Spring Brings More Traumatic Injuries as Cars, Bicycles, and Pedestrians Hit the Road
Spring can be the deadliest time of the year, as many hit the road for spring break trips and other activities that can lead to car accidents in Florida and traumatic brain injuries. According to statistics, auto accidents are responsible for 17 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year; second only to falls.
The Statistics Are Harrowing
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 300,000 instances of traumatic brain injuries caused by car accidents every single year; the majority of them the result of direct blows to the head; such as hitting your head the steering wheel during an accident, or a motorcyclist who is hit while not wearing a helmet. In addition, close to three million adults and children sustain a traumatic brain injury every single year; with these injuries affecting all functionality of the brain including memory, reasoning, and thinking. Even whiplash can be severe enough to cause a traumatic brain injury.
Other notable statistics of brain injuries include the following:
- Every day, approximately 140 people die due to a traumatic brain injury;
- Approximately three million people are currently living with disabilities related to traumatic brain injuries in the U.S.;
- Even mild traumatic brain injuries often involve concussions; and
- Every single year, at least five million children and adults will sustain a traumatic brain injury, with approximately 50,000 dying due to these injuries.
Children Are Hardest Hit
For those who are lucky enough to survive one of these catastrophic injuries in Florida, lifelong care may very well be required, as they tend to impede the ability for the body to function and perform everyday tasks. Traumatic brain injuries are also the leading cause of death in children, where it can be especially difficult to assess the full impact of the injury because the child’s brain is still developing and cognitive impairments can continue to develop as a result of these injuries throughout their lifetime; creating challenges for both the child and their family.
Preventing & Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries: Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones
What is especially heartbreaking about these injuries is just how preventable they are in some circumstances: Many could be entirely prevented if people simply used more caution on the roads. Some basic steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road include the following:
- Make sure you and your loved ones always use seat belts. Children should be in car seats depending on their weight and size;
- Avoid driving while you are impaired, including when you could unintentionally engage in distracted driving, such as being tired, or feeling the need to text while you drive; and
- Make sure that you obey all traffic laws and slow down when experiencing inclement weather conditions.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a careless driver who caused injuries, contact our experienced Jacksonville catastrophic injury attorneys at Douglas & Douglas, Attorneys at Law to find out more.
