Head injuries, specifically concussions, are extremely common in car accidents. Whether you are traveling at high or low speeds during a crash, concussions can occur. According to the Brain Injury Institute (BII), traumatic brain injuries from car accidents are typically the most severe and often have lasting consequences. The BII also found that a traumatic brain injury occurs every 15 seconds, and that 1.7 million people experience a brain injury each year.
Studies suggest that banging your head, even a single time, can cause short-term brain damage. More recently, it has become clear that there can be long-term consequences as well. Patrick Bellgowan, Program Director for repair and plasticity at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, says “The damage to neurons changes the communication within the brain’s circuitry, which is why people get confused or think more slowly after a concussion.”
In the past, concussions were not taken very seriously. However, in recent years, with advancing technology, growing interest in neuroscience, and many professional sports-related head injuries, concussions considered much more seriously. In addition to thinking more slowly and people getting confused from a concussion, there are several more symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of concussion include headache, temporary loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Concussions are extremely common in contact sports, such as football, soccer, and hockey. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the National Football League and the National Hockey League have all been involved in lawsuits regarding head injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are also one of the major causes of concussions worldwide. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle crash, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.