Types of Brain Injuries From Car Accidents
In 2018, approximately 4.5 million people were seriously injured in a car accident in America, according to a report from the National Safety Council. Of those, some of the most serious entail brain injuries. When a driver or passenger receives a blow or jolt to their head it can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), ranging from a mild concussion to putting the victim in a coma. The consequences of a brain injury can be lifelong. If you or a member of your family has suffered a brain injury from a car accident, you need to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. If you are in New Jersey and want to speak with a team of educated, experienced car accident lawyers, reach out to The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman. We have more than 50 years of experience helping clients all around New Jersey recover full and fair compensation for all sorts of auto accident injury claims, including brain injury claims.
Led by a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorney, our team of personal injury lawyers are ready to provide you a free, confidential consultation regarding the details of your auto accident injury case. Call now to schedule your appointment.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are many different types of brain injuries that can occur. Depending on the type and its seriousness, a plaintiff with a legitimate case may be eligible for substantial financial remuneration from damages. There are two main types of brain injuries: traumatic and acquired. Traumatic brain injuries are caused by external force to the head, while acquired brain injuries can be caused by disease, tumors, stroke, etc. We will be focusing in the rest of this article on different types of traumatic brain injuries that can occur. We will be going over these five common types of traumatic brain injury:
- Concussion
- Contusion
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Open head injury
- Hematoma
#1: Concussions
The most common type of brain injury caused by direct impact trauma, like that commonly resulting from a car accident, is a concussion. Concussions may be accompanied by a loss of consciousness, but that’s not necessarily the case. You may suffer a concussion without even realizing it. If after a car accident you feel dizzy, confused, or that your mind is a bit foggy, you may have a concussion. It’s crucial that, no matter how minor your injuries, you head to the hospital or your doctor to get checked out after you suffer direct impact trauma. A severe concussion can result in permanent brain damage, and even a minor one can prove ultimately damaging if you fail to get adequate medical attention. Typically, concussions are not fatal and remain quite mild. Most concussions will resolve themselves with rest, however, some may require medical intervention.
#2: Contusions
Contusions are bruises on your brain, accompanied by localized bleeding. Sometimes in car accidents something hits you in the head and causes a localized injury. A contusion is likely to be caused by something sharp hitting you in the head during a car crash. A severe contusion can lead to brain herniation, which is where some of a person’s brain squeezes outside of their skull. Car accident victims who suffer from contusion usually require emergency intervention to treat the swelling of their brain. A contusion can also lead to a blood clot forming, which could be lethal. So, once again: make sure you get emergency attention after a car accident.
#3: Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Another common type of injury resulting from a car accident is a diffuse axonal injury. These injuries arise not from the head impacting something but due to the extreme force caused by an impact, causing the brain to severely shake or tears due to the crash. The damage can cause neuro-chemical disruptions in the brain and lead to serious brain damage, coma, or death. It all depends on what part of the brain was torn — depending on where the damage occurred, you may experience memory distribution, olfactory disruption, motor function disruption, and more. It is called an axonal injury because it fundamentally involves the tearing of the nerve axons in your brain. Axons connect nerve cells together throughout the brain. Damage to them can range from minor to fatal.
#4: Open Head Injuries
When someone cracks or fractures their skull, it can cause a very serious brain injury. If an object penetrates your skull and brain, like a projectile during a car accident, it may require surgery and other forms of emergency medical attention to treat. Surgery may also be required to reduce swelling of the brain. The worst prognosis for recovering from a brain injury is with an open head injury. High-velocity brain penetrations will usually lead to very significant brain damage.
#5: Hematomas
A hematoma occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, leading to blood beginning to clot as the body attempts to close off the bleeding. A hematoma can be quite dangerous, as a blood clot putting pressure on the brain can cause serious brain damage and even death. A large hematoma will require surgery to be removed.
The Best Brain Injury Lawyers in New Jersey
The types and severity of brain injuries vary. However, even in the most minor cases, following a car accident it is always a good idea to go see a doctor. This is more than just from a pragmatic health and wellbeing perspective. It also has to do with documenting your injuries for if you end up filing a liability claim for damages. After you have received the medical care you need, it’s in your best interest to consult with a car accident attorney about what your legal options are going forward. There will be a statute of limitations (a time limit) for you to file your suit, so make sure you act promptly if you are considering seeking damages.
The potential damages sustained to the brain from a car accident can be extreme. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident, you have the right to seek damages for things including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages, if it led you to being unable to work.
If you or a family member has suffered a brain injury from a car accident, it’s important that you understand your rights and your legal options. The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman can help you if you understand what your options are to assist you if you decide to seek compensation for damages. We have more than 50 years of experience helping clients in New Jersey recover the compensation they deserve for a wide variety of auto accident injury claims, including for brain injuries. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.
