Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the more severe injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents in Dallas every year. While short-term consequences like headaches, disorientation and memory problems may reduce in severity and intensity over a period of time, some victims may suffer long-term or permanent consequences including impaired cognitive abilities, motor dysfunction and psychological distress.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, accident fatalities involving pedestrians actually increased. In 2012, pedestrian fatalities accounted for approximately 14 percent of the total traffic accident death toll.
There is no denying that pedestrians have some of the highest injury risks when they are involved in an accident. They have no steel armor to protect them from trauma and no helmet to reduce the incidence of a brain injury.
While pedestrians are at risk of fractures, spinal injuries and other injuries in an accident, some of the most catastrophic injuries involve traumatic brain injury (TBI). The force in a serious pedestrian
accident can cause a severe blow to the head that can lead to a skull fracture, bleeding in the brain, and other forms of severe brain damage.
Symptoms of a TBI
A person who has suffered such injuries may suffer from the following symptoms after the pedestrian accident.
• loss of consciousness.
• temporary amnesia which includes inability to remember events that occurred before or after the injury.
• confusion or disorientation.
• headaches.
• fatigue.
• dizziness.
• nausea or vomiting.
• blurred vision.
• ringing in the years.
• inability to taste or smell.
• hypersensitivity to light or sound.
• problems in concentration.
• mood swings.
• depression and anxiety.
• and, convulsions.
If a person has suffered a fall or head injury in an auto accident, and is exhibiting these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or rush the victim to the emergency department immediately.
Long-Term Consequences of a TBI
There are long-term consequences of a TBI may vary depending on the type of injury, rate of healing, types of functions affected by the injury, and the kind of emergency medical help that the person receives after the incident. Speak with a doctor about the prognosis of the TBI and any long-term implications that might arise after the injury.
When a pedestrian has suffered even a moderate brain injury, he or she may experience majorly inhibiting problems.
• impaired cognitive skills.
• problems thinking.
• concentration problems.
• and, difficulty learning new material.
Speech might slow down, and the injury might affect problem-solving abilities. The person may experience confusion even when there are minor changes in normal routines, and is often unable to perform the same task for a long period of time. He or she may find it difficult to process large amounts of information, and all of this impacts the ability to return to work.
There are other long-term psychological consequences after a TBI that some pedestrians might suffer.
• dependent behavior.
• depression.
• anxiety.
• lack of motivation.
• emotional distress.
• lack of inhibitions.
• and, aggression.
Get Legal Help Filing a Liability Claim or Lawsuit after a Pedestrian Accident
Survivors of TBIs in Dallas may be eligible to recover medical expenses, rehabilitation and therapy costs, pain and suffering damages, and more. Victims can file injury claims against the party whose negligence caused the pedestrian accident and resultant brain damage. This will require presenting evidence demonstrating fault and the extent of the damages. Claimants should be sure to account for current as well as expected future damages.
Speak to a pedestrian accident attorney in the Dallas area about your legal rights to compensation after having suffered these injuries in a car accident. Your attorney can help you compile the right evidence to present your claim or lawsuit.
