Unfortunately, car accidents are very common. They occur every single day, all over and sometimes result in serious injuries that can be debilitating and disabling. Among the most serious types of injuries stemming from car accidents are head injuries. Also known as traumatic brain injury or TBI, these injuries can have severe, lasting consequences on a victim for the rest of their life. If you have suffered a head injury after being in a crash, you need the help of a car accident attorney.
Types of Brain Injuries
There are different types of brain injuries a person can suffer after a car accident. Some are mild while others are far more severe. However, because they all affect the brain, any head injury should be considered serious. The following are the different types of brain injuries:
- Concussion: A concussion is usually considered to be a mild TBI and is the most common head injury stemming from a car accident. They are usually not fatal and can bring about symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue and changes in mental status that are usually short-lived.
- Diffuse axonal injury: A harsh blow to the head can result in a diffuse axonal injury. This occurs when there is extreme force that causes the brain to move and strike the skull. When this injury occurs, it results in tearing of the tissues within the brain or brain stem. Often, it can cause the victim to fall into a coma.
- Contusions: A contusion in the brain is also known as a bruise. These are localized injuries that can either be mild or severe and life-threatening. In a serious case, the victim may have bleeding or swelling in the brain, which may require emergency surgery.
- Coup contrecoup: This is a head injury that occurs from impact with an object and affects the site of the impact as well as the brain, which shifts in the skull in the process. It results in two brain injuries instead of just one.
- Open head injury: Open head injuries result in a crack or fracture of the skull and a brain injury. This injury usually occurs when a projectile strikes the skull and penetrates it. This is a serious TBI that usually requires surgery to relieve pressure and swelling.
- Acquired brain injury: This type of injury results when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Car accidents can lead to this type of injury.
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Symptoms of brain injuries stemming from a car accident can be mild, moderate or severe. A victim may lose consciousness for 20 minutes or up to six hours if they have a moderate injury. Severe brain injuries can result in loss of consciousness for over six hours. Mild injuries often result in no loss of consciousness, but the individual may feel fatigued and experience headaches, memory loss, vision disturbances, irritability, balance issues and sleep problems, confusion, depression, nausea, seizures and sensitivity to light and sound.
Why You Need an Attorney
Hiring a car accident attorney is essential if you have suffered a brain injury after a car accident. This type of injury is very serious and often requires continuous medical care and ongoing treatment. As a result, you will want to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. This is not a time when you want to go it alone in your case. Your attorney can help you establish liability and get you the best possible outcome and settlement in your claim.
An experienced lawyer will be familiar with your injuries and will be able to refer you to a medical professional so you can get proper medical attention. The attorney will be familiar with the staff, billing department and likely have a good working relationship with the medical professionals that you will be treating with. This is extremely valuable in that you will receive a continuous and consistent course of treatment from a team of medical professionals that are experienced in handling the specific injuries you have sustained.
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