Common Head Injuries from Car Accidents

Head injuries from car accidents can range from less serious inconveniences to tragic, life-changing conditions. Understanding those injuries and the consequences associated with them is important to residents in New Mexico, considering traffic accidents occur often and have become a persistent concern. At Parnall Law Firm, we’ve witnessed how devastating these injuries can be for individuals and their families. If you or someone close to you have suffered from a head injury because of an auto accident, then call (505) 268-6500 for professional legal assistance.

Types of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents

Head trauma following a motor vehicle accident may be of several types, each with its different symptoms and severity. Some of the common types of injuries are discussed as follows:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

According to The Center for Disease Control (CDC), a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain normally works caused by a bump, blow, or violent jolt to the head. Most commonly, TBI is classified as either mild or severe. A mild TBI is said to occur the majority of the time from concussions due to rapid acceleration or deceleration in collisions. These injuries can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and memory difficulties that interfere with daily life. Severe TBIs, on the other hand, are the result of major trauma, which results in prolonged unconsciousness, major cognitive impairments, or permanent brain damage that drastically affects the victim’s quality of life.

Contusions

Brain contusions, which are comparable to bruises, occur when a direct impact on the skull causes localized swelling and bleeding. This trauma can seriously interfere with the normal functioning of the brain and, if not treated as an emergency, may result in critical complications, such as high intracranial pressure and significant neurological deficits. If not treated immediately, these injuries may further lead to long-term effects that impede cognitive and physical aptitude, thus stressing the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

DAIs occur when abrupt motion—such as the forces generated during a collision—stretches or tears the brain’s connecting fibers. This type of trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to process and relay information efficiently, impairing vital communication pathways. DAI victims usually suffer from severe handicaps of motor coordination, impaired speech, and even cognitive delays. These injuries result in permanent neurological sequelae, where rehabilitation often takes a long period to recover partial functionality.

Penetrating Injuries

While less common in car accidents, penetrating injuries are those where an object enters the skull and directly damages brain tissue. Most of these traumatic injuries require complex surgical intervention to repair the damage and prevent further complications. There is a very high risk of serious infection or long-term disability, and careful medical attention and rehabilitation are required to assist recovery.

Secondary Injuries

Other secondary complications associated with a head injury and greatly enhancing its severity include brain swelling, blood clots, or lack of oxygen. These complications often develop over a period of time, sometimes taking hours or days before being fully evident. If left untreated, such complications may raise intracranial pressure, interfere with the flow of blood to vital parts of the brain, and cause further neurological damage; this is a condition that requires close monitoring for timely intervention.

How a Brain Injury Can Happen in a Car Accident?

Brain injuries can result from the sheer forces involved in vehicle collisions. The dynamics of an accident—from sudden deceleration to direct impact—often subject the head to significant trauma.

• Whiplash Effects: Rapid forward-and-backward motion forces the brain against the skull, potentially leading to concussions or more severe injuries.
• Blunt Force Impacts: Contact with a steering wheel, dashboard, and even airbags may lead to brain bruises, fractures, and lesions internally.
• Flying Debris: Objects not strapped inside the vehicle and other items emanating from the crash site may hit the head to worsen injury opportunities.
• Ejection from the Vehicle: When a collision is severe getting tossed from a car may create such critical traumas as fractured bones and traumatic brain injury.

Medical data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights that symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can surface immediately or emerge over time, emphasizing the importance of prompt evaluation.

Common Symptoms of a Head Injury

Early identification of head injury is critical for minimizing permanent damage. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of injury, but common symptoms and signs include:

Physical Symptoms

Persistent headaches, nausea, brief unconsciousness, and numbness in the limbs are significant signs of head trauma. These symptoms often point to serious neurological conditions and require immediate medical attention to diagnose any possible brain injuries and prevent long-term complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to minimize risks and assist in recovery.

Cognitive and Neurological Symptoms

Cognitive and neurological problems resulting from a head injury can seriously affect daily functioning. Lethargy or an inability to concentrate, short-term memory loss, and slurred speech are typical symptoms that further point to damage in the brain. Victims normally experience confusion, slower responses, or seizures in extreme cases, and this overtly indicates that to minimize further risks, timely and specialized medical intervention is required.

Behavioral and Emotional Changes

Behavioral and emotional changes, such as mood swings, irritability, or unusual aggressiveness, may follow a head injury. This can be associated with increased sensitivity to stimuli such as light or noise, making normal environments challenging to tolerate. Anxiety, sadness, or even withdrawal can also make recovery difficult and put additional stress on relationships.

Sensory Impairments

Other possible sensory impairments after a head injury include loss of balance or coordination, and difficulties with simple movements, such as walking. The vision is blurry or there might be one seeing double; tinnitus is a very usual complaint, to say nothing of dulled or changed tastes and smells, joining the complications list.

It is very important to seek medical attention early for such symptoms. Sometimes, minor complaints can worsen if not appropriately treated.

Speak with a New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer Today

A head injury from a car accident can turn your life upside down and burden you and your loved ones financially. Our law firm knows the road to recovery will be tough and strives to recover the compensation our clients deserve to rebuild their lives. Contact our firm today at (505) 268-6500 to discuss your case with us and take one step closer to justice.