Truck accidents and traumatic brain injuries

On Behalf of | Aug 31, 2021 | Personal Injury |

There are many devastating consequences of truck accidents in Illinois. Brain injuries are some of them. Every year, around 61,000 deaths in the U.S. are caused by traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, some of which occur when passenger car occupants are involved in accidents with large semi-trucks.

Leading causes of TBI

TBIs occur when a person’s brain hits the inside of their skull. This can happen after a person hits their head on something, is struck on the head or gets severely shaken. In addition to truck accidents and other motor vehicle accidents, leading causes of TBIs include falls and violent assaults.

Short and long-term impacts of TBI

Symptoms of TBI can usually be felt immediately, and they could last a lifetime. Mild TBIs often go away after a few months and include symptoms like:

  • Dizziness
  • Brain fog
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision

When a person sustains a severe TBI, they may have all of the short-term symptoms while also experiencing behavioral and mood changes. A person suffering from long-term TBI symptoms could have anger issues and speech impairment. Secondary brain injuries can make symptoms even worse.

TBIs often go undiagnosed

It’s normal to be a bit rattled after you have been involved in a truck accident. In some cases, truck accident victims’ confusion and dizziness is chalked up to trauma. However, an undiagnosed TBI could have severe consequences if left untreated.

TBIs are misdiagnosed more often in older adults since the symptoms of TBI overlap with medical conditions like dementia. Older adults are also the most likely to die from a TBI.

The financial impact of your TBI may be compensable

If you sustained a TBI after you were involved in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses. A personal injury claim may be filed against the truck driver, the truck driver’s employer and any other liable parties.