According to the CDC fact sheet, more than 64,000 people in the US lost their precious lives because of traumatic brain injuries in 2020. One of the leading causes of TBI is car accidents. Approximately 14.3 percent of motor vehicles cause most traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury is an injury that disrupts brain functioning. It is usually caused by a violent jolt or blow to the head resulting in torn tissues, bruising, and bleeding.
Furthermore, TBI can cause permanent alterations like persistent headaches, seizures, and behavioral changes. Contact our experienced brain injury attorney in Nevada for legal representation if you sustain a TBI in a car accident. We can pursue your case and get fully compensated. But like it’s said, prevention is better than cure; taking appropriate measures to improve safety and prevent the risk of TBI when you sit in the car is advisable. These measures include the following:
- Wear your seatbelt even when going for a short ride.
- Adjust your seatbelt properly by crossing the shoulder belt over the body at the collarbone, and the lap belt should sit at the hips, not the stomach.
- Position the steering wheel facing the chest instead of the face.
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or prescribed medication.
In case you’re in a car accident, these safety tips will significantly lower your risk of traumatic brain injury. However, here are some crucial steps to avoid TBI from worsening following a car accident:
Timely Diagnosis
You can quickly rule out a life-threatening TBI through a timely diagnosis. Our traumatic brain injury lawyer suggests seeking appropriate medical assistance to identify the risk of TBI and seek treatment fast for a speedy recovery. It is also important for medical record purposes to secure compensation for medical expenses incurred and lost wages. Early documentation makes it easier to avoid problems with the insurance company in the future.
Diagnosis is crucial because the survivor of the accident with TBI may appear normal at first. Symptoms may be apparent after weeks or months. Diagnostic imaging, like SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography), is necessary to diagnose traumatic brain injuries.
Immediate Medical Treatment
Don’t wait for symptoms of TBI to become more pronounced until you start your medication. Moderate to severe TBIs are considered progressive disorders resulting in cognitive decline. It produces progressive pathology leading to ongoing contralateral damage of the white matter. Therefore, quick treatment is crucial to avoid widespread progressive atrophy.
Activate Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is a phenomenon that helps recreate neural pathways/ connections in the brain after a TBI. It proliferates the chances of overcoming decline and restoring function. The best way to activate neuroplasticity is to repeat exercises or practice a skill consistently.
Consider Rehabilitative Therapy
Rehabilitative therapy can also prevent TBI decline. You can choose from different types of therapies depending on the brain’s area and the skill you wish to target, such as:
- Physical therapy is excellent for mobility and rebuilding strength
- Speech therapy improves speech after TBI and targets mental skills to keep the brain active
- Occupational therapy helps you become independent and perform daily activities like bathing and cooking.
TBI can be life-altering. To cope with the damage and medical expense caused to you in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is best to contact an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in Nevada. At Bourassa Law Group, we work relentlessly to get clients fairly compensated. Call us at 1-800-870-8910 for a free consultation today! Let us help you get back on the path to recovery with financial stability.
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