Car accidents are a leading cause of head injuries in New York State, often resulting in severe consequences for victims and their families.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves damage to the brain or skull caused by an external force, such as a blow or impact.
Unlike other injuries like broken bones or cuts that can heal over time, brain injuries often lead to lasting and disabling effects.
In New York State, there are nearly 157 cases of traumatic brain injury each day, leading to fatalities or hospital visits. Annually, TBIs cause over 2,200 deaths, 17,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 38,000 emergency room visits among New York residents.
This highlights the importance of understanding common head injuries from car accidents and how to protect yourself legally and financially if you are affected.
Types of Head Injury from Car Accidents
Head injuries from car accidents can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Here are some of the most common types of head injuries:
- Concussions—often caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking, concussions can lead to temporary loss of brain function;
- Contusions—bruising of the brain tissue, which can result from direct impact to the head.
- Skull Fractures— Breaks in the skull bone can occur from severe impacts;
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) —caused by strong rotational forces, this injury involves tearing of brain structures; and
- Hematomas—blood clots that form in the brain, including subdural and epidural hematomas, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
These injuries can have serious, long-term effects on a person’s health and quality of life. Immediate medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat these injuries properly.
Car Accident Head Injury Statistics
Fatalities and serious injuries resulting from traffic crashes are persistently high in New York City. Deadly crashes surged in 2020 and remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic years.
This trend risks reversing the safety progress under the City’s Vision Zero initiative.
In 2022, there were 253 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes, following 273 deaths in 2021. This represents a 20% rise compared to 2019 levels. This pattern is part of a worrying national trend of increasing traffic-related deaths, with pedestrian and cyclist fatalities hitting record highs in recent years.
Head Injury From Car Accident Settlement
If you or a loved one has sustained a head injury from a car accident, pursuing a settlement can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Here are the steps to take when seeking a settlement:
- Document your injuries. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses related to the injury.
- Gather evidence. Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Consult an attorney. Seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and help build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies. Your attorney can help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Consider future costs. Consider long-term medical and rehabilitation expenses when calculating your settlement.
Head injuries from car accidents are a significant issue in New York State, with thousands of residents affected each year.
Understanding the types of head injuries and the steps to take following an accident can make a crucial difference in your recovery and financial stability.
Contact a Dedicated New York Car Accidents Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries in a New York car accident, reach out to the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima for immediate assistance.
At my NY car accident law firm, I am passionate about helping my clients in any way possible. I also have more than 25 years of experience recovering compensation on behalf of my clients.
I offer free consultations to all accident victims, during which I will answer all your questions and provide you with an overview of the recovery process. If you decide to move forward with your case, I will not bill you for my services unless I can recover compensation on your behalf.
To learn more, and to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, you can call me directly at (516) 980-3096. You can also reach me through my online contact form.
Theodore A. Naima
Theodore A. Naima is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, a Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Firm based in New York. In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long been recognized as setting the gold standard for lawyer ratings, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.
Rate this Post
Loading...