In recent years, public awareness about brain injuries has been growing. March is now National Brain Injury Awareness Month. The film Concussion highlighted the impact that head trauma can have on the lives of the injured as well as their families. The Oregonian published an article last year discussing the implications that such injuries can have on children.[1]

What many people don’t realize, however, is that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is also a frequent injury in automobile accidents. According to the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon, 1.7 million people each year seek medical care for TBI in the United States and 17.3% of cases are caused by a motor vehicle collision.[2] TBI can result from a person’s head striking the steering wheel, window, headrest, or other items within the car. TBI can also be suffered by someone even if they did not lose consciousness.

TBI is serious and can affect people in subtle but significant ways. They can experience memory lapses, difficulty processing information, headaches, mood swings, mental fatigue, and a host of other symptoms. They can also be more susceptible to brain-related injuries in the future. TBI is not as visible as a broken bone or a bloody laceration, but its long-term cost can be far higher. For some people, TBI can negatively impact their job, their family, and their overall quality of life.

If someone has suffered TBI arising out of an automobile collision, it’s important that their lawyer understands the subtlety and complexity of brain injuries. Corbridge Law Offices has helped numerous clients who have suffered traumatic brain injury and its attorneys are available to answer any questions you might have regarding this type of case.

[1] “Oregonians struggle to adapt to brain injuries” by Elizabeth Hovde, The Oregonian (March 15, 2015)
[2] “The Headliner” Newsletter by the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon (Summer 2016, Vol. XXII, Issue 2)