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Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic vehicle-related collisions represent 14.3 percent of all traumatic brain injuries. 

A Plantation, Florida high school football star died Tuesday May 30, 2017, two days after getting into a car crash. Police report that the teen died from a brain injury sustained in the early Sunday crash, when he was driving with his 17-year-old teammate in a rented Corvette following prom. The driver lost control of the vehicle, and it flipped on State Road 7. Both men were thrown from the vehicle and were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center. 

What is TBI? 

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), TBI occurs when a sudden trauma, often a blow or jolt to the head, causes damage to the brain. The severity of TBI can range from mild (a concussion) to severe (coma). A concussion may cause temporary confusion and headache and sometimes causes permanent cognitive changes. A severe TBI can be fatal. 

Leading cause of TBI in teens is motor vehicle accidents. 

According to the IBIA (International Brain Industry Association), of all types of injury, those to the brain are among the most likely to result in death or permanent disability. Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and is the leading cause of seizure disorders. An estimated 5.3 million Americans are living today with a disability related to traumatic brain injury. The highest rate of injury occurs between ages 15-24 years, and the leading cause is motor vehicle accidents. 

How would a person know he/she has a TBI after an accident? 

Mayfield Clinic says that the injury that occurs at the moment of impact is known as the primary injury. Primary injuries can involve a specific lobe of the brain or can involve the entire brain. Sometimes the skull may be fractured, but not always. During the impact of an accident, the brain crashes back and forth inside the skull causing bruising, bleeding, and tearing of nerve fibers. After the initial impact occurs, the brain undergoes a delayed trauma; it swells, pushing itself against the skull and reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood. This is called secondary injury, which is often more damaging than the primary injury.

Immediately after the accident the person may be confused, not remember what happened, have blurry vision and dizziness, or lose consciousness. At first the person may appear fine, but his/her condition can decline rapidly. 

Brainline.org says that any kind of impact to the brain is potentially dangerous, although it is usually impossible to predict how much damage has been caused at the time of an accident. TBI cases can become apparent only after a considerable length of time after the initial accident, due to the fact that changes in neurological function can be subtle. It is difficult to assess how a TBI victim will react over a period of time; some make a quick recovery, and others are left facing far more serious consequences. 

The symptoms, according to Brainline.org, of a traumatic brain injury can vary dramatically. It recommends seeking medical advice if any of the following warning signs are present: 

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Inability to move after suffering a blow to the head. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident where a TBI is suspected, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Brain Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Brain Injury Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.