An average of 153 Americans dies each day due to traumatic brain injuries. Brain trauma is defined as a blow to the head that interrupts normal brain function. The most common traumatic brain injuries are minor concussions, yet if left untreated, even the most minor injuries to the brain can lead to life-changing health problems. If you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible.

Common Brain Injuries 

In a recent 12-month measurement, approximately 2.8 million Americans were hospitalized due to brain trauma. The most common form of brain injury is a concussion. Concussions are common in car accidents and symptoms can range from minor headaches to chronic migraines, blurred vision, and declination of motor skills. More serious brain injuries include hematomas (clotting of blood in the brain) and hemorrhaging (bleeding in the outer space of the skull). A hematoma or a hemorrhage can result in substantial brain damage and even death. 

An average of 153 Americans die from injuries related to brain trauma every day. Traumatic brain injuries are defined as an injury to the head that disrupts normal brain function. While the volume of fatal brain injuries is alarmingly high, the vast majority of these injuries are non-fatal and often present life-changing symptoms. A 12-month study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found more than 2.8 million Americans suffered brain trauma that required hospitalization. 

If you or a member of your family suffer a head injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

Every day, as many as 153 Americans die due to injuries involving trauma to the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries make up approximately 30% of all fatal injuries nationwide. While the vast majority of traumatic brain injuries are not fatal, even the most minor cases of brain trauma can come with long-lasting symptoms and health issues later in life. If you or a member of your family suffer any type of head injury, it is important to receive medical treatment as quickly as possible. 

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries 

Traumatic brain injuries can come in a number of forms, but some of the most common injuries come from falls and motor vehicle collisions. Studies conducted by the CDC found that throughout 2013, falls accounted for just under half of all traumatic brain injuries across the United States. Fall injuries can be especially severe for elderly Americans. Approximately 80% of all traumatic brain injuries resulting in hospitalization, long-term symptoms, or death among elderly Americans are caused by falling. 

Much like falling, motor vehicle collisions can cause problematic brain trauma. In 2013, automobile accidents were responsible for 14% of all documented traumatic brain injuries throughout the United States. Car crashes can lead to a number of head injuries, due to the high speeds at which the vehicles are traveling. Even the activation of safety systems such as airbags can cause brain injuries such as concussions. 

This July, an on-duty Chicago police officer suffered a severe head injury in a crash in the Logan Square area. The accident occurred when the officer’s Chevrolet Malibu collided with a Pontiac sedan while driving through the intersection of Kenzie Avenue and West Diversey Avenue. Fortunately, The injuries suffered were non-fatal, but the accident served as a reminder of the dangers of head injuries. 

Every year, more than two million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries that require hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), automobile collisions are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries nationwide. Tragically, the CDC estimates that an average of 153 people suffer fatal traumatic head injuries on a daily basis throughout the United States. If you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury, it is incredibly important to receive the legal guidance your family deserves. 

Long-Term Implications of Traumatic Brain Injuries 

An elderly Lisle man suffered fatal injuries after a collision late Tuesday night on Ogden Avenue. The accident occurred when the man, who was driving a blue Nissan Rogue, crossed into the other lane of traffic and collided with a black Acura. Both Acura passengers remain in critical condition. The fatal accident serves a somber reminder of the risks elderly drivers face, as the 74-year-old man falls within an age demographic of drivers that disproportionately face risk of fatality while driving.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), elderly drivers face higher risks of fatal motor vehicle accidents than all age demographics other than teen drivers. In 2015 alone 240,000 elderly drivers suffered fatal injuries throughout the United States. If you or a member of your family are injured in an automobile collision, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys to discuss your case today.

Why Are Elderly Drivers at Risk?