You know it is already serious when you or one of your family members is about to contact traumatic brain injury lawyers in Calgary. That means you may have suffered from either a mild traumatic brain injury or it could be worse.
But chances are you may be able to avoid this situation where you have to hire an experienced brain injury lawyer by practicing some safety habits when driving. It is much better to be safe than get hospitalized and become one of the many brain injury victims.
What Is the Most Common Cause of A Brain Injury Case
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect individuals of all ages and are a major concern in personal injury cases. The causes vary by age group, with common factors including falls, sports and recreational activities, and transport-related incidents such as car accidents and pedestrian collisions. This leaves an injured person with lasting effects.
Concussions are the most common form of TBI. It accounts for approximately 80% to 95% of all cases. In 2019 alone, it was estimated that over 400,000 Canadians aged 12 and older experienced one or more concussions.
Although there are times when the initial injury is quite difficult to avoid, there is still a greater chance of keeping yourself safe on the road. This helps you lower the chances of needing to call traumatic brain injury lawyers in Calgary.
Keep Yourself Safe From a Severe Brain Injury, Drive Safely With These Tips
Even a single moment on the road can have lasting consequences, especially when accidents lead to serious head trauma and complex brain injury claims. Many cases begin with subtle physical symptoms that may not be immediately recognized.
Wear Your Seat Belt
In any motor vehicle crash, two impacts typically occur.
- The first is when the vehicle hits another object.
- The second happens when occupants are thrown against the interior or ejected.
Wearing a lap belt and shoulder restraint remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injury risk. Safety data has shown that seat belts save thousands of lives each year by keeping occupants securely positioned during a collision.
Why do people avoid wearing a seat belt?
- Being thrown from a vehicle is safer in extreme situations like fires or submersion, but such cases are extremely rare, and ejection increases the risk of fatal injury.
- Seat belts cause harm; while minor injuries can occur, they are far less severe than the injuries sustained without proper restraint.
- Incorrectly assumed that seat belts are only necessary for long trips or high-speed driving, even though most accidents happen close to home at lower speeds.
Do Not Drive While Under the Influence
Drivers in Alberta who are injured in crashes are more likely to test positive for impairing substances compared to the national average. They are also nearly twice as likely to have multiple substances in their system. These findings come from an in-depth study analyzing blood samples from crash-injured drivers across Canada, including those treated in hospitals in Edmonton and Calgary.
Driving while impaired is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences. It is prohibited to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that affects your ability to drive safely. The safest approach is simple: if you are impaired, do not drive.
Plan ahead by arranging a safe way home before any event. Options such as rideshare services, taxis, public transportation, or relying on a sober friend can help prevent risky situations. If you are hosting, encourage guests to leave with a sober driver and take action if someone attempts to drive while impaired.
Slow Down or No Sudden Acceleration
Speeding is a major factor in serious collisions and is responsible for a significant number of fatal car accidents. It is also closely linked to aggressive driving behaviours such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, cutting off other drivers, and ignoring traffic signals, all of which increase the likelihood of both car and motorcycle accidents.
Driving at higher speeds not only raises the risk of collisions but also increases the severity of injuries, ranging from a mild concussion to life-threatening trauma. Faster speeds reduce reaction time, limit visibility, and extend stopping distance.
Use the Right Seat or Buckle Kids
Children should always be placed in the correct car seat based on their size and age, securely fastened, and seated in the back of the vehicle to reduce the risk of serious injury or brain damage in the event of a crash. As they grow, they should also be taught to remain calm and seated properly during travel.
For longer trips, simple activities like games or songs can help keep children safely occupied. Pets should also be properly restrained, as an unrestrained animal can become a dangerous projectile during a collision, potentially causing harm to passengers and increasing the risk of severe injuries.
Avoid Distractions When Driving
Staying focused behind the wheel is essential to prevent a serious or life-altering traumatic event. Common distractions include:
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating or drinking
- Using a phone
- Interacting with children in the back seat
- Handling portable devices
With the rise of mobile technology, distracted driving has become an increasing concern, particularly among younger drivers. Being mindful of these risks, following traffic laws, and setting clear driving rules, especially for new drivers, can help reduce the chances of accidents and improve road safety.
Need a lawyer to handle your traumatic brain injury case? Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary is available to serve.
Avoid Driving While Drowsy and Understand Your Medications
Getting enough sleep is the best way to reduce the risk of drowsy driving and stay safe on the road. If you need to drive during high-risk times such as midnight to 6 a.m. or late afternoon, stay alert for warning signs like drifting over lane markings or hitting rumble strips.
It is also important to understand how medications may affect your driving ability. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness or slower reaction times, so always read labels carefully and follow the guidance provided with your medication. If you are unsure how a medication might impact your ability to drive safely, consult your doctor or pharmacist and consider arranging alternative transportation when needed.efendant leans hard on contributory negligence, that kind of testimony can divert the liability picture substantially.
Accident Date May Happen, When It Does, Contact Personal Injury Lawyers
Sometimes, even if we do our best to stay safe on the road, accidents may happen due to unforeseen events like carelessness from other drivers. If you have sustained a TBI in any form, whether that be a mild or severe TBI, reach out to a legal team.
With years of experience practicing personal injury law, a legal team can help you secure fair compensation for your case. Lawyers are needed because some TBI cases can have delayed symptoms. Lawyers can look into your case, review accurate diagnoses and medical evaluations from doctors, present eyewitnesses, and secure other proof to help you get maximum compensation for your case.
If you need a free consultation, speak with our Calgary personal injury lawyers. A lot of our injured clients who suffered from TBI due to car accidents, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice receive their rightful compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you know if you have a traumatic brain injury?
A TBI can show up immediately after a head impact or develop hours or days later. Common signs include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory problems, nausea, and changes in mood or behaviour, even in mild cases. More noticeable symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, feeling “slowed down,” or trouble with balance and vision. In more severe cases, a person may experience loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, or changes in thinking and coordination.
Can headrests contribute to traumatic brain injury in a car accident?
Headrests help reduce head and neck movement during a collision and lower the risk of whiplash and related injuries. When properly adjusted, they support the head and spine to limit sudden backward motion that can contribute to serious harm. However, if a headrest is poorly positioned or defective, it may fail to protect the occupant effectively and could worsen injury in a crash.
Can you fully recover from a severe TBI?
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury varies widely depending on the location of the damage and the care received. Some individuals may continue to experience long-term physical, cognitive, or emotional effects. Even when improvement is possible, the recovery process can be gradual and unpredictable due to how the brain heals through neuroplasticity. In more severe cases, some level of lasting impact is common, even with treatment and rehabilitation.
