TBIs After an Accident
Terry opened the throttle to merge onto the open highway. It was a beautiful fall day—open sky, sunshine, and a cool breeze. She loved nothing more than a day of riding with her fellow motorcyclists, something she thought would never happen again just a year earlier.
On what began as a routine solo ride, a driver ran a stop sign and side-swiped the back of Terry’s bike. In an instant, she suffered multiple life-altering injuries: broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
After months of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and legal support, Terry was able to make a full recovery nearly 11 months later. Unfortunately, not all motorcyclists are so fortunate—particularly those who ride without a helmet and sustain a TBI.
Traumatic brain injuries are serious and should never be faced alone. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI caused by negligence, the traumatic brain injury lawyers at InJerry Law are here to help. Our client-centered approach ensures you receive knowledgeable guidance and strong advocacy throughout the legal process. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury to the brain caused by an external force. This may result from a blow or bump to the head, or even a sudden jolt where nothing actually strikes the skull—such as whiplash during a car accident. However, not every impact or jolt to the head leads to an officially diagnosed TBI. When they do occur, TBIs can cause damage that appears immediately (primary) or develops gradually (secondary) in the hours, days, or even weeks following the injury.
TBIs are generally classified into two main types:
Penetrating – Open Head TBIs
Open head TBIs occur when an object breaks through the skull and damages part of the brain. While bullets are the most common cause, other objects such as glass, shrapnel, or bone fragments may also lead to penetrating injuries. Because the scalp contains many blood vessels, open head TBIs often involve significant bleeding. These injuries carry serious risks, including blood loss, brain swelling, and infection, and require immediate medical attention.
Non-Penetrating – Closed Head TBIs
Closed head TBIs occur when an external force causes the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to internal trauma. Unlike penetrating injuries, they often present no visible wounds, making them harder to diagnose. This is why it is essential to be evaluated for head injuries after any type of accident, even if symptoms seem minor. Experienced medical professionals can recognize internal signs that might otherwise be overlooked by you or your loved ones.
Traumatic brain injuries and their resulting complications are serious and often life-changing. In many cases, TBIs lead to long-term health challenges or even death.
What Type of Accidents Commonly Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
While almost any personal injury accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury, certain types are more commonly associated with TBIs than others. Based on the circumstances involved—such as the type of equipment, environment, or demographics of those injured—our traumatic brain injury lawyers most often see TBIs arise from the following accidents:
Auto Accidents
Kansas and Missouri, both largely rural states where most residents rely on personal vehicles, experience high numbers of auto accidents each year. In 2023 alone, Kansas reported 59,865 crashes, and Missouri recorded 991 traffic fatalities. Whether traveling by car, commercial truck, or motorcycle, drivers and passengers face a constant risk of accident-related TBIs each time they enter their car.
Whiplash is the most common cause of TBIs in a car accident. This condition develops from the rapid change in speed that causes the head and neck to snap back and forth, jostling the brain inside the skull. Contrary to popular belief, whiplash can occur at speeds as low as 5–10 miles per hour. TBIs also frequently occur when a person’s head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. The most severe TBIs often result from high-speed collisions, where the force of impact is greatest.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists remain highly vulnerable despite increased awareness and protective helmet laws. Each year, thousands of adults and children are injured in bicycle accidents, often due to collisions with motor vehicles. Because of the size and speed difference between a bike and a car, cyclists face significant risks. Even with a helmet, a rider may suffer a TBI from whiplash, hard contact with the ground, or impact with the vehicle itself.
E-Bicycle and Scooter Accidents
E-bikes and e-scooters have grown in popularity, but regulations surrounding their use remain limited. Riders often travel at high speeds without helmets, on both roads and sidewalks, creating dangerous conditions. These factors have led to an increase in crashes involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. In pedestrian accidents, both the rider and the pedestrian may sustain TBIs; in vehicle collisions, the rider is most at risk. As this area of injury law continues to develop, our traumatic brain injury lawyers remain informed through ongoing research and collaboration with local providers.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Although slip and fall accidents are most common among older adults, they can happen at any age. Minor falls may cause bruises or broken bones, but more serious falls can result in TBIs. While younger individuals may be more likely to catch themselves during a fall, elderly victims often hit the ground or nearby objects without protection, making head injuries more severe.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries can have devastating effects because they impact the body’s most vital organ—the brain. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a TBI is critical to ensure the injury is promptly and properly treated.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frustration or irritability
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Anxiety or depression
- Enlarged or unequal pupils
This list is not exhaustive. A TBI may present very differently from person to person, and symptoms can vary in severity or appear gradually over time. Because of this, it is always best to be evaluated by a neurologist or other qualified medical professional after any bump, blow, or jolt to the head in a car wreck, bicycle accident, or other incident.
Once immediate medical needs are addressed, our traumatic brain injury lawyers can step in to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need for recovery.
What Treatments Are Available for Traumatic Brain Injuries?
At Wallentine Injury Law, our Kansas and Missouri team stays informed on the latest medical procedures related to traumatic brain injuries. This allows us to better understand what our clients are going through and to advocate for the compensation they deserve. Recovery from a TBI is not only physical but also financial, and both require proper support.
Diagnostic Testing for TBIs
- Computed Tomography (CT)- Uses ionizing radiation to detect skull fractures, bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- Provides a highly detailed view of the brain using magnets and radio waves, often revealing injuries not visible on a CT scan.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)- An advanced neuroimaging technique that maps white matter and neural pathways within the brain.
- Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG)- Records brainwave patterns and electrical activity through electrodes placed on the scalp.
Treatment of TBIs
- Rest- Many mild TBIs require rest as the primary form of treatment, with a focus on symptom relief and limiting activities that demand high concentration.
- Therapy- Because TBIs affect both physical and cognitive functions, therapy may include physical rehabilitation, counseling, and cognitive retraining to address long-term challenges.
- Acellular Nanoparticle Therapy- A regenerative treatment designed to promote the healing of damaged brain tissue.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)- Involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach and repair damaged cells more effectively.
While diagnostic tools and treatments for TBIs continue to advance, many uncertainties remain about long-term recovery. Seeking immediate medical attention after a head injury provides the best chance of successful treatment, but some damage may still be irreversible.
Regardless of the severity of your injury, you deserve fair compensation. That is where an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer becomes essential—helping you recover not only physically, but also financially.
Should I Hire a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer After a TBI?
From the onset of a traumatic brain injury, the recovery process is a challenge. You do not have to go through a TBI alone, especially if negligence is involved. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can provide aid with the following:
- Financial Recovery- Diagnostic testing and treatment for TBIs can be extremely costly. Working with an attorney gives you financial relief to get the treatment you need.
- Gathering Evidence- Strong personal injury claims rely on detailed evidence. Your lawyer will work to collect police reports, medical records, bills, and other critical documentation.
- Maximizing Compensation– Beyond medical bills, an attorney may help you recover damages for pain, suffering, and the long-term effects of your injury.
- Peace of Mind- With a lawyer handling the legal complexities, you can focus fully on your recovery.
A Trusted Advocate- Contact InJerry Law Today
At Wallentine Injury Law, we are dedicated Kansas and Missouri traumatic brain injury lawyers committed to helping you seek justice and fair compensation.
Call 913-934-6333 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
References
- 2023 Kansas Traffic Crash Facts Book – Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office
- Concussion Therapy – Keystone Medical Group
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) – Keystone Medical Group
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – Brainline
- Missouri Traffic Crashes (2023) – Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Quantitative Electroencephalopathy (QEEG) – Keystone Medical Group
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Understanding TBI: Part 1 – What happens to the brain during injury and the early stages of recovery from TBI? -Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
