Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Common In Pedestrian Accidents

Brain X-ray, 3D illustration.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

New York City has a high population density, heavy traffic, and a large number of people walking every day of the week. On any given day, there are also many negligent drivers on the road—drivers who speed, make aggressive moves, or text behind the wheel. As a result, pedestrian accidents are fairly common.

People who are injured due to negligent drivers' actions have legal rights that need to be protected. Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, making it essential to have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer by your side.

Pedestrians are highly vulnerable when struck by a car as they have no protection in a collision. As it's Brain Injury Awareness Month, here's a look at one of the more serious types of injuries suffered in these types of accidents – traumatic brain injury (TBI).

What is traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, leading to a disruption in normal brain function. A TBI can be:

Mild – Also called a concussion, symptoms of this TBI include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms may resolve within days or weeks with proper treatment.
Moderate – Symptoms can be similar to a mild TBI but can be more severe and last longer. These might include confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, memory problems, and impaired coordination. Loss of consciousness can occur, lasting from minutes to hours. Recovery can take weeks to months.
Severe – Symptoms can be intense and debilitating, including coma, paralysis, seizures, and significant cognitive impairments. Recovery from a severe TBI can be lengthy and often requires extensive rehabilitation. Some people may experience permanent disabilities.

How does a traumatic brain injury happen in a pedestrian accident?

During a collision, a traumatic brain injury can be the result of:

A direct blow to the head – A pedestrian's head can strike the hood, windshield, side mirror, or other parts of the car.
Being thrown –The force of the collision can throw a pedestrian several feet, causing them to hit the ground or another object with their head.
Shaking of the brain – Even without a direct blow to the head, the force of the accident can cause the brain to shake and hit the inside of the skull.

Factors that can impact the severity of a TBI include the speed of the vehicle and the location of the point of impact. Getting immediate medical attention following a pedestrian accident is essential, even if you seem to feel OK. TBI could have delayed symptoms.

TBI treatments

There's no one-size-fits-all treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) because the approach depends on the severity of the injury. In general, the overall focus is on managing symptoms and promoting recovery. TBI treatment may include:

Stabilization – In severe TBI cases, initial treatment might involve controlling bleeding, managing swelling in the brain, and ensuring adequate oxygen supply.
Medications – Depending on the symptoms, medications such as pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, or medications for sleep disturbances might be prescribed.
Rest – Physical and mental rest are crucial for brain healing in the initial stages.
Physical therapy – This can help improve balance, coordination, and mobility.
Occupational therapy – This helps people regain skills needed for daily living activities like dressing, bathing, and self-care.
Speech therapy – This can address communication difficulties, such as trouble speaking.
Cognitive rehabilitation – This helps improve memory, focus, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive functions.

Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in the Bronx

If a pedestrian accident leaves you with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the financial impact can be overwhelming. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process. A lawyer can gather evidence to prove a driver's negligence and fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

At Giampa Law, we provide aggressive representation and are committed to helping clients get the best possible outcome. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Bronx or anywhere in New York, we're ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.