Suffering a Brain Injury as the Result of a Car Accident

Car Accidents a Leading Cause of Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are an all too common form of injury in the United States. One of the leading causes of brain injuries is car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of hospitalization for brain injury for persons age 15-44. High rates of speed combined with collisions with oncoming traffic or hitting an obstacle such as a tree or telephone pole result in violent trauma to the head. Trauma to the brain may be the result of the head being whipped or rapidly jerked in an accident, as well as from the force of being slammed into a dashboard or other object. Even while wearing seat belts, the brain may sustain severe and potentially life-threatening damage as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

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Types of Brain Injuries Commonly Associated With Car Accidents

There are a number of types of brain injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident. The Brain Injury Association of America defines traumatic brain injury as an alteration in brain function as a result of external causes. The severity of these types of injuries can range from mild or moderate to severe and life threatening.

A concussion occurs when the head is violently shaken, such as is common in cases of whiplash. Often accompanied by headaches, and a feeling of lightheadedness or confusion, concussions are the most common form of brain injury, and can take a few months to years to recover from.

A contusion is the result of direct impact to the head. These may cause anything from slight swelling and bruising to actual bleeding in the brain, in some cases requiring surgery.

Skull fractures are caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Referred to as open head injuries, skull fractures refer to cracks or breaks in the bone of the skull. Fractures may cause bleeding to the brain and can result in permanent nerve damage.

Blunt force trauma may also result in a closed head injury, in which the skull doesn’t fracture or break, but the force of the injury causes the brain to swell.

All of the injuries have the potential to cause serious impairment. Effects can include lingering headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, mood and personality changes, as well as seizures and in more serious cases, paralysis or even death.

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve suffered a brain injury as the result of a car accident, contact our South Carolina car accident attorney. At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we have experience in handling traumatic brain injuries, and understand the lingering, long-term effects you may have as a result of your injuries. We’ll review your case, and help you get the compensation you’ll need to recover.