Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries After Car Accidents

By Car Accident Help on September 28, 2023 | Posted in: Car Accident Injury

Suppose you or a loved one are involved in a car accident. In that case, you would understand that the impact can extend far beyond the visible damage to your vehicle. The suddenness of the event, the screeching of tires, and the shattering of glass can profoundly change your car, other structures or vehicles involved, the physical landscape, and the emotional and physical lives of those affected. Car accidents can result in a spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to life-altering conditions like traumatic brain injuries (“TBI”). Among the most concerning injuries that can occur are those that affect the delicate and complex organ housed within the skull – the brain. 

As trusted and experienced car accident attorneys in Oklahoma, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of traumatic brain injuries due to a car accident. In Oklahoma, there are more than 200 car accidents each day. Although not every accident results in injury or death, it’s important to know the signs to look for after an accident.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricate landscape of traumatic brain injuries that can occur due to car accidents. These injuries often remain hidden beneath the surface, their effects not immediately evident to the naked eye, yet capable of casting a long shadow over the lives of those impacted.

Traumatic Brain Injury from Car Accidents

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? 

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, without a doubt, one of the most severe consequences that can arise from a car accident. This occurs when the impact force, whether a collision or a sudden stop, causes the brain to collide with the skull’s interior. It’s as if the brain, the epicenter of human experience, is rocked within its protective casing. Such an event can disrupt the brain’s delicate balance and functioning. 

The resulting symptoms vary widely, from mild cognitive difficulties to severe impairment. The individual might experience confusion, memory loss, persistent headaches that carve pathways of discomfort through their days, mood swings that mimic the erratic twists and turns of the accident itself, and difficulty concentrating as thoughts seem to scatter in the wake of the impact. 

If you’re in an accident and there is even a hint of suspicion that a TBI has occurred for anyone involved in the crash, you should take action. It’s crucial to prioritize seeking medical attention immediately. To learn more about what steps to take immediately following an accident, read our guide about the “dos and don’ts” after a car wreck.

The Impact of Concussions Due to Car Crashes

Concussion Due to Car Crash

Sometimes, the term “concussion” can sound almost dismissive, as if it’s merely a bump on the road of life. But make no mistake – a concussion is a serious matter. It’s a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when the forceful movement of the head and neck causes the brain to “slosh” within the confines of the skull. Unlike the visible dents and scratches on a vehicle’s exterior, the effects of a concussion might not be immediately apparent. In the aftermath of the accident, headaches may throb, the world might spin, and even light could become an intolerable intrusion. Nausea and difficulty maintaining balance might further mar the days following the collision. And here’s the sobering reality: multiple concussions over time can have lasting effects on brain health, casting a shadow over future years.

Other Types of Brain and Head Injuries Due to Car Accidents

Head Injuries – Bruises, Cuts, and More 

In the chaos of a car accident, the head is vulnerable to many injuries. What might seem like a minor bump can have underlying consequences that echo long after the accident scene has been cleared. The spectrum of head injuries is broad, from minor cuts and abrasions to more severe skull fractures. 

Even seemingly insignificant head injuries can unveil hidden complications. Therefore, seeking medical attention is non-negotiable regardless of how these injuries appear initially. If someone in your vehicle has hit their head, resulting in a head bump, bruise, laceration, scratch, or other visible head injury, they should be seen by a doctor to ensure no further invisible damage. Prompt medical evaluation can unearth potential complications and provide appropriate treatment.

Various Types of Brain Trauma 

The force of a car collision can jolt the brain within the confines of the skull, resulting in brain trauma. This trauma can manifest in various ways, each with unique challenges. 

• Diffuse axonal injuries occur when the brain’s nerve fibers are torn, leading to potential long-term cognitive and physical impairments. 
• Contusions and hematomas, conversely, are the body’s way of visually expressing the internal damage inflicted upon the brain. 

These forms of brain trauma necessitate immediate medical intervention to mitigate the risk of further injury.

Other Brain Injuries

Beyond the injuries mentioned earlier, brain injuries resulting from car accidents include a range of lesser-known conditions. 

• Coup-contrecoup injuries, a tongue-twisting term, result from the brain striking the opposite side of the skull due to the sheer force of impact. 
• Penetrating injuries occur when an object enters the skull, adding another layer of complexity to the trauma. 
• Secondary injuries, as ominous as it sounds, arise from swelling, bleeding, or even oxygen deprivation within the brain. 

Each of these injuries requires the expert assessment and tailored treatment of medical professionals specializing in brain injuries.

Seek Professional Help and Legal Guidance

In the aftermath of a car accident, seeking medical attention takes precedence. The well-being of those involved, both physically and emotionally, is of paramount importance. If a brain injury is suspected, it’s imperative to consult medical professionals with expertise to diagnose and treat these complex conditions. 

Additionally, if the accident occurred due to the negligence of another party, seeking legal advice can clarify your rights and potential avenues for compensation. The team at Car Accident Help has decades of experience representing individuals who were the victims of life-changing car accidents in Oklahoma. Contact us today if you need an experienced, dependable team for representation. 

Stay Safe and Find Trustworthy Support 

Car accidents have the potential to result in various types of brain injuries, ranging from seemingly minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that can alter the course of a life. Recognizing the symptoms of these injuries and acting promptly to seek medical attention are critical steps toward ensuring the best possible outcome. In the wake of such an event, remember that seeking medical assistance, emotional support, and legal guidance from a trusted Oklahoma City attorney can collectively weave a safety net of care during recovery.

If you are the victim of a car accident and have suffered injuries, please contact our team today for a free consultation with our knowledgeable  Oklahoma car accident lawyer.