Whether the conditions caused the problem, focus was lost or there was just general negligence, car accidents can have huge effects on someone’s life. Statistics from 2011 showed that casualties were at 203,950 for the year. Whatever happens during a crash, it’s important to check your rights and with injuries common, looking for head injury advice and the like is crucial in your recovery.

With some minor accidents resulting in major injuries, there isn’t always a direct relationship when it comes to severity. Of course, generally speaking the smaller the accident the smaller chance of injury but this isn’t always the case. Similarly, not all car accidents show up straight away – this is especially true of head injuries, and it is always worth being looked at by a doctor following an accident.

Head injuries are a problem for almost two million people annually, and the trauma that can be caused thanks to a car accident makes it a particularly dangerous incident. From concussion to haemorrhaging, concussion to fractured skull, diffuse axonal injury to traumatic brain injury the potential knock-on effects are varied.

Regardless of the extent of the injuries, victims tend to have on-going problems when it comes to head injuries. This can be anything from emotional and mental anguish to physical suffering to crazy medical costs. With this in mind, getting the compensation you deserve can be critical in the immediate and long-term future.

Be particularly vigilant against traumatic brain injuries. Around 28 per cent of all of these injuries are as a result of car accidents. So, when people ask you if you’re OK and you think you are – don’t take that chance. In many cases, closed head injuries can lead to more long-term problems, so be sure to get yourself checked out.

A head injury claim goes a little something like this:

• Investigation
• Support and rehabilitation
• Head injury assessment
• Review
• Calculate compensation
• Court proceedings or settlement claim

Head injuries: can you minimise the risk?

Like many things in life, the best treatment for a head injury is to prevent it in the first place. Simplistic maybe, but it’s the truth. So, how do you avoid one in the first place? You can’t cater for someone else’s common sense, but try to:

• Slow down
• Be defensive, not offensive
• Avoid bad weather
• No alcohol
• Seatbelt at all times
• Use indicators
• Don’t drive when tired
• Focus on the road
• Don’t go bumper to bumper
• Make sure your vehicle is in good condition

These may seem obvious, but because of what can happen as a result of a car accident it’s crucial to remember these things. Respect the road, yourself, your passengers and others by doing your part. And, if something happens that isn’t your fault, remember that it is your right to claim compensation.