A Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common types of injuries in car accidents. Unlike other body parts, the head isn’t restrained to the seat by a seat belt. It can move side to side or forward and backward during a collision. A sudden change in momentum forces the head in multiple directions, causing the brain to shift inside the skull.
Here, you will find information about how car crashes cause TBIs and the types of TBI injuries a person can sustain.
How Car Accidents Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries
The primary cause of a TBI is a sudden blow to the head. The violent impact of a crash might cause a vehicle occupant to hit their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.
A jolt to the body or head creates significant forces that shake the brain inside the skull. The brain shifts or bounces off the inside of the skull, damaging tissue and cells.
A bump or jolt to the head isn’t the only cause of traumatic brain injuries. Glass and other debris can become projectiles. Brain damage can occur if a sharp object pierces the skull and enters the brain.
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
“Traumatic brain injury” is a broad term describing trauma or damage to the brain. Multiple types of TBI can occur in a car wreck, such as:
- Closed brain injury – A closed brain injury is a nonpenetrating injury that doesn’t cause a skull fracture. It results from a rapid forward and backward motion shaking the brain inside the skull. As the brain moves inside the skull, the blood vessels and tissue tear and bruise.
- Penetrating brain injury – A penetrating brain injury occurs when something fractures the skull and enters the brain. A piece of metal or a shard of glass can pierce the brain during a collision.
- Diffuse axonal injury – A diffuse axonal injury is the tearing of the long connective nerve fibers called axons as the brain rotates and shifts inside the skull. The injury can damage different parts of the brain and lead to a coma. An MRI or CT scan might not detect the affected areas of the brain because the changes are often microscopic.
- Primary brain injury – A primary brain injury is a profound and sudden injury occurring during impact. It can result from an object penetrating the skull or the head striking the dashboard or window at the time of the accident.
- Secondary brain injury – A secondary brain injury involves the brain changing during the hours or days after a primary brain injury. The brain suffers a series of cellular, blood vessel, tissue, or chemical changes, contributing to additional brain tissue destruction.
Warning Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
You must pay attention to the symptoms you experience after a car accident. A TBI can have long-term consequences if you don’t seek prompt and adequate treatment. Immediately go to the hospital for a medical exam to determine whether there’s damage to your brain, especially if you hit your head during the crash.
The most common symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury include:
- Headaches
- Mood or behavior changes
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Fainting, dizziness, or fatigue
- Memory problems or confusion
- Vomiting and nausea
- Slurred speech
- Agitation or restlessness
- Convulsions or seizures
- Sensitivity to smell and light
- Blurred vision or dilated pupils
Pursue Compensation for Your TBI
A traumatic brain injury might require ongoing treatment to heal. The bills can be expensive and lead to significant financial strain. Wondering how you’ll afford hospital, physical therapy, prescription, and other expenses are overwhelming. However, options are available to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Anchor Legal Group, PLLC represents injured clients in Virginia Beach, VA. We will protect your rights and fight to hold the at-fault party liable for the car crash. Call us at 757-529-0000 for a consultation with a dedicated Car Accident Lawyer if you sustained a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence.