Vehicle Accidents are a Leading Cause of Brain Injuries

Up to 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. About 52,000 die from the injury, 275,000 are hospitalized, and about 1.365 million are treated in emergency rooms and go home. There is no count on the number of people who are not seen and receive no treatment.

Such injuries are serious health problems in the United States. As noted, they contribute to a substantial number of deaths and hospitalizations.

The injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Some injuries are penetrating and will disrupt the regular function of the brain. Some blows or jolts to the head will not result in a traumatic brain injury. Severity of such injuries can range from mild to severe. Mild injuries can result in a brief change of consciousness or mental status. Severe injuries can result in sustained periods of unconsciousness or even amnesia afterward. Most traumatic brain injuries are concussions or other mild forms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to prevent traumatic brain injuries through research and programs. The goal is to help people understand, prevent, recognize, and recover from such injuries.

The leading causes of TBI are:

• Falls (35.2%);

• Motor vehicle – traffic (17.3%);

• Struck by/against events (16.5%); and

• Assaults (10%).1

Falls cause the most traumatic brain injuries, about 35% of the total in America. Among young children falls account for about half of all such injuries. About 61% of injuries in adults 65 and older are from falls.

Another major cause is vehicle traffic accidents. They are the cause of about 17% of such injuries among all age groups, and they are the leading cause of deaths related to traumatic brain injuries.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of truck and automobile accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation, if you have been involved in a car or truck accident.

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