Head injuries are among the most common types of wounds sustained in auto accidents. They range in severity and have the potential to affect the victim’s quality of life. In some cases, a head injury may lead to zero brain function, and ultimately death.
Auto accident victims who suffer from head injuries are entitled to get compensation. Ohio car accident lawyers are experts in getting compensation for crash victims. We are skilled negotiators and will get you the maximum settlement.
What Are the Common Head Injuries in Auto Accidents?
Below, we list out the types of head injuries that are most common in traffic accidents.
Concussion
Everyone has suffered concussions at one point or the other. Slipping and falling or having an object thrown at your head can cause this injury. Concussions occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull because of a sudden movement or momentum.
A concussion can be mild or severe, with the latter often causing lasting damages. Symptoms of concussion include:
- Possible temporary loss of consciousness
- Amnesia about the crash
- Headache or pressure inside the head
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Slurred speech, etc
Contusion
A contusion is a brain bruise that results from a direct impact on the head. When debris flies in auto accidents and strikes your head, or you hit it against a fixed object like the steering wheel, you can have this injury. Contusions are localized injuries, and they can be mild or life-threatening.
A major cerebral contusion can cause brain herniation, a severe traumatic brain injury. When this happens, parts of the brain squeeze past the skull. People who suffer brain contusion need emergency intervention to treat the swelling.
Symptoms of contusions include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cognitive changes
- Difficulty balancing or coordinating
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Difficulty forming new memories, etc.
Penetration
A penetrating head injury occurs when an external object pierces the skull. They happen when objects inside the vehicle become projectiles and strike the head. Penetrating head wounds are severe and might be fatal if unattended.
A penetrating injury could also be an open head injury. It presents the following complications:
- Paralysis
- Heavy blood loss
- Bleeding from the ears
- Loss of movement or sensation in the limbs
- Paralysis, etc.
Diffuse Axonal
A severe rotation or shaking of the head causes diffuse axonal injury. In an auto accident, this injury happens when the vehicle stops abruptly upon impact. When this happens, the brain is not moving as fast as the skull causing the wound.
Diffuse axonal happens mostly in high-impact and speed accidents. People who suffer it experience tearing of the brain structure and the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue and loss of consciousness
Coup-Contrecoup
This injury typically occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jerking within the skull. It is common in extremely forceful or violent auto accidents like rollover crashes. The impact’s force causes the brain to strike the inner sides of the skull, causing both sides of the brain to get damaged.
Common symptoms of a coup-contrecoup injury include:
- Sensitivity to loss and sound
- Tinnitus
- Mood disturbances
- Swelling in the brain
- Blurred vision
- Skull fractures, etc.
Acquired Brain Injury
This injury occurs from inside the body, meaning an external factor does not cause it. Examples of acquired brain injuries are anoxic and hypoxic injuries. Here, the brain lacks the required blood or oxygen it needs to function properly.
The lack of oxygen or blood starve brain cells and can lead to permanent brain damage or death. If the victim survives, they may suffer lifelong effects as dead brain cells do not regenerate. Serious trauma to the brain preventing blood flow is the primary cause of acquired brain injury.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a common brain injury. It occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, and the escaping blood clots as the body naturally attempts to stop the bleeding. A hematoma varies in size, and a large one is dangerous because the clots put pressure on the brain.
Symptoms vary depending on the site of the blood clot. Some of them are swelling, redness, and disfiguring bruises. Lastly, if you suffer a large hematoma, you will need surgery to have it removed.
How Can an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Most people who suffer head injuries do not return to life as they know it. This is because head wounds have long-lasting impacts. So, if you or anyone you know suffers a head injury in an auto accident, you deserve compensation.
Our Ohio car accident lawyers are experienced in helping head injury victims get compensation. We will represent you and get you the maximum amount. Call us today for a free case review.
