Violent external jolts to the head or body can result in traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as TBIs. The brain crashes back and forth inside of the skull, which can cause bruising, bleeding, and tearing of nerve fiber. The head is one of the most vulnerable parts on the body and is particularly exposed to direct impacts in car accidents.
After experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident, it is important to seek immediate help even if you are unsure if you have sustained an injury. Brain injuries can be hard to detect, but a medical professional will be able evaluate you and perform a medical exam to help diagnose.
Types of Impacts that Lead to TBIs
There are many types of motor vehicle accidents that commonly lead to TBIs, including:
Any collision that causes sudden and violent movements to passengers could cause a head injury. Some brain traumas may result from the head coming in contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or a free-flying object. Others may result from whiplash, a side effect of the head being thrown backward and then forward during a car accident. Front-end collisions can cause a person’s brain to slam against their skull because of the abrupt stop that happens after an impact. Side-impact collisions cause the head to be thrown in any direction that the car is impacted.
Severity of Head Injuries
The severity and type of head injury may differ depending on where the car is struck and the angle of impact. TBIs are organized into 3 categories: mild, moderate, and severe. Every traumatic brain injury is different, and people may experience various signs and symptoms that could appear immediately after an accident or sometime in the future. The degree of damage depends on the severity of the impact, but all traumatic brain injuries can be dangerous and must be taken seriously.
What to Do after a Car Accident TBI
Car accidents cause many TBIs each year. All traumatic brain injuries require special care from medical professionals, even if symptoms do not immediately present after the initial impact. If you or someone you know has been in an automobile accident and suffered from a TBI, please contact one of our attorneys to discuss a potential claim for compensation.