What Are the Effects of a Brain Injury Caused by a Car Accident?

 Posted on March 10, 2020 in Car Accidents

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month in the United States. Recent studies have put a spotlight on head injuries, especially concussions related to sports. However, another common way someone can suffer head trauma or injury is by being involved n a car accident. In some scenarios, a vehicle occupant can hit his or her head on the window, door, or dashboard after colliding with another car. In other cases, a passenger may be ejected from the automobile, slamming his or her head on the pavement or even a tree or lamppost that is close to the roadway. If you are involved in a vehicle collision, it is imperative that you seek medical attention even if you do not feel the immediate effects of a brain injury. Your next step should be to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to explore your options for seeking compensation.  

Types of Brain Trauma

It is important to note that there can be several different injuries relating to the brain, skull, and head, in general. Possible complications and treatments will vary depending on what caused the injury, the location of the injury, and the severity of the damage. The types of brain injuries that a victim of a car crash can suffer include: 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head, resulting in temporary to permanent brain damage

• Concussion: Sudden shaking or impact to the head that causes the brain to bounce and around inside of the skull

• Brain contusions: A bruise of the brain tissue caused by breaking or leaking blood vessels; in severe cases, the brain can swell and prevent proper oxygenation

• Penetrating brain injury: An injury that occurs when some type of object pierces through the skull and enters the brain

• Anoxic brain injury: If the brain does not receive enough oxygen to operate properly, brain cells die

Long-Term Consequences of Brain Injuries

A brain injury can have a profound impact on a victim, regardless of age. This type of injury can affect just about every aspect of life, from physical to emotional well-being. It can lead to debilitating conditions, such as depression and anxiety. 

• Headaches and migraines

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Visual impairment

• Fatigue

• Seizures

The recovery period after any type of brain injury can be long and arduous. Regardless of whether a victim worked at a desk job or did manual labor, his or her professional career may be overdue to limitations from the injury. For example, an individual may need extensive or ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation. In extreme cases, brain trauma can leave a victim in a vegetative state or even prove to be fatal. In addition, long-term TBI effects may include increased risk of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Attorney

A motor vehicle collision can result in severe injuries. In some cases, a victim can suffer a TBI that affects the rest of his or her life. He or she may not be able to return to work or live without assistance. That is why it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Will County car accident lawyer. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we know how important it is to determine liability for the crash that caused your injury. We will fight for your rights to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages so you can move forward. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call our office today at 815-727-0100.

Sources:
https://www.theraspecs.com/blog/long-term-effects-of-moderate-severe-traumatic-brain-injuries-tbi/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557