What Are Common Types of Brain Injuries From Car Accidents?

A brain injury is one of the most dire outcomes of a car accident. Almost two-thirds of accident victims who suffer moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries will never recover. Those who do recover are left to go through a grueling period of rehabilitation, where their quality of life will be severely impaired. You may be looking at damages that can top $1 million. You would need an experienced attorney who can work with experts to determine the value of your case. Your lawyer would then either file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf to begin the legal process.

Your prognosis and course of treatment depend on the type and severity of the injury that you have suffered.  While some brain injuries are referred to as “mild,” there is no such thing as a minor brain injury. Here are some common brain injuries that you could sustain in a car accident.

Concussions

Your brain can become injured when it slams against the base of your skull or when there is a direct impact on your head. Trauma or sudden movement can cause chemical changes in the brain. A concussion is generally considered a mild TBI, but it can have lasting effects. You can experience post-concussion syndrome for months after the accident.

Contusions

Contusions also occur when your brain moves violently or smashes into your skull. These are bruises on the brain. While contusions may heal after a certain time, they can also be dangerous. A contusion can lead to a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. In severe cases, the patient may need to be sedated to decrease brain activity.

Coup-Contrecoup Injuries

The brain may bounce inside the skull, slamming against both sides. Each time it strikes the side of the skull, the brain may develop a contusion. These types of injuries are common when there is a violent impact. Coup-contrecoup injuries have the potential to cause lasting brain damage, depending on the severity of the contusion.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries

Severe trauma to the brain, or a violent and sudden movement, can tear the axons in the brain. An axon is a thin connection between cells and neurons that transmits electrical messages. If an axon is torn, the neurons in the brain may be unable to communicate with each other, costing you essential functions.

Hematomas

A hematoma is a bad bruise on the brain. Blood may collect and pool on the surface of the brain. Severe hematomas can cause brain tissue to die. The doctor may need to perform emergency surgery to remove the hematoma, or else you may suffer permanent brain damage.

Hemorrhages

A hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain. Pooled blood can kill brain cells and tissue. It is essential that the doctor get the bleeding under control quickly, or else the patient can suffer permanent brain damage.

It is essential that you get immediate medical care if you are experiencing any symptoms of a brain injury.  The timing of medical care is crucial. Once brain tissue and cells die, they do not regenerate.  The more you try to do when you have a brain injury, the more long-term harm you can cause yourself. The insurance company may refuse to pay for some of your damages if they believe that you did not get care in enough time to prevent further harm to yourself.

Contact Our St. Clair County Car Wreck Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm if You Have a Brain Injury From a Crash

If you have suffered a brain injury in an accident, our St. Clair County car wreck lawyers at The Cates Law Firm can help you by estimating the value of your damages and fighting for you to receive compensation. Call us at 618-277-3644 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we assist clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.