Drivers in New York are more likely to get into a crash during the summer. This is because there are more cars on the road during the warmest months of the year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents are the top cause of traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization in the U.S. Symptoms of brain injuries can appear seconds after a crash or a few days later, and they may include changes in cognitive function, loss of balance, slurring of words and personality changes. To make sure potential brain injuries are diagnosed as quickly as possible, medical experts recommend that all car crash victims seek medical care immediately after an accident.
Emergency room doctors can perform a series of tests to determine if crash victims have suffered a concussion or a traumatic brain injury. These exams will test a patient’s balance, coordination, memory, word recall and ability to count backward. Patients who fail some or all of these tests may have a brain injury. While concussions can be treated with rest, some traumatic brain injuries require emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain caused by swelling or bleeding.
Each year, thousands of Americans suffer brain injuries as the result of car accidents. Victims of brain injuries often experience long-term health issues, including memory problems, personality changes and depression. Some people even lose their ability to work. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, an attorney could assist an injured victim in seeking compensation for the losses that have been incurred.
Source: KREM 2, “Experts see increase in car crash trauma during summer months“, Kierra Elfalan, July 24, 2018