Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a motor vehicle accident can cause severe damage to the brain during a collision. The force of the impact may cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to injuries that range from mild concussions to severe injuries with permanent damage. Medical care is essential after such traumatic injuries to prevent further complications. Patients recovering from TBIs often face cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and depression, along with physical symptoms like loss of balance and double vision. Medical professionals emphasize that untreated TBIs can escalate into more serious conditions, such as secondary brain injury, where the brain experiences further damage in the hours to days following the initial impact.

Head-On Collisions: The Leading Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries

In head-on collisions, where the front of a vehicle strikes another object or car, the force of the impact can lead to severe head injury. Such injuries often cause the head to hit the steering wheel or windshield, resulting in a TBI. Early signs of TBI, including post-concussion syndrome (PCS), are essential to monitor. Symptoms like confusion, retrograde amnesia, and dizziness may appear immediately after the accident. Concussion symptoms, if left unchecked, can worsen and lead to permanent damage.

Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Diagnosing a TBI requires a detailed history of the motor vehicle accident, symptom progression, and review of medical records. Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play a crucial role in identifying focal injury sites and assessing the extent of the damage. Brain death, defined as the complete cessation of brain function over an extended period, is confirmed through tests showing no blood flow to the brain. According to criteria set by the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS), TBI is characterized by brain tissue damage caused by an external force and the presence of symptoms like loss of consciousness, amnesia, skull fractures, or abnormal imaging test results.

Symptoms of Severe Head Injuries

Severe head injuries can result in a range of symptoms, including persistent headaches, unconsciousness, slurred speech, seizures, clear fluid leakage from the ears or nose (indicating damage to the dura mater), short-term memory loss, and behavioral changes. Severe TBIs can also cause double vision, loss of balance, and other sensory issues. Auto accident-related TBIs are a leading cause of death in individuals aged 5-24, and sports injuries are another common source of such traumatic injuries. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, motor vehicle crashes account for 50-70% of TBIs.

Types of Brain Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, which vary in severity and type. Understanding the common types of brain injuries is critical for proper treatment:

• Concussions: A mild injury where the brain is jolted inside the skull, leading to headaches, confusion, dizziness, and temporary unconsciousness. Concussion symptoms may take weeks, months, or even years to resolve.
• Contusions: These bruises on the brain are caused by direct impact, which damages brain tissue, blood vessels, and the dura mater.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injuries: Occur when the brain strikes one side of the skull (coup) and rebounds to the opposite side (contrecoup), causing injury in both areas.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Severe rotational forces cause tearing of the brain’s axons, leading to extensive brain damage and often resulting in coma.
• Penetrating Injuries: When an object pierces the skull and enters the brain, these injuries can be fatal or result in severe neurological damage.

Secondary Common Injuries and Their Impact

Secondary injuries, which occur hours to days after the primary brain injury, can exacerbate the initial damage. These secondary brain injuries may result from factors like increased intracranial pressure, decreased blood flow, or infection. Careful monitoring and treatment by medical professionals may help to mitigate these secondary complications.

How a Brain Injury Affects Daily Life

A brain injury can significantly disrupt daily living, affecting everything from work capabilities to personal relationships. Common impacts include:

• Cognitive Impairments: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with decision-making and problem-solving.
• Physical Challenges: Chronic headaches, loss of balance, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.
• Daily Activities: Difficulty performing routine tasks such as dressing, cooking, and driving, often requiring increased dependency on family members or caregivers.

Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury

The symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely based on the type of brain injury and its severity. While some symptoms appear immediately, others develop over time:

• Mild Brain Injury Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sensory issues like blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
• Moderate to Severe Brain Injury Symptoms: Persistent headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, dilated pupils, loss of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, and coma.

Treatment of a Brain Injury Following a Car Accident

The treatment of TBIs varies by the type of brain injury and its severity:

• Emergency Care: Immediate medical attention is vital to stabilize the patient, manage life-threatening conditions, and prevent further injury. Medical professionals often must closely monitor blood pressure and other vital signs.
• Medications: To manage symptoms such as pain, seizures, and fluid pressure. In severe cases, medications may be used to induce a coma, allowing the brain time to heal.
• Surgery: It is necessary to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain.
• Rehabilitation: Long-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling, is essential for recovery. Patients are often advised to gradually resume daily activities only after receiving clearance from a health care provider.

Compensation for Car Accident Brain Injury Victims

Victims of car accidents who suffer TBIs may be entitled to compensation for their damages. Injury claims can cover the following:

• Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medical treatments, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity due to long-term disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Other Expenses: Home modifications, transportation, and in-home care costs.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Brain injury cases are challenging. A car accident lawyer with expertise in brain injuries will provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you are protected and well informed at each stage. Specifically, your legal team will provide invaluable assistance by:

• Investigating the Accident: Collecting evidence, including medical records, to determine liability and build a strong case.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Ensuring fair compensation for injuries and damages.
• Calculating Damages: Accurately assessing current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
• Representing You in Court: Advocating for the compensation you deserve if a settlement is not reached.

Understanding the types of brain injuries, their impact on daily living, and the importance of timely medical care is vital after a traumatic injury from a car accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable legal team can help secure the compensation needed for recovery. Seek emergency medical care immediately if there are any signs or symptoms of TBI following a recent blow to the head.

Call an experienced car accident lawyer at Munley Law for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.