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Auto accidents linked to post-traumatic stress disorder

When most people think about the impact of a car accident, they think of lacerations, broken bones, head trauma and other physical injuries.  Many people don’t consider the mental after-effects of a serious auto crash.  Some doctors believe that car accident victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and the symptoms can last for decades.

According to researchers, PTSD is most often experienced by victims of a very serious auto accident especially one involving fatalities.

PTSD symptoms can include:

• cold sweats
• panic attacks
• nightmares
• insomnia
• compulsive behavior
• persistent worry / anxiety

Researchers estimate that up to 45% of auto accident victims suffer from PTSD symptoms.  If you were in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident and suspect that you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, let your doctor and your attorney know.  There is treatment available for PTSD, and the sooner your symptoms are recognized and addressed the better for you.

Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice regarding your car, truck, or motorcycle accident case.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Caused by a Car Accident, Fall or Assault

Every year, 1.4 million Americans are the victims of traumatic brain injury.  Traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is hit or penetrated, which damages the brain tissue.  Since this type of injury affects the brain, it can lead to permanent physical or mental disability.

The most common causes of traumatic brain injury include falls, which is the leading cause, car accidents, assaults and blows to the head.  When traumatic brain injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident caused by another driver, the injured victim can pursue compensation.

If you or a family member has received a head injury, it is important to recognize the signs of traumatic brain injury.  Some of the symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include headache, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, lethargy and behavioral changes.  Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury has many of the same symptoms as a mild case, but might also include a headache that gets worse or will not go away, repeated vomiting, seizures, inability to awaken from sleep, pupil dilation, slurred speech, loss of coordination and restlessness.  If you notice any of the signs associated with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, medical attention should be pursued as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, brain damage is irreversible, but doctors will take action to prevent further injury.  It is crucial that there is adequate blood flow and oxygen flow throughout the body and that blood pressure is kept under control.  A doctor will order an imaging test, such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to determine the extent of damage.  Nearly 50 percent of patients with traumatic brain injury will need surgery.  Other patients may be put on a treatment program, which includes a variety of therapy.

Treating traumatic brain injury is expensive and can place a financial burden on you and your family.  If the injury was caused by another person, you may be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs related to traumatic brain injury.  Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice regarding your traumatic brain injury case.

The article, What is Traumatic Brain Injury, has more information on this subject.

The risks of serious head trauma in a motorcycle accident

Whether you wear a helmet or not, head injuries are one of the biggest risks in serious motorcycle accidents.  In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.  If you chose not to wear a helmet, you are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal brain injury in an accident and 15% more likely to sustain a non-fatal head injury.

The effect of head trauma on motorcycle riders involved in accidents is a major concern for two reasons.  First of all, the injuries themselves can be quite severe, if not fatal.  Brain injuries can result in memory loss, loss of coordination, seizures, and an inability to continue to work or pursue hobbies.

If the physical effects are not bad enough, there are also the costs associated with a serious motorcycle head injury to consider.  Treating injured bikers in a hospital can be quite costly, and the injury may require ongoing care or therapy that over time can add up to a staggering amount.  If you’ve been seriously injured in a Virginia motorcycle accident, then you should consider speaking to an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher about what compensation you’ll need to move on with your life.

Read more about motorcycle head injuries in our library article, “Motorcycle accidents and serious head trauma” and review facts about motorcycle accidents in “Motorcycle Accident Injury and Fatality Facts”.