Someone who is struck by an 18-wheeler as they are driving may suffer injuries. One of these injuries may be a concussion, which is also a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
One way a traumatic brain injury may happen
Vehicle owners and 18-wheeler drivers both share the roads. Sometimes, the two may be involved in a collision, which almost always causes more damage to the smaller vehicle. One accident scenario may develop as 18-wheelers try to make turns or change lanes with smaller sedans, trucks and SUVs driving on the same road.
If the driver of an 18-wheeler isn’t paying sufficient attention to other traffic, they may strike the smaller vehicle. The size and weight of the larger vehicle may cause significant damage to the smaller vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle may also be hurt, with one of those injuries being a concussion.
What is a concussion?
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries. These are caused by a jolt or blow to the head. If the person experiences a blow to the body that makes their head whip back and forth, a concussion may develop.
Some of the most common causes of concussion are playing sports, falls, assaults, being accidentally struck against an obstacle and injuries related to motor vehicle accidents.
Concussion symptoms
Concussion symptoms can be grouped into four categories. These are memory, physical, sleep disturbances and mood or emotions.
The driver with a concussion may have problems remembering recent events. They may feel a “mental fog.” They may be unable to tolerate loud noise or bright lights. They may develop headaches.
Concussion sufferers may feel nervous, sad or irritable. They may notice they are sleeping less or more than they normally sleep.
The accident victim may recover quickly, with few aftereffects, but their symptoms may last for weeks.