Traumatic brain injuries are common in Massachusetts. Car accidents account for the second leading cause of those types of injuries in the state. There are statistics that show how prevalent TBIs are and how they can be prevented.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a type of serious personal injury that occurs when a person experiences a sharp blow to the head. It is a common injury suffered after a car accident but can develop as a result of other types of accidents or acts of violence as well.
This type of injury can range from mild to severe depending on the impact a person suffers. Symptoms can immediately manifest or may take several weeks to appear. Serious personal injury can occur when the head suffers a severe blow that causes the brain to shift violently inside the skull, hitting its interior.
Statistics on TBIs in Massachusetts
Every year, hundreds of deaths occur within the state as a result of TBIs. This type of serious personal injury also accounts for thousands of hospitalizations and more than 50,000 visits to the emergency room.
While falls account for the leading cause of TBIs, car accidents make up the second leading cause of injury. Serious vehicle crashes occur every single day in the state and leave people reeling as they are left with serious personal injury.
While seniors suffer the highest number of TBIs in the state, children ranging from infants to 14 years old make up the biggest group to be taken to emergency rooms for TBIs.
How can you prevent TBIs?
There are measures you can take to prevent TBIs when you’re heading out on the road. They include the following:
• Always wear a seatbelt when you’re in the car or any other motor vehicle as to the driver or a passenger.
• Properly buckle your child in their booster seat in the car according to their age, height and weight.
• Never drive drunk or under the influence of drugs.
• Wear a helmet if you ride a motorcycle or bicycle. Your child should also wear a helmet while riding their bike or playing contact sports.
If you have been harmed by a TBI that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, you may want to file a personal injury claim. Be sure to get the medical treatment you need first, however.
