Brain Injuries Are A Common Outcome in Commercial Truck Wrecks

Truck accidents are among the most severe and devastating crashes on Texas roads. Due to their huge size and weight, even "minor" truck accidents often result in serious injuries and fatalities.

Among the most concerning outcomes of these accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting and life-altering consequences.

In the aftermath of a truck accident that results in a severe head or brain injury, it's crucial for victims to understand their legal rights and options. Consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance and support during this challenging time.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an East Texas truck accident, don't hesitate to contact our law firm for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation, and we can help you fight for it.

How truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries

Truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries because of the powerful forces involved. The impact is catastrophic when a commercial big rig such as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck collides with something else, whether it be a smaller passenger vehicle, motorcyclist, or pedestrian.

This force can make a person's head hit something hard inside the vehicle, like the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Even if the head doesn't directly hit anything, the sudden jolt from the crash can shake the brain inside the skull, causing a traumatic brain injury.

Types of TBIs

• Closed brain injury: This type of TBI happens when the head gets hit with force, but the skull doesn't break or crack. The brain can still get injured because it can move inside the skull during the impact, causing bruising, swelling, or tearing of brain tissue.
• Penetrating brain injury: A penetrating brain injury occurs when something penetrates the skull and damages the brain. This could be a sharp object like shattered glass or metal from the truck's structure. Open head injuries often result in more severe damage because they directly affect the brain tissue and can cause bleeding and other complications.

The dangers of a TBI after a truck accident

When a person experiences a severe blow to the head during a truck wreck, the consequences can be devastating. The impact can cause bruising of the brain tissue and damage to the delicate blood vessels, ultimately resulting in a TBI.

This initial trauma can potentially cause internal bleeding within the skull or swelling of the brain. These conditions increase the pressure inside the skull, putting immense strain on the brain's functioning. As pressure mounts, the risk of seizures, strokes, and long-term brain damage escalates. In severe cases, the escalating pressure can push a victim into unconsciousness or, worse, into a coma.

TBI warning signs

Recognizing the symptoms and warning signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate medical care. The following symptoms may signal a TBI and warrant immediate attention:

• Headaches.
• Repeated nausea or vomiting.
• Confusion or trouble remembering things.
• Changes in vision, hearing, or sensitivity to light and sound.
• Mood swings or personality changes.
• Trouble focusing.
• Slurred speech.
• Balance problems or difficulty walking.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness, even if brief.
• Persistent fatigue or sleep problems.