Accidents that result in brain injuries for victims can have catastrophic and life-changing repercussions. One man who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Florida accident that happened in 2007 is using his story to give inspiration and hope to fellow victims and to warn drivers about the serious consequences of poor choices. The man, now 27 years old, is set to be honored with a community service award by the Traffic Safety Committee of the Palm Beaches in Palm Beach County for his efforts in speaking to high school students and other drivers about his accident and recovery.
The crash took place seven years ago when the man and his girlfriend were crossing State Road A1A. They were reportedly celebrating the man’s new job and the girlfriend’s departure for the University of Florida. While crossing the road, they were hit by a car and seriously injured. The man’s girlfriend suffered multiple broken bones, and the man was in a coma with a traumatic brain injury.
Doctors were not hopeful about his survival at first, but the man defied the odds and woke up after being in a coma for a few months. When the 27-year-old talks now about his experiences, he details for listeners the difficulties he faced relearning how to drive and live independently. Today, the man is a public speaker for the Dori Slosberg Foundation and says that he wants to share his story to warn others that “every action has a consequence” and to inspire them with his motto of “Never give up.”
The man’s speaking is part of a larger effort to keep drivers focused on the roads and the task at hand, hopefully preventing accidents due to texting and driving or driving while impaired. While the 27-year-old’s story shows that a traumatic brain injury does not have to mean the end of a good life, it also shows how long, difficult and expensive the road to recovery can be. Brain injury victims who are looking at months of therapy or expensive medical bills as a result of an accident may be able to lessen the burden by seeking compensation from the at-fault party through the courts.
Source: Sun Sentinel, “Crash victim among those recognized at traffic safety awards program” Angel Streeter, May. 28, 2014