Car accidents can be life-altering events, often resulting in severe injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Among the most serious of these injuries are head injuries, which can have profound and long-lasting effects on victims and their families. At Joe Durham Jr., P.C., we understand the complexities and challenges that follow a head injury from a car accident.
Our Columbus car accident lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. In this blog, we will explore the various types of head injuries commonly sustained in car accidents, the impact they can have on your life, and the steps you can take to secure fair compensation for your suffering.
Types of Car Accident Head Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. A severe head injury from a car accident can cause permanent brain damage or even death.
Head injuries from car accidents can range from mild concussions to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries often result from the sudden impact or deceleration during a crash, causing the brain to collide with the skull.
Concussion
Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted within the skull. This can happen from a sudden stop or when the head strikes the steering wheel or another hard surface in a car accident.
Concussion symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. While concussions are often considered less severe than other types of head injuries, they can still significantly impact brain function and require medical attention. Repeated concussions or particularly severe ones can lead to long-term cognitive issues and other complications.
Brain Contusion
Brain contusions, also known as cerebral contusions, involve bruising of the brain tissue. In car accidents, this can occur when the head strikes a hard surface, causing the brain to hit against the inside of the skull.
Brain contusions are often associated with coup contrecoup injuries, where the brain is injured at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side (contrecoup) due to the force of the collision. This dual injury mechanism can cause extensive damage to brain tissue and blood vessels.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe form of traumatic brain injury resulting from the tearing of nerve fibers (axons) throughout the brain due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, common in high-speed car accidents. Diffuse axonal brain injury affects a widespread area, disrupting the communication between brain cells. This can lead to significant impairments in brain functions, and in severe cases, it can result in prolonged unconsciousness or a vegetative state.
Penetrating Head Injury
Open head injuries happen when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. In car accidents, penetrating head injuries can result from debris, shattered glass, or other sharp objects propelled by the force of the collision. A penetrating injury can cause direct damage to the brain, leading to severe neurological deficits.
The immediate concerns with an open head injury include controlling bleeding, preventing infection, and managing the damage to the brain tissue. Skull fractures are often associated with penetrating injuries, complicating the recovery process and increasing the risk of long-term complications.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe.
Mild traumatic brain injury symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Mild confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
Severe traumatic brain injury symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Clear cerebrospinal fluid leaking from ears or nose
- Slurred speech
- One dilated pupil
It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if symptoms seem mild, since signs of a brain injury may not be immediately apparent.
How Long After a Car Accident Can Head Injuries Appear?
Head injuries from car accidents can cause delayed symptoms that may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks later. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and mood changes might seem mild at first but can progressively worsen if left untreated.
Immediate treatment is crucial after a head injury from a car accident to prevent symptoms from escalating into more serious health issues. Bleeding, blood clots, and brain swelling can cause severe and even deadly complications if they are not detected and treated.
Moreover, seeking immediate medical attention can strengthen your car accident case, as it provides clear documentation of the injury and its direct link to the accident.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Compensation for a head injury from a car accident can cover various damages.
- Medical bills: Including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and ongoing care.
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work during recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If the injury affects long-term ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of quality of life: For permanent disabilities or lifestyle changes.
It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the specific compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your life. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand and pursue the full range of compensation.
How Can a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer Help?
A Columbus car accident lawyer can help victims in several ways.
- Investigation: Gathering evidence to prove liability and the extent of your injuries.
- Medical documentation: Ensuring the traumatic brain injury is properly documented and linked to the accident.
- Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Litigation: Representing victims in a personal injury lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Expert witnesses: Consulting with medical professionals to establish the long-term impact of your traumatic brain injury.
- Calculating damages: Assessing all current and future costs related to the brain injury.
Given the complexity of head injury cases and the potential for long-term consequences, it’s crucial for victims to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. They can help navigate the legal process, ensure proper compensation, and allow victims to focus on their recovery.
Evidence in a Car Accident Head Injury Case
Recovering compensation for a car accident head injury requires demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. This process typically begins with gathering evidence from the accident scene and obtaining a copy of the police report. Video from dashboard cameras or traffic cameras can also support your case.
To document your damages, it’s important to keep detailed records of your medical treatment and expenses. Additionally, maintaining a journal of your symptoms and how the injury has impacted your daily life can provide compelling evidence of your suffering and the need for compensation.
Key evidence in a car accident brain injury case typically includes:
- The police report
- Photos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Medical records and bills
- Documentation of lost wages
If the cause of the car crash is disputed, our car accident lawyers partner with accident reconstruction experts to show the other driver was responsible.
What to Do If You Hit Your Head in a Car Accident
If you hit your head in a car accident, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your health and well-being. Here are the steps you should follow to ensure you receive the necessary care and support after experiencing a head injury from a car accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Regardless of how minor you think the injury might be, it is essential to seek immediate medical treatment. Head injuries can have delayed symptoms that only a medical professional can properly diagnose.
You should call 911 after a car accident. Tell first responders if you hit your head or have any signs of a concussion so an ambulance can take you to the emergency room.
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, get a thorough medical evaluation. Doctors can perform tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Follow Medical Advice
Follow all medical advice and treatment plans provided by healthcare professionals. This may include taking prescribed medications, getting plenty of rest, and attending follow-up appointments.
Document Your Injuries
Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical treatments, and any changes in your condition. This documentation can be vital if you need to pursue legal action for compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in car accidents. They can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any associated costs.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation!
If you have suffered a head injury in a car accident, our attorneys at Joe Durham Jr., P.C. are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers in Columbus, Georgia charge no upfront fees. We only get paid once we win your case. Contact us today at 229-210-6226 for a free consultation.
