Vehicle crashes are responsible for half of severe brain injuries

One of the most traumatizing events in life is a car accident. According to statistics, more than 50% of all traumatic brain injuries are the result of vehicle crashes. Countless California families have had their lives turned upside down when these wrecks cause life-changing injuries.

Brain injuries can take different forms. If an accident causes a victim to be struck by a sharp or heavy object, an open wound or skull fracture may be inflicted. These types of injuries can be devastating — depending on the type of damage that the brain may receive. However, even more severe injuries can be suffered without the presence of open cuts or skull deformities.

When a person’s head makes contact with a windshield, roof or steering wheel of a car, forward momentum continues inside the skull. When the head strikes the stationary object, the force of the impact may cause the brain to tear free on the side opposite the contact, resulting in bruising, bleeding and swelling that may cause a significant and debilitating brain injury. Though an injury may not appear to be immediately serious, a victim may suffer from permanent brain impairment that can adversely affect the rest of his or her life. At times, serious brain injuries can be attributed to additional factors.

Car makers are required to meet a certain level of crash-worthiness for the models that they produce. If a vehicle fails to meet those standards, victims may have additional recourse for compensation for the damages they have sustained. Those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries in a California crash that can be attributed to the negligence of another party may have grounds for pursuing full compensation through a successful civil lawsuit. An experienced attorney can assess one’s case and provide guidance in ensuring that the rights of victims are protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable for the damages they inflicted.