Common Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. They can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that dramatically alter a person’s life. In many cases, these injuries occur due to another party’s negligence—meaning the injury was not only devastating but preventable. At the California Trial Attorneys law firm Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we represent clients throughout California who have sustained serious brain injuries due to someone else’s careless or reckless behavior. Below, our dedicated and experienced California personal injury lawyers explore some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries and how they occur.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. Even at low speeds, the force of a collision can cause the brain to jostle inside the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain trauma. In high-speed crashes or rollovers, occupants are at risk of striking their heads against the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, or other hard surfaces. Airbags, while helpful in reducing overall injury, can also cause head trauma during deployment. Often, these accidents are caused by another driver’s distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence—forms of negligence that can make the at-fault driver liable for damages.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than car crashes simply because of the size and weight disparity between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. When a big rig collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact can be catastrophic. Victims are often thrown violently within the vehicle or struck by crushed roofs and doors, leading to blunt force trauma or penetrating head injuries. Truck accidents can be caused by unsecured cargo, driver fatigue, failure to follow safety regulations, or improper vehicle maintenance—all of which may involve multiple liable parties, from the driver to the trucking company.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries due to their exposure and lack of physical protection. Although helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injury, they cannot eliminate the possibility of a TBI, especially in high-speed crashes or collisions with larger vehicles. Riders thrown from their bikes may strike their heads on pavement, curbs, or guardrails. In California, where lane-splitting is legal, sudden moves by other drivers who fail to check blind spots or use turn signals can lead to devastating accidents on the highway, while negligent left turns at intersections on city streets remain a leading cause of serious or deadly motorcycle crashes.

Bus Accidents

Bus passengers often ride without seatbelts and may be standing when a collision occurs, putting them at risk of being tossed around the interior of the vehicle. Whether the victim is a bus passenger, pedestrian, or the occupant of another vehicle involved in a bus crash, the potential for a traumatic brain injury is significant. Causes of bus accidents include driver negligence, poor training, improper maintenance, and even defective equipment. Municipalities and private bus companies may bear responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer severe, life-threatening injuries. With no protection from the force of impact, the head is particularly vulnerable. A pedestrian may hit the hood of a vehicle and then be thrown to the ground, sustaining multiple impacts that increase the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury. Many of these accidents happen at crosswalks or intersections where pedestrians have the right-of-way, often due to distracted driving, failure to yield, or speeding. California law offers strong protections for pedestrians, but those laws are of little comfort when someone is seriously hurt due to a driver’s negligence.

Bicycle Accidents

Like pedestrians and motorcyclists, bicyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making them more susceptible to serious injuries in the event of a crash. Even with a helmet, the force of a collision with a car or the pavement can result in a TBI. Common causes of bicycle accidents include drivers failing to check for cyclists when turning or opening car doors, drifting into bike lanes, or speeding through residential neighborhoods. These accidents often occur in urban areas with heavy traffic or inadequate bike lane infrastructure.

ATV Accidents

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular for recreation but carry significant risk, especially when operated without proper safety measures. Riders may be thrown off an ATV during a rollover or collision, often landing on their heads. Helmets help, but the risk of brain injury remains high, particularly if the ATV is used on unstable terrain or by inexperienced riders. In some cases, design or manufacturing defects may contribute to an accident, opening the door to a product liability claim. Landowners may also bear responsibility if they failed to warn of hidden dangers on their property.

Slip and Fall Accidents

While not typically as dramatic as vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents can also cause traumatic brain injuries. A sudden fall on a hard surface can cause a person to hit their head with significant force, leading to concussions or more serious forms of TBI such as brain hemorrhages. Falls are especially dangerous for older adults, who may suffer long-term cognitive decline after a head injury. Slip and fall accidents often occur due to wet floors, broken handrails, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or other hazards that property owners are legally obligated to address in a timely fashion.

Seek Legal Help After a Traumatic Brain Injury in California

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in any of these types of accidents, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Brain injuries can have long-term consequences that affect every area of life—from the ability to work to relationships, mood, memory, and overall quality of life. At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, our experienced trial attorneys understand the complex nature of TBI cases and fight tirelessly to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and life care planners to build a compelling case for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Our firm is committed to helping TBI victims and their families navigate the legal process with compassion and strength.

Contact Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP Today

To speak with a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer about your traumatic brain injury claim, contact Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP for a free consultation. We are here to help our clients get the justice and financial recovery they need to move forward.