Did you or a loved one suffer a brain injury from a car accident? If so, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Deering Hedrick, our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys know that victims and their families need time to heal and restore their lives after devastating car accidents. We aim to empower injury victims to pursue compensation and accountability. Keep reading to learn more about the most common brain injuries from car accidents and how a lawyer could help you seek financial relief.
Concussions
Concussions occur when the impact from a car crash causes the brain to collide with the skull’s inner walls, temporarily disrupting brain function. Symptoms often include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. While these symptoms may seem mild initially, ignoring them could lead to severe complications. In the long term, multiple or severe concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome, a chronic medical condition with symptoms that include persistent headaches, dizziness, and cognitive problems. In some cases, repeated concussions may contribute to the development of conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that causes cognitive decline, mood alterations, and problems with motor skills.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) are severe brain injuries commonly occurring in high-speed collisions. When cars collide at high speeds, the violent change in momentum makes the brain lag behind the movement of the skull, causing long nerve fibers called axons to stretch or tear. Symptoms can range from loss of consciousness and coma to subtle signs such as confusion and dizziness. The long-term effects of DAI can include physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairments. In severe cases, DAI can cause chronic vegetative states, significant cognitive and behavioral changes, or even death.
Contusions
Brain contusions occur in car accidents when the impact force causes the brain to slam against the hard, bony ridges of the skull’s interior, leading to bruising or bleeding. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, coordination problems, and seizures. In the long term, these injuries can cause cognitive and physical disabilities depending on their severity and location in the brain. In some cases, large contusions may need to be surgically removed to alleviate pressure on the brain.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
In some high-speed accidents, the force from the collision causes the brain to strike the skull at the point of impact, then rebound and hit the opposite side of the skull. This can lead to bruising and swelling at both injury sites. Symptoms often include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness. In the long term, coup-contrecoup injuries can result in cognitive deficits, memory issues, physical impairments, or emotional changes, depending on the areas of the brain affected. In severe cases, these injuries can be life-threatening.
Penetration Injuries
Penetration injuries are often the result of high-speed collisions or crashes that shatter glass or cause debris to fly. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the object’s size, trajectory, angle of impact, and the areas of the brain impacted. That said, signs of a penetrating brain injury often include immediate loss of consciousness, bleeding, and severe headache. These injuries can lead to significant cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes in the long term.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Fight for Fair Compensation
Working with an experienced car accident attorney, like those at Deering Hedrick, can significantly increase your chances of obtaining compensation following a brain injury. We can evaluate the facts of your case, determine liability, and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can advocate for your rights and provide the essential support you need to rebuild your life after a car accident. Call us at (757) 383-6848 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
