The Most Common Accident Types That Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. It can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury. What makes a TBI so insidious is that its true severity is not always obvious at the scene of an accident. A person might feel “shaken up” but okay, only to develop serious cognitive, physical, or emotional symptoms hours or days later.
Understanding the types of accidents that frequently cause these life-altering injuries is the first step toward protecting your rights if you or a loved one has been harmed. At Walch Law, our consultations are always free and confidential. We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win a financial recovery for you.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
The immense forces generated in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash are a leading cause of TBIs. The sudden, violent deceleration and change of direction can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, and nerve damage. This can happen even if your head never directly strikes the dashboard or a window.
- Common Crash Types: Rear-end collisions, side-impact (T-bone) crashes, and rollovers are particularly dangerous.
- Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders have no protection and often suffer catastrophic head injuries when struck by a vehicle.
- Motorcycles: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at extremely high risk for severe TBIs.
- Local Context: We see these devastating accidents all too often on Southern California’s high-speed corridors, including the I-5, I-405, US-101, and SR-14.
Falls
A fall from any height can cause a serious TBI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies falls as a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, especially among young children and older adults.
- Same-Level Falls: These include slips on wet floors in grocery stores or trips over uneven pavement in a parking lot.
- Falls From Height: These are common on construction sites (from ladders or scaffolding) and in apartment complexes (due to defective stairwells or balcony railings).
- Nursing Homes: Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to falls caused by inadequate supervision, unsafe environments, or improper assistance from staff.
Sports and Recreation Injuries
Contact sports and recreational activities are a common source of concussions and other TBIs, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
- Common Sports: Youth football, soccer (especially from heading the ball), hockey, and lacrosse all carry a high risk.
- Recreational Activities: Injuries are also common at skate parks, BMX tracks, and on ski or snowboard slopes.
- Liability: While participants often “assume the risk” of injury, a school, league, or property owner can still be held liable if the injury was caused by gross negligence, defective equipment, or an unsafe environment. Helmets reduce the risk of skull fractures but do not eliminate the risk of a concussion.
Violence and Assaults
A TBI can be the result of a violent, intentional act. When this occurs on someone else’s property, the owner may be held liable if they failed to provide adequate security.
- Negligent Security: This applies to incidents at apartment complexes, bars, nightclubs, or parking garages where the property owner knew or should have known about a risk of violence but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it (e.g., by providing working locks, adequate lighting, or security guards).
- Criminal vs. Civil Cases: A criminal case can punish the attacker, but a separate civil lawsuit is necessary to recover financial compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.
Work and Industrial Incidents
Construction sites and industrial workplaces are filled with hazards that can lead to TBIs.
- Common Causes: “Struck-by” incidents (being hit by a falling object), falls from height, and collisions involving on-site vehicles are frequent causes.
- Liability: While an injured worker’s primary remedy is typically a workers’ compensation claim, they may also have a “third-party claim” against a negligent party other than their direct employer, such as a general contractor, a subcontractor, or the manufacturer of defective equipment. This allows for the recovery of damages not available through workers’ comp, like pain and suffering.
Medical Red Flags: When to Seek Emergency Care
A head injury should never be ignored. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms after an accident:
- A headache that gets progressively worse
- Repeated vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Unequal pupil sizes
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Seizures
- Unusual drowsiness or inability to be awakened
- Special Note: Anyone on blood thinners (anticoagulants) should go to the ER immediately after any head impact, as they are at very high risk for a brain bleed.
Proving a TBI Case: The Importance of Evidence
Building a strong Van Nuys TBI case requires a swift and thorough investigation to gather and preserve critical evidence. This includes:
- Accident Evidence: Police reports, EMS records, witness statements, scene photos, vehicle black box data, dashcam footage, and store surveillance video.
- Medical Proof: Diagnostic imaging like CT scans and MRIs are crucial. Advanced imaging like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can sometimes show microscopic damage. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is often the most important tool for documenting cognitive and emotional deficits.
- Symptom Journals: Detailed notes from the victim and their family tracking daily headaches, memory lapses, and mood changes are powerful evidence of the injury’s impact.
Damages in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case
The goal of a TBI lawsuit is to secure the financial resources necessary for a lifetime of care and to compensate for all losses. This includes:
- Economic Damages: All past and future medical bills, including ER visits, imaging, rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech, and vestibular therapy), future care plans, and lost wages and earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for the profound impact on the victim’s life, including physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme misconduct, like a DUI or street racing crash, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
What You Should Do Now to Protect Your Rights
- Get Medical Care: Your health is the number one priority. Follow up with a neurologist or TBI specialist.
- Avoid a Recorded Statement: Do not speak to any insurance adjusters or sign any medical release forms.
- Preserve All Evidence: Save any photos, videos, or damaged property related to the accident.
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations is crucial for your health and your legal case.
- Contact the Best Van Nuys Brain Injury Attorney Early: Strict time limits apply. An experienced brain injury lawyer can immediately begin protecting your rights and preserving critical evidence.
Let Our Family Fight for Yours
After a traumatic brain injury, your focus should be on healing. Let our family handle the complex legal fight. The team at Walch Law has the experience, resources, and compassion to navigate these difficult cases and secure the full compensation your family deserves. If you have been injured in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, or Santa Clarita, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.