TS-Pedestrian Brain Trauma
More than 5 million people in the United States are living with traumatic brain injury-related disabilities, and vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes. While some crash-related TBIs are caused when the head strikes a hard object (steering wheel, window, dash), others are caused when the ferocity of the impact causes the brain to slam into its cranial casing.
Traumatic brain injuries affect millions of people across the country, and car accidents are one of the leading causes of this type of disabling condition. TBIs are caused when the head strikes a hard object, or the head is whipped back and forth or side to side in a violent manner.
If you are a vehicle occupant involved in a crash, the danger of this type of injury occurs when your head hit the steering wheel, dash or window. If you are a pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle, the head may be impacted by the vehicle itself, or the windshield if you are thrown up onto the hood, or any nearby hard surface the force of impact may throw you into.
It’s important that you can recognize the signs and symptoms of a head injury because the sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome.
Symptoms of Mild TBI
If you suffer a mild head trauma, you may be knocked out for only a few moments. When you wake up, you may feel dizzy and disoriented. You may have a bad headache, be confused, feel nauseous like you may vomit, and you may have a bad taste in your mouth. Your vision may be blurry, your ears might ring, and you may feel very tired and fatigued.
You may also have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly; you may not remember the crash, and those around you may notice that your mood is dark and you are not acting like yourself.
Symptoms of Severe TBI
If the brain trauma is severe, you may be knocked unconscious for more than a few minutes. When you regain consciousness, your head may be throbbing, and the pain may increase if you try to sit up. It may be difficult for you to stand or maintain your balance, and you may slur your speech or have trouble talking. Fluid may drain from your ears, and your fingers and toes may tingle or have no feeling. Your pupils may be dilated, or one pupil may be larger than the other.
This type of severe injury can cause you to become comatose, and the effects may be devastating. If you survive traumatic brain injury, long-term rehabilitation may be required before you can live independently, and there is the chance the brain is too injured for you to be able to regain your normal level of functioning ability.
We can’t stress enough that receive prompt medical attention if any type of brain injury is suspected. The earlier a diagnosis is made, and treatment is received, the better your chances of a positive recovery.
We Can Help
In the best scenario, if you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a vehicle, you will probably miss a few days of work and let your normal daily activities slide for a while as your recover. You may be left with medical bills and other injury-related expenses. If the brain trauma is severe, you may not be able to return to work, and you may require long-term medical and personal care.
If you were walking or jogging, or even waiting at a bus stop and were hit by a negligent driver, you may be able to seek significant financial compensation for your injuries and recover the expenses that you’ve been forced to pay.
For more than 20 years, we have helped people across the country understand their legal options and fight for their legal rights, including maximum compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to learn more.