Denver Personal Injury Lawyers

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The #1 Most Common Cause of Death in Car Accidents

most common cause of death in car accidents

The most commonly fatal injuries experienced in car crashes is head trauma, which can lead to severe complications or even death. The CDC reported that in 2020 that there were more than 64,000 deaths associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

If you’ve lost a loved one to a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation to replace their financial and emotional contribution to your household through what is known as a wrongful death action.

While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, the purpose of this claim is to put your family in as close a financial position as possible as though the accident hadn’t happened, covering funeral expenses, medical costs, and compensation for the loss of their household contributions.

A Denver car accident lawyer from Zaner Harden Law will take the stress and time demands of filing a claim out of your life by handling the car accident or wrongful death claim process every step of the way.

In the following article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of death in car accidents, and see how a wrongful death claim can help your family recover compensation for the financial costs associated with your loss. 

Colorado Brain Injury Statistics

most common cause of death car accidents denver

Colorado-specific data gathered by the Brain Injury Alliance Colorado shows that there are about 23,000 emergency room visits each year due to TBIs.

Of those, about 5,000 individuals are hospitalized in Colorado annually due to traumatic brain injuries, almost 1,000 of whom die. 

The prevalence of death among brain injury victims who are hospitalized underscores the dangers of head trauma, and the significant injuries and fatalities that result. 

Why Head Trauma is So Dangerous

Trauma to the head is especially dangerous given the extreme variations in symptoms. Even a minor bump or blow to the head can result in a minor traumatic brain injury, often referred to as a concussion.

Even ‘Mild’ Brain Injuries Have Repercussions

Just about everyone has heard the term ‘concussion’ before, given the association with professional sports such as football, hockey, and boxing. A single mild concussion can lead to permanent changes in the chemistry of your brain that can change your level of irritability, and your ability to concentrate.

These symptoms can alter your social life, and limit your ability to work, which can entitle you to compensation.

Serious Complications

Moderate to severe brain injuries can result in permanent mental and intellectual disabilities, including short-term memory loss, substantial changes in personality, and a complete inability to work.

TBIs must be treated with immediate emergency medical care, particularly symptoms that include an inability to remain conscious, as well as liquid discharge coming from the nose and ears.

Injuries this severe can require permanent medical care and treatments that are so costly as to be prohibitive. Without insurance coverage, adequate medical care may not be possible to obtain without great financial difficulty. 

most common cause of death car accidents head trauma

Head trauma can lead to a broad range of symptoms that require complex, expensive medical treatments and procedures to address.

Without early identification of the injury and adequate treatment following your accident, the symptoms could worsen.

Further, without accurate identification of brain trauma, you run the risk of accepting a settlement that does not fully cover the damages linked to your injury, leading to you having to make up for the difference out of your own pocket. 

Hit your head in an accident? Go to the doctor immediately.

A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow, or penetrating wound to the head, which in turn causes damage to the soft tissue of the brain. Detecting a brain injury is sometimes very difficult, as it is not superficial, and symptoms can take some time to emerge.

Brain injuries can cause permanent changes to the chemistry of your brain, impacting your personality, and your ability to concentrate.

These symptoms can forever change the way in which you live and enjoy your personal life, and also your ability to work and support yourself and your family. 

Being hit on the head can cause swelling of the brain that, if not treated as quickly as possible with the appropriate procedures, can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

Injuries to the head are not to be taken lightly, and the adrenaline associated with car crashes can sometimes make you overlook a serious injury.

What might feel like a moderate headache after your accident could be a symptom of brain damage, and obtaining treatment before it causes permanent damage is essential. 

Suffered a brain injury in a car crash? Our firm can help.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a car crash, it can be difficult to proceed with collecting evidence, filing your claim, then negotiating a settlement.

The process requires an understanding of how the law applies to the unique facts and circumstances of your accident, and the ability to overcome the challenges of the insurance company and their own attorneys. 

Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the accident jump-starts the process of collecting evidence to prove your case and measure your complete damages.

That way, you’re able to focus on recovering from your injuries while your attorney takes over the rest for you. 

Call Zaner Harden Law at 720-594-6256 to book an appointment. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a car accident, our experienced attorneys are prepared to advocate for the most complete settlement possible to cover your current and future expenses.

Contact our Denver Car Accident Law Firm Today For Help

For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver car accident lawyer.

Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers

1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706

Where We Are

We are located across the street from Union Station in downtown Denver and offer validated parking for all our clients. We also have offices in Boulder and Colorado Springs.