One of the most catastrophic injuries that victims of car accidents suffer are traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They can cause life-long changes to a person’s mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities, such as memory, reasoning, concentration, or even death. If you or a family member suffered a TBI in an auto crash, you need the help of an experienced car accident lawyer to obtain the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver.
Five Types of TBI’s Caused in Car Collisions
TBIs are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, and the severity of a TBI can vary greatly from a mild injury to a severe injury. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms for days or longer after the crash, which is just one reason why it is crucial to seek medical treatment promptly. Common types of brain injuries in a car accident include:
- Concussion. A concussion is one of the most common traumatic brain injuries caused when the head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or other hard object or is jerked violently back and forth in an auto collision. Minor concussions can cause dizziness, temporary loss of consciousness, and confused thinking. Symptoms of a serious concussion can include brain bleeding, swelling, coma, or death.
- Diffuse axonal injury. This injury is the tearing of brain structures and nerves caused when the head is shaken violently or rotated during the force of impact in a collision. The resulting damage can cause neuro-chemical disruptions in the brain and lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or death.
- Contusion. A contusion is a bruise caused by bleeding on the brain and can occur when there is a direct impact on the brain in an auto crash. The bleeding can cause the formation of a dangerous blood clot that can be life-threatening if not surgically removed.
- Coup contrecoup injury. If the force of impact in a collision is great enough, the brain can slam into the other side of the skull and cause a second contusion. This medical condition is referred to as a coup contrecoup contusion.
- Penetrating injury. A TBI can also be caused by a sharp object penetrating the skull and brain that tears, sheers, or ruptures brain tissue. A person can suffer permanent brain injuries or death.
Contact Us for the Legal Help You Need
If you suffered a TBI in a car accident, you could need expensive medical treatment and be off work for months while you recover. An experienced car accident attorney can accurately value your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve so that you receive the life-long care you may need. To learn about your legal options, call our Norfolk office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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