Many different types of accidents may cause a traumatic head or brain injury. A car crash is one of the most common accidents that lead to TBIs. Many types of car accidents may lead to a TBI, including head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, sideswipe accidents, T-bone or broadside collisions, and vehicle overturn accidents. All of these accidents may cause a driver or passenger to strike their head on something in the car, like the headrest, vehicle ceiling, window, or steering wheel, resulting in a severe head injury.
Motor vehicle accidents typically happen when drivers don’t watch the road or violate traffic laws, such as by initiating aggressive driving maneuvers, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, failing to use turn signals, or operating a vehicle while fatigued.
Serious car crashes may also happen when people drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a drunk driver incurs a DUI conviction, they may incur both criminal and civil penalties. On the criminal side, they may have to spend time in jail, pay high monetary fines, or attend alcohol and drug rehabilitation classes. On the civil side, they may have to pay monetary damages through their insurance company if they cause an accident that leads to head injuries or other physical damages.
In addition to forceful traffic accidents, some severe head injuries result from premises accidents, including slip and falls. These types of accidents typically happen when property owners fail to maintain their premises carefully and safely. For example, they might forget to clean up a spill on the floor, repair a staircase, or replace defective carpeting and flooring materials.