Teens at Higher Risk for Brain Injury in Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injury, including concussions, skull fractures, traumatic-brain injuries and even death among teens.

2012-05-04

May 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) While fatalities among teenage drivers have decreased over the past six years, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims car accidents are still the leading cause of death among teens. With more teens surviving accidents, the long-term effects of a crash are becoming more apparent. Unfortunately, recent national discussion over teen concussions in high school sports has overshadowed the more widespread issue of serious head injuries in teen motor vehicle accidents.

The Stats

Due in part to out-reach programs, teen driver deaths fell 46 percent between 2005 and 2010 (from 2,399 to 1,305). There was also a 41 percent drop in passenger deaths over the same period (from 1,777 to 1,022). Unfortunately, teen drivers and their passengers (55,000 of them in 2009 and 2010) continue to be seriously injured in car accidents. Thirty percent of those 55,000 teens suffered some form of head injury, including concussions, skull fractures and even traumatic-brain injuries (TBI).

The Reasons

The National Institutes of Health says children and teens are more susceptible to concussions and brain injuries because of ongoing brain development. Young brains are also more likely to suffer long-term neurological and psychological disabilities that can affect social and cognitive skills, as well as family relationships, for years. As the brain is the most difficult organ to heal in the body, the road to recovery is long and often very costly.

Teenagers are highly prone to head injuries leading to brain trauma from car accidents. The results of such a head injuries can be devastating. If your teenage child has suffered a head injury in an automobile accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your situation and your options.

Article provided by Law Offices Of Jay A. Bansal
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