This blog periodically highlights various types of car accidents. Accidents involving tractor trailers can be particularly devastating. Today, we take a closer look at the physical injuries that can negatively affect an accident victim’s life. Traumatic brain injuries are one common injury that can range from minor to severe.
In August, 2014, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan was injured when his vehicle collided with a Walmart truck. The accident left Morgan in the hospital for several weeks and one passenger in the vehicle lost their life. Recently, Morgan’s representatives have announced that the comedian suffered a severe brain injury as a result of the accident.
Car accidents are a common source of TBIs. A mild TBI may result in a concussion while a severe TBI can cause death. The majority of TBIs lie somewhere in between these two extremes. The level of the injury can be assessed by using an MRI or CT scan. These tests use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine a person’s level of consciousness, which correlates to the potential amount of brain damage.
Depending on the part of the brain that is damaged, an individual can develop dementia or suffer from personality changes. Speech differences can also be attributed to TBIs. The level of recovery varies for each individual. Morgan’s attorney announced that despite much rehabilitation, it is believed that he will suffer some permanent damage due to his injuries.
As a successful actor and comedian, Morgan is able to afford the medical care that he needs. For the average Louisiana resident who suffers a TBI after a car accident, the medical cost can be financially devastating. To help an accident victim receive compensation for injuries, it may necessary for them to hire an accident attorney.
Source: The Daily Beast, “Understanding Tracy Morgan’s Traumatic Brain Injury,” Jean Kim, Nov. 20, 2014
