Common Types of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents

In a car accident, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur due to the sudden and violent forces exerted on the head and brain. The impact of the collision can lead to various types of brain injuries, such as concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries.

When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop or changes direction rapidly, the brain inside the skull may continue moving, causing it to collide with the interior of the skull. This results in damage to the delicate structures of the brain, including blood vessels and the surrounding tissues. Additionally, objects within the vehicle or debris from the accident can penetrate the skull, causing further injury.

As experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers, we have handled many cases with different types of brain injuries. We understand that each case and story is unique, and we create a personalized legal strategy to answer your needs. Contact Zanes Law today for a free case consultation.

1. Concussion

A concussion is a type of TBI that typically occurs due to a sudden and forceful impact on the head. It is characterized by a temporary disruption of normal brain function, often resulting in a range of symptoms. These can include headache, dizziness, and, in some cases, loss of consciousness.

Concussions are commonly associated with car accidents, where the head undergoes rapid acceleration and deceleration. While most concussions are considered mild, it’s important to recognize and manage them appropriately. Repeated concussions can have cumulative and long-term effects on cognitive function.

If you were diagnosed with a concussion after a crash, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer can help recover your medical bills. They will review your medical records and consult medical experts to assess the full impact of your injury.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

2. Contusion

A contusion refers to a localized injury or bruising of tissue, typically occurring due to trauma or physical impact. In the context of traumatic brain injury, a contusion specifically involves damage to the brain tissue, often resulting from a direct blow to the head.

Unlike a concussion, which involves a functional disturbance without necessarily visible structural damage, a contusion implies actual bruising or bleeding within the brain.

The impact can cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to the collection of blood in the affected area. Contusions can potentially cause swelling and increased pressure within the skull, posing risks to neurological function.

3. Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the force of an impact causes the brain to move within the skull, resulting in injuries at both the site of impact (coup) and the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). This phenomenon typically happens when a sudden deceleration or acceleration force is applied to the head, causing the brain to collide with the inner surface of the skull.

The initial impact (coup) can lead to direct injury, while the brain rebounding and hitting the opposite side of the skull (contrecoup) can cause additional damage. This type of injury is often associated with car accidents, falls, or any situation where there is rapid deceleration or acceleration of the head.

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4. Diffuse Axonal Injury

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe form of traumatic brain injury characterized by widespread damage to the axons, the long, slender projections of nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. DAI typically occurs as a result of strong rotational or shearing forces applied to the brain, often seen in high-impact car crashes.

The rapid acceleration or deceleration causes the brain to shift within the skull, leading to the tearing or stretching of axons throughout different regions of the brain. Unlike focal injuries that affect specific areas, DAI involves widespread and often microscopic damage, making it a challenging condition to detect and treat.

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5. Penetrating Brain Injury

Penetrating brain injury occurs when a foreign object (such as shattered glass, metal fragments, or other debris from a car accident) penetrates the skull and directly enters the brain tissue. This type of injury can result from the impact itself or objects within the vehicle becoming projectiles upon collision.

Penetrating brain injuries are particularly severe, often causing immediate and significant damage to the affected areas of the brain. The extent of the injury depends on factors such as the velocity and size of the penetrating object.

6. Hematoma

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside blood vessels, and it can occur as a result of a car accident when there is trauma to the head. Hematomas can exert pressure on the brain, potentially causing neurological symptoms and complications.

There are different types of hematomas, including:

• Epidural hematomas: These occur when blood accumulates between the skull and the outer layer of the brain, usually due to a ruptured artery.
• Subdural hematomas: This type involves bleeding between the brain and its outer covering, often caused by torn veins.
• Intracerebral hematomas: These, on the other hand, occur when blood accumulates within the brain tissue itself.

Our attorneys will help document your treatments and recovery process to create a more convincing claim. This will help us negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

7. Edema

Following the impact of a collision, the body’s natural response to injury may lead to the accumulation of fluid in the brain tissues, causing edema. This swelling can exert pressure within the confined space of the skull, potentially leading to increased intracranial pressure and further complications.

Brain edema can contribute to neurological symptoms and may exacerbate the severity of other traumatic brain injuries. Monitoring and managing edema is crucial in the aftermath of a car accident. Treatment often involves medical interventions such as medications to reduce swelling or, in severe cases, surgical procedures to alleviate pressure on the brain.

Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Will Help You File a Brain Injury Claim

Filing a brain injury claim requires specialized knowledge and a thorough understanding of both personal injury law and medical language. Zanes Law is well-versed in navigating the intricacies of such cases, and we will invest all our resources in the success of your case.

Our car accident attorneys recognize the unique challenges posed by brain injuries. We will help you seek the compensation you need to reclaim your life. Contact us today to share your story.

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