By Randy Appleton, Brain Injury Lawyer in Virginia

Over 5 million people are currently living with disabilities associated with a traumatic brain injury and over 1 million people will suffer an injury resulting in brain damage this year. In fact, more people suffer brain injuries than suffer heart attacks in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How do so many people wind up suffering these terrible, life-altering injuries? Well, over 40 percent of victims suffer traumatic brain injuries in car accidents. This is the single largest contributor of new brain injury victims, according to MSNBC.com. Some experts chalk this up to the fact that advancements in car safety like seat belts and airbags help keep people alive who would otherwise die in a car wreck, but still wind up suffering a very serious injury.

You may be asking, “Is there any way for me to prevent suffering a traumatic brain injury?” The answer depends on the circumstances. For example, you can help cut down your risk of suffering brain damage from a bicycle accident if you wear a helmet, but there is nothing out there which will make you completely safe from a brain or head injury. The best thing you do is if you suffer a serious head injury see a doctor right away. The earlier you get examined and treated, the better.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling traumatic brain injury and general head injuries. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous head injury and brain trauma cases, and achieved the largest verdict in Virginia’s history for a brain damaged client in 2000.  Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.  While not every brain injury case meets our criteria, if you or a loved one is thinking about taking legal action against the at-fault person or company who caused your injury, call our office at 1-800-752-0042 for a free consultation. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, be sure to leave a voicemail and we will promptly return your call.