidents often involve high-speed collisions. These wrecks increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries. The force generated during a crash can cause the brain to strike against the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling or tearing of brain tissue. The severity of these injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe, life-altering traumatic brain injuries.
Impact forces and head injuries
The forces in a car accident can lead to various head injuries, contributing to the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries. Even when individuals wear seat belts, the sudden impact of a collision can cause the head to strike against the steering wheel, dashboard or windows. Unrestrained occupants may experience more forceful impacts. These impacts can heighten the risk of head injuries and subsequent traumatic brain injuries.
Whiplash and rotational forces
Car accidents often result in whiplash. Whiplash is a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. This movement can contribute to rotational forces on the brain, causing internal injuries that may lead to TBIs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. Prioritizing road safety is a collective responsibility that helps safeguard lives and prevent the devastating consequences of TBIs. Talking to a personal injury attorney can be an important step in recovery after you’ve experienced an accident.