February 15, 2024 | Accidents

Car accidents often occur in a split second but they can be life-changing. Beyond the visible damage to the vehicle as well as the visible physical injuries, car accidents can cause internal injuries that have a life-long impact on the victim’s life. One such injury is a brain injury. Brain injuries are unseen injuries. However, they can have a profound and lasting effect on an individual as well as their families. Below, we explore different types of brain injuries that can occur in car accidents. We also discuss the importance of seeking legal representation when navigating the complexities of the aftermath of your accident.

Types of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents

1. Concussion

These are one of the most common types of brain injuries sustained in a car accident. Concussions occur when a sudden blow or sudden impact causes the head to jolt forcefully. The sudden and forceful jolting of the head causes the brain to move and hit the inside of the skull.

Concussions can vary in severity. These injuries range from mild to severe. The symptoms of a concussion may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and memory problems. Concussions can have significant consequences even when mild. They require immediate medical attention.

2. Contusion

A contusion is a type of brain injury defined as a bruise on the brain’s surface. This type of injury is typically caused by direct impact to the head. It can occur in a car accident when an object strikes the head such as the steering wheel, the windscreen or the dashboard. The severity of the injury and its effects depend on the location of the injury on the brain.

Mild contusions can heal on their own. However, even mild injuries can have detrimental outcomes such as bleeding or blood clots on the brain. Many of the symptoms of a contusion are similar to those expressed as a result of a concussion. Long term effects may include cognitive deficits, motor impairment and changes in behavior.

3. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)

This is a type of brain injury characterized by widespread damage to the brain’s white matter. It occurs when the brain shifts rapidly within the skull. The sudden and forceful movements result in tearing and stretching of nerve fibers. This type of injury can occur in a car accident involving high speed or sudden deceleration.

DAI can be life-threatening. It can also be life-altering. Symptoms include coma, cognitive impairment and motor deficits. This type of injury is often severe and can have long-term implications for cognitive and physical functioning.

4. Penetrating brain injuries

These are considered catastrophic injuries. They are in fact life threatening injuries in many cases. Penetrating injuries occur when a foreign object pierces the brain. In a car accident, these injuries can occur as a result of objects such as broken glass, metal and other foreign objects penetrating the skull and damaging the brain. They can also occur when the skull is fractured and fragments of the skull penetrate the brain.

5. Hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage is a brain injury that involves bleeding in the brain. This type of injury is serious and potentially life-threatening. Immediate intervention is required to stop the bleeding. This often takes the form of surgical intervention.

Brain hemorrhages can be categorized as follows:

• Epidural hemorrhage which involves bleeding that occurs between the dura matter and the inside of the skull
• Subdural hemorrhage which involves bleeding between the arachnoid membrane and the dura mater
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage which involves bleeding in the area that surrounds the brain beneath the arachnoid membrane.
• Intraparenchymal hemorrhage which is bleeding that occurs inside the brain.

Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered a brain injury as a result of a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath of the accident. This is especially true because of the medical bills, insurance claims, legal proceedings and the impact of the injury on your life in the long term. It helps to have an experienced legal professional fighting in your corner. Here’s why:

1. Your attorney will provide you with support and advocate on your behalf

A skilled attorney can serve as your advocate. They will fight for your rights and best interests throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with the insurance companies and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

2. The will work to maximize your compensation

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. This is particularly true in the case of serious injuries such as brain injuries. A skilled attorney can assess the full extent of your damages and work to maximize your compensation. They can also help you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.

Conclusion

Car accidents can have serious consequences. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and brain injury can be stressful. It helps to have an experienced attorney fighting in your corner and helping you navigate the legal processes.

Omaha Brain Injury Lawyer – Omaha Car Accident