Common types of brain injuries from car accidents

Head and brain injuries are extremely common injuries in car accidents. Many of these result in long-lasting damage to brain tissue. Even “mild” injuries, like a concussion, can leave victims struggling with serious cognitive and physical issues, especially if the victim suffers a loss of consciousness.

If you sustained a head injury in a car crash you didn’t cause, you have every right to seek full compensation from the at-fault driver. We’re here to help. OurIndependence car accident lawyer helps you secure fair compensation for the specialized treatment you need for the best possible recovery.

Common brain injuries caused by car accidents

Concussions

Concussions are one of the most common brain injuries caused by car accidents. A sudden jolt or blow to the head, which could happen by hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or door frame, causes the brain to smack against the inside of the skull. This impact tears brain tissue, causing symptoms like dizziness, short-term memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability.

A single concussion can be serious, but multiple head injuries over time increase your risk of a sudden onset of cognitive decline.

Contusions

A cerebral contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain. It occurs when the skull strikes an object or surface during a collision, forcing the brain’s soft tissue against hard bone. The symptoms depend on which part of the brain is bruised. Some people suffer from memory loss, sensitivity to light or sound, or difficulty with movement. Others may experience seizures or chronic headaches.

Diffuse axonal injury

Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) occur when the brain’s nerve fibers (axons) are torn or overstretched. DAIs are common in high-speed vehicle accidents involving sudden acceleration or deceleration. The aftereffects of a DAI compromise the brain’s communication pathways, which could cause cloudy thinking, poor muscle control, or even a coma.

Hemorrhages and hematomas

A hemorrhage is internal bleeding in the brain, usually the result of direct trauma. As blood collects, it increases pressure inside the skull, damaging the delicate brain tissue and causing additional damage.

In some cases, hemorrhages lead to subdural hematomas, pockets of blood that form between the surface and hard outer covering of the brain (dura). Hematoma and any resulting blood clots can increase the pressure on the brain. Left untreated, hemorrhages and hematomas in the brain can be life-threatening.

Skull fractures and penetrating injuries

The skull is built to protect the brain, but not all areas offer the same level of protection. While the front of the skull is relatively strong, the sides and base are more vulnerable. Even a moderate blow to the vulnerable temple can crack the skull, directly damaging the brain tissue, much like cracking a hard-boiled egg.

When a foreign object penetrates the brain, it tears brain tissue directly. Penetrative injuries carry an especially high risk of infection, swelling, and irreversible brain damage.

Diagnosing brain injuries

Brain injuries are typically diagnosed based on how the damage to the brain occurred:

Skull fractures, often accompanying open head injuries
Penetrating injuries, which directly destroy brain tissue
Oxygen deprivation: the reduced oxygen supply causes brain cells to atrophy or die
The effects on the brain damage depend on which part of the brain is injured

Compensation for brain injuries

Within these broader categories, specific diagnoses of brain injuries come with their own symptoms, long-term effects, and treatment plans. The severity of the injury, the part of the brain affected, and whether there was any loss of consciousness, all play a role in determining your recovery timeline.

Your diagnosed brain injury also affects your settlement amount. If you require surgery, accommodations in a memory care facility, or lifelong nursing care, your settlement will be significantly higher than that of someone who only suffered a mild concussion.

Resources for TBI patients in Missouri

The Missouri Greenbook – Living with Brain Injury
A guide for survivors, families, and caregivers
Brain Injury Association of Missouri

Treating brain injuries from car accidents

Medical care for brain injuries often includes physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, medication, and sometimes surgery. The cost of treatment can be steep, especially if long-term care is needed. The cost of care quickly adds up, especially if you require treatment in a memory care facility. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury in a car accident, contact Langdon & Emison at (866) 931-2115 for afree consultation.

The types of brain injuries a car accident can cause