Common Brain Injuries From Car Accidents

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Car accidents are traumatic experiences, and even if you walk away without visible injuries, there can be hidden dangers. One of the most serious risks is brain injury, which can occur even in accidents that don’t seem severe at first.

Brain injuries from car accidents can range from mild concussions that temporarily disrupt your daily activities to severe trauma that alters your life course indefinitely. It’s easy to dismiss seemingly mild symptoms like headaches and dizziness, but these can be signs of brain injury after a car accident.

Knowing what to look for after a car accident is crucial in catching the problem early and getting the treatment you need. What’s more, as the road to recovery may seem unclear, getting support to handle the legal side can be a weight off your mind.

Our Athens personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand the toll brain injuries take on individuals and their families. We understand that healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, psychological, and financial, too.

That’s why we’re dedicated to helping people who have suffered brain injuries from car accidents get the compensation they need for medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.

Types of Brain Injuries From Car Accidents

Different types of brain injuries can occur after car accidents, and these can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common types include:

     1. Concussion

Concussions occur when the brain moves inside the skull due to a sudden jolt or impact. Symptoms can vary from mild headaches to confusion and memory loss, but even a mild concussion needs medical attention.

     2. Brain Contusions

Similar to bruises on your skin, contusions are bruises on the brain caused by a direct impact on the head. These can lead to swelling and increased pressure inside the skull, which are as painful as they sound and can affect cognitive functions and physical abilities.

     3. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

This type of injury happens when the head is violently shaken or twisted—common in high-speed collisions. The delicate nerve tissues of the brain are stretched and damaged, which can disrupt normal brain function. The consequences range from temporary confusion and unconsciousness to permanent brain damage or even coma.

     4. Penetrating Brain Injuries

In severe cases, objects can break through the skill and enter the brain. These injuries are as intense and dramatic as they sound, often requiring immediate surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the damage.

     5. Hematoma

A hematoma occurs when blood collects either within the brain, outside the brain, or between the brain and the dura mater—the protective membrane closest to the brain within the skull.

     6. Hemorrhages

Hemorrhages are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) characterized by bleeding within the brain or the dura mater. Like hematomas, hemorrhages are serious injuries that may require surgical treatment.

Signs of Brain Injury After a Car Accident

The symptoms of a brain injury after a car accident can be immediate. However, others may take hours or days to appear. Let’s take a look at some of the most common physical and cognitive signs:

Common Physical Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleep issues (such as challenges falling asleep, sleeping more than usual, or insomnia)
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Slurred speech (including difficulty speaking clearly or slurring words)
  • Loss of balance, clumsiness when walking or picking up objects, and balance in general
  • Sensory changes, such as blurred vision, changes in taste or smell, and ringing in the ears

Some of the most severe physical symptoms include losing consciousness and seizures. Be aware that losing consciousness or experiencing seizures, even briefly, can be significant red flags. In these instances, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Common Cognitive Symptoms

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in mood or behavior

Experiencing any of these cognitive impairments after an accident may indicate a brain injury.

Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

Living with a brain injury from a car accident can reshape every aspect of a person’s life. It’s not just about the immediate aftermath, but there can also be ongoing adjustments and challenges that persist for years if not a lifetime.

For many, cognitive impairments become a new normal. They may struggle with memory lapses, which make it hard to recall precious moments with family or crucial steps in a familiar task. What’s more, tasks that once felt automatic, like making a grocery list, can suddenly feel impossible.

This cognitive fog not only affects job performance but can strain personal relationships, as it can be confusing and frustrating for everyone involved.

There can also be dramatic behavioral and emotional shifts. A once cheerful and outgoing person might now grapple with irritability or sudden bouts of sadness. Anxiety and depression can be common companions of brain injuries, shadowing daily activities with a cloud that’s hard to dispel.

These emotional changes are as much a part of the injury as any physical symptom and can require just as much support and professional care if not more.

Physically, the effects of a brain injury can range from subtle to disabling. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are often just the beginning. Speech and language can also be affected, turning conversations into exhausting puzzles.

The combination of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive impairments creates a complex web of challenges that affect not just those injured, but their loved ones, too. What’s worse, these long-term effects often require ongoing medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation, all of which come at a cost.

The journey to healing after a brain injury demands patience, understanding, and resources. Our Athens personal injury lawyers can make a world of difference by helping you secure the resources you need to manage these long-term effects and regain some control over your life.

Contact an Athens Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today

No one expects to be in a car accident or to deal with the aftermath of a brain injury. This situation can feel isolating and fraught, with many uncertainties about the future.

When faced with the unknown implications of such injuries, knowing what types of brain injuries can occur and understanding the signs of brain injury after a car accident can provide some solace and direction.

If you notice any emotional, behavioral, or physical symptoms following an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery and prevent further complications.

At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, we understand how life-altering brain injuries can be. We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take on individuals and their families. As such, we’re not only here to help you navigate the complexities of legal claims. We’ll also provide support and guidance through these challenges.

Contact us at 706.354.1000 for a free consultation.

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