Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are injuries to the brain that are generally caused by a blow to the head (or when the head is severely shaken). Any injury to the brain is obviously a very serious injury that can have extremely unpredictable consequences. In fact, one sufferer’s experience can be completely different than another’s, and effects can result in cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments. The National Institute of Health (NIH) shares that most TBIs are the result of slip and fall accidents and traffic accidents.
Traffic Accidents and TBIs
Traffic accidents are obviously very dangerous, and the immense impact involved can lead to TBIs. Even a relatively minor traffic mishap can lead to a TBI, and any kind of traffic accident will do, including:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
When two cars collide at highway speeds, the impact is tremendous, and it leaves all vehicle occupants vulnerable to serious injuries, including TBIs. While cars have built-in safety devices that help restrain our bodies and cushion the inherent blow, they are not as effective at stopping our heads and necks from being whipped back and forth and preventing dangerous TBIs.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are even more susceptible to serious TBIs in traffic accidents. When you head out on foot, absolutely nothing comes between you and the impact of an accident, and even an accident at extremely slow speeds can prove deadly. When you are on your bike, you join the flow of traffic with nothing but your helmet to protect you. Both of these scenarios leave you extremely vulnerable to sustaining a head injury like a TBI.
Motorcyclists move with the flow of traffic yet lack the protection that comes from being enclosed in a vehicle. While motorcyclists wear safety helmets and gear, this can offer only so much protection in an accident that occurs at highway speeds, and TBIs are common injuries.
Slip and Falls
We have all slipped and fallen a time or two without serious consequences, but the fact is that slip and fall accidents can be exceedingly dangerous. The impact of falling is a common cause of traumatic brain injuries. If the fall is from a height, such as on a staircase in a business or on a ladder or scaffolding at work, the inherent danger is intensified.