(Newswire.net — March 29, 2022) — Brain injuries are common in car accidents. When the person is jerked forward violently, it causes the brain to move around in the skull and get bruised. Brain injuries can be catastrophic, causing life-long consequences for the victim. Here are a few of the most common brain injuries following an auto accident:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Diffuse axonal
- Coup-contrecoup
- Acquired brain injuries
1. Concussions
A concussion is a low-level form of brain injury, and symptoms include:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
These usually happen from sudden movement in the brain. Failing to treat a concussion can lead to long-term effects, so it is essential to seek medical attention if you lose consciousness in an accident.
Just because it is considered a low-level form of brain injury, it does not mean you cannot receive compensation for your medical treatment. A skilled Brooklyn brain injury lawyer can offer further guidance based on the specifics of your case.
2. Contusions
A contusion is a bruise on the brain, and they can either go away on their own or require treatment. Contusions can cause memory problems, bleeding on the brain, or cognitive difficulties. If you have contusions on both sides of the brain, it is termed Coup-contrecoup. This is a severe condition that can be discovered during a medical exam.
3. Diffuse Axonal
These injuries occur when the brain is rotated or twisted around. These injuries are a severe form of a concussion and can cause seizures, memory loss, migraines, or fainting. In the most severe cases, these injuries can cause coma or death.
Diffuse axonal injuries usually happen in rollover crashes or accidents in which the car is spinning rapidly. These are some of the most common and deadly brain injuries following a car accident.
4. Coup-Contrecoup
As we mentioned before, this injury occurs when the brain is jerked around and slams against the side of the skull on both sides. These injuries can be found in violent accidents in which the movement is forceful and continual for several minutes, as in a rollover crash.
These brain injuries almost always result in a loss of consciousness. Therefore, if you blacked out during the collision or immediately after, you will need to seek medical attention.
5. Acquired Brain Injuries
These injuries are acquired not from the initial impact, but after the accident, as a result of other trauma. Acquired brain injuries can happen due to blood loss, rib damage, or lung damage.
The shortage of blood to the brain results in an injury. Doctors can easily diagnose and treat these injuries during a post-accident exam. With proper medical treatment, acquired brain injuries don’t have to be fatal.
What to Do Following a Car Accident
While you are still on the scene, allow the first responders to treat you for your injuries, even if you feel fine. Brain injuries are invisible, and unless you are unconscious, there is little to indicate that your brain has been injured without a medical exam.
After your initial examination, your doctor may order brain scans to get a clear picture of your injuries. These scans are vital for use in your case if you should choose to seek legal remedies against the other party responsible for the accident.
Maintain these records until your case is concluded. It is best to make a copy of all the medical files you acquired after the accident.
The Bottom Line
Brain injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. However, you should seek medical attention if you are in an accident, no matter how trivial it may seem. Left untreated, simple concussions and contusions can worsen and become severe.
You will need a representative to help you get compensation for your injuries. A brain injury attorney is specialized in these cases and can offer expert guidance throughout the process. They can make sure that you receive the compensation you need for a comfortable present and future.
Author Information
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. His greatest satisfaction is to convey legal matters to the public in a language that they can understand. He is active on various platforms and media outlets, writing about common legal issues that people confront with every day. While medical malpractice is his strong suit, Leland covers plenty of other topics, including personal injury cases, family law, and other civil and even criminal legal matters.