3 Myths About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Effects on Accident Victims

Table of Contents

Chalk drawing of a brain on a green chalkboard, illustrating a stylized outline with shaded details.

Myth #1 You Can’t Have a Brain Injury if You Did Not Hit Your Head or Lose Consciousness

Most people when they think of a brain injury, they think that they are a direct result of your head striking an object with great force.  In fact, in most cases, a brain injury can occur with little to no contact with an object, depending on the situation.  This can be seen most in auto accident victims.  Studies have shown that a brain injury can occur within the confines of your skull.  In other words, a strong movement of the head, which is common in an accident, can cause injury as the brain could strike the boney matter within the skull.  An acceleration/deceleration type injury, where you head literally snaps forward and then backward very quickly.

Myth #2  You Will Recover and “Get Over” a Brain Injury Quickly

Insurance companies and their defense attorneys are often caught trying to lessen the extent of brain injuries and how they will affect the victim’s life long term.  They will argue that any effects of the injury will “wear off” and will not cause long term life changes to those that suffer from it.

These thoughts are most always incorrect.  A brain injury is a very serious matter.  An injury can affect a number of daily functions and cause havoc on a person’s life.  We have seen brain injury victims that lose their memory, balance, concentration, have constant headaches and fatigue, all symptoms of which do not go away quickly.  The recovery process from a brain injury is long and difficult, and a number of victims never recover.  Every individual is different, and doctors will treat each person differently depending on the damage and the signs of recovery.

Myth #3  A Mild Brain Injury (Concussion) Causes Less Damage than More Severe Brain Injuries

Concussions, whiplash and other “mild” brain injuries can have long lasting, life changing effects on accident victims.  In fact, although 90% of individuals that have experienced a concussion recover in a quick manner, that is not the situation for everyone.  As we state above, each individual is different and the recovery process for their injuries will be different.

It is important that you understand the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries.  Our office has made available a checklist that you can quickly review that outlines potential symptoms of brain injuries.  You can request your FREE copy below.  Brain injuries are a serious matter.  Get the information you need to ensure that you recover to the fullest extent possible.

*The information provided is not medical advice.  We encourage you to speak with a medical professional for any injuries you may have sustained during an accident.

Smiling man in a dark plaid suit and light blue tie against a dark background.

Author: Tim Miley

Founder - Miley Legal Accident Injury Lawyers

Tim Miley is the Founder of Miley Legal Accident Injury Lawyers, a West Virginia personal injury law firm he formed in 2006. With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury matters.

Tim received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University and is a member of the West Virginia State Bar and the Harrison County Bar Association. He has helped his clients win more than $20 million in personal injury verdicts and settlements and has further served the people of West Virginia by filling legislative roles in the state’s government since 2004.

Talk to a lawyer now

100% Free Case Review

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (304) 501-5280 and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy.

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Practice Areas

Meet Our Lawyers

Miley Legal Has Helped 1,000s Like You

Schedule a Free Consultation

Fill out the form below and our team will review your case.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.