Commercial vehicle accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States. While TBIs can result from a slip and fall accident, bicycle crash, pedestrian collision, physical assault, or other incidents, vehicular accidents are one of the most common culprits. The CDC reports that about 190 people in the U.S. died from traumatic brain injuries each day in 2021, with up to 14% of those involving truck and commercial vehicle accidents.
To fully understand the impact of commercial vehicle accidents and traumatic brain injuries, you must first understand TBIs.
What you should know about commercial vehicle accidents and traumatic brain injuries:
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a force or object outside the body damages the brain and impacts its ability to function properly. The injury could result from an object striking the head or trauma penetrating the skull into the brain. Either of these scenarios is likely in a commercial vehicle crash. No matter how the injury happens though, a TBI can wreak havoc on someone’s life.
Types of Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries can include a variety of conditions.
The most common types of TBIs include:
- Concussion — Concussions are bruises caused by the brain colliding with the skull’s interior after a sudden or sharp change in momentum. This frequently happens with the impact of a vehicle crash.
- Hemorrhages — A hemorrhage, or brain bleed, causes blood to collect in the brain or seep into brain tissues. A hard blow to the head most often causes a hemorrhage.
- Hematomas — These most often result from a clot that bursts a blood vessel in the brain.
- Penetration injuries — When an external object breaks through the skull and penetrates the brain, it frequently destroys brain tissue and can cause massive blood loss.
- Diffuse-axonal injuries — Also known as a shear injury, a diffuse-axonal injury occurs when the brain is shaken or experiences a sharp, severe rotation. These types of TBIs frequently occur in commercial vehicle wrecks.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries — A coup-contrecoup injury happens when the brain rattles from side to side within the skull, causing damage on both sides of the head. Significant impact, such as that in a vehicle collision, causes this kind of injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) don’t look the same for everyone. They can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your accident. Knowing the signs and symptoms is crucial if you or someone you love has been in a commercial vehicle collision. These symptoms can show up hours, days, or weeks after the collision, and warrant immediate medical attention.
A Mild TBI can cause:
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Unusual drowsiness or fatigue
- Speech problems
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Changing in the sense of smell or taste
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory problems
- Insomnia or sleeping more than usual
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
Moderate to severe TBIs can cause:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes or longer
- Persistent, intense headaches
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting or severe nausea
- Dilated pupils
- Clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
- Numbness or weakness in the toes and fingers
- Confusion
- Losing bodily coordination
- Slurred speech
- Feeling agitated or combative
- Mood or personality changes
- Coma
Why are TBIs likely in a commercial vehicle crash?
Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, and the excessive blind spots, accidents are frequently more severe. The magnitude of damage in these crashes often leads to traumatic brain injuries of varying degrees. Consider this:
A commercial vehicle requires a longer stopping distance.
Commercial vehicles (especially semi-trucks, box trucks, and other cargo-heavy vehicles) are large, heavy, and require a much longer stopping distance than standard vehicles. Why does this matter? They are unable to make sudden, quick stops or react to unexpected actions of other drivers. If you suddenly brake in front of them, turn across their path at an intersection, or “cut them off” they often hit you as there’s no time to stop.
A work truck, delivery van, or service vehicles have many blind spots.
Commercial vehicles have an excessive number of blind spots. They are more likely to strike you when turning, changing lanes, backing out of spots, etc. No only are they more likely to hit you, but the impact is (usually) more severe than that of a standard vehicle.
A bigger vehicle means a more serious crash.
It goes without saying, but commercial vehicles are larger than a standard car, truck, or passenger van. These vehicles are taller, longer, and heavier, meaning they carry a bigger punch in an accident.
So, now you know how and why it’s common to see commercial vehicle accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries. What should you do if it happens to you?
Contact a Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
Living with a TBI after an accident in Florida after a commercial vehicle accident? Turn to Brooks Law Group for help. We provide knowledgeable representation to injured people throughout Central Florida, with offices in Tampa, Lakeland, and Winter Haven. Our team proudly serves a long list of cities, offering legal assistance to all who need our help. We are a people-first practice, and make sure everyone has an equal opportunity for quality legal representation. Call or contact us today for a free consultation!
