Car accidents have the potential to inflict a multitude of serious injuries on those involved. One of the most common and most consequential types of injury is a traumatic brain injury. The CDC names motor vehicle accidents as one of the leading causes of TBIs nationwide, along with firearms and falls. Brain injuries are rated from mild to severe, but even “mild” TBIs are serious conditions. If you were involved in a car accident and sustained a head injury, consult a medical professional immediately.
What is a TBI
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not just one specific type of injury; it refers to a range of injuries that can result in various forms of damage to the brain. Such trauma can occur during an automobile accident when the skull makes contact with an object, such as a steering wheel or windshield. It’s important to note that there may or may not be an open wound on the skull as a result of the accident. Additionally, a traumatic brain injury can occur even if the skull is not penetrated or fractured during the incident.
How a Car Accident Causes Brain Injuries
In the case of a car accident, the sheer force of the accident can cause the brain to collide against the internal hard bone of the skull. This can occur because when a moving head comes to a quick stop, the brain continues in its movement, striking the skull’s interior. The particular type of traumatic brain injury could determine the symptoms the patient experiences, as well as their prognosis for recovery.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs are diagnosed through the use of MRIs and through a doctor’s observation. A medical professional may use a system called the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the level of consciousness and diagnose your injury. Common TBIs from automobile accidents include:
- Concussions: Concussions are the most frequent brain injury recorded after accidents but are typically nonfatal. The symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and brief changes in mental status. Identifying a concussion early is essential so you can get the proper treatment. Early intervention can prevent the long-term effects of a mild TBI.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury: This devastating injury arises from extreme forces exerted on the head and brain, such as those in a serious car collision. If the brain rapidly moves inside the skull, the connection between the brain and body can be compromised. The damage to the brain typically leaves patients in a persistent vegetative state.
- Brain Contusion: A brain contusion is a type of bruising. It is a localized injury that can be minor or life-threatening.
- Coup-Contrecoup: This TBI occurs in two places: at the site of the impact (coup) and on the opposite side (contrecoup). These injuries happen if the brain moves within the skull. This injury causes the brain to collide with the skull on the opposite side of the head, so the victim suffers two brain injuries instead of one.
- Open Head Injury: An open head injury occurs when a brain injury accompanies a cracked or fractured skull. A penetrating brain injury is a severe type of open head injury where an object goes through the skull. These injuries may necessitate surgery to alleviate pressure on the skull due to a swollen brain.
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): An acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs due to internal factors within the body. Examples of ABIs include anoxic and hypoxic injuries, which happen when the brain fails to receive enough blood or oxygen. This deficiency can starve brain cells, leading to permanent damage or even death. Once brain cells die, they cannot regenerate, resulting in lifelong effects.
Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Individuals who suffer from a moderate to severe brain injury will typically require a comprehensive rehabilitation process to help them regain essential skills and improve their overall quality of life. This journey often begins in the hospital, where medical professionals closely monitor the patient’s condition and initiate early therapies. These therapies may include:
- Physical therapy to help regain mobility
- Occupational therapy to assist with daily living skills
- Speech therapy to address communication challenges
As the patient’s condition stabilizes, rehabilitation may continue at a specialized residential treatment facility with round-the-clock support. Once the patient progresses in a residential setting, rehabilitation often transitions to outpatient care. The duration of rehabilitation varies significantly, depending on factors such as the severity and specific location of the traumatic brain injury (TBI), the individual’s overall health, and personal goals.
Representation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you’ve suffered a TBI in an automobile collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Maginnis Howard attorneys have decades of experience representing those living with TBIs and their families. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay any attorneys’ fee unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf. Our attorneys serve clients across the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
