Common brain injuries caused by auto accidents include concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, and penetrating brain injuries. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the sudden and violent forces involved in a crash.
Brain injuries from car accidents can range from mild to life-threatening and may result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Even a seemingly minor crash can cause significant damage to the brain. An experienced Milwaukee brain injury lawyer will handle your car accident case while you focus on healing.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a sudden impact or violent jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull.
Auto accidents are a common cause of concussions, as the force of a collision can cause the head to strike a steering wheel or even be violently whipped back and forth.
Symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
While concussions are often considered mild brain injuries, they can have serious and long-lasting effects, especially if left untreated. Some people experience post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks or months. Repeated concussions or severe head trauma can also increase the risk of long-term cognitive issues.
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Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
A DAI occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as in a high-impact car accident. Unlike a concussion, which affects specific areas of the brain, DAI damages nerve fibers (axons) throughout the brain, disrupting communication between brain cells.
Car accidents, especially those involving high-speed collisions, rollovers, or sudden stops, can cause DAI because of the intense forces that shake or twist the brain inside the skull. This type of injury can be life-threatening and often leads to long-term cognitive, motor, and neurological impairments.
Since DAI does not always show up on standard brain scans, early diagnosis, and specialized medical care are critical. Victims often require long-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI occurs when a sudden force disrupts normal brain function, which is common in car accidents due to the violent impact and rapid motion involved. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, depending on the force of the crash.
Some TBIs can lead to permanent disability, personality changes, or motor function loss, requiring extensive medical treatment. Since symptoms don’t always appear immediately, seek medical attention after a car accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, a car accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.
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Coup-Contrecoup Injury
A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain sustains damage in two opposite areas due to a violent impact. This happens when the initial force (coup) causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, and then the rebound force (contrecoup) makes it slam into the opposite side.
Essentially, the brain is injured at both the point of impact and the opposite side due to the sudden motion. Car accidents often involve sudden stops, rapid acceleration, or blunt force trauma, all of which can cause this type of brain injury.
Common causes of coup-countercoup injury in an auto accident include:
- Head hitting a steering wheel, dashboard, or window: The brain first impacts the skull at the point of contact (coup), then bounces back, causing secondary damage on the opposite side (contrecoup).
- Whiplash effect: Even if the head doesn’t strike an object, the sudden back-and-forth motion can force the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to internal bruising and damage.
- Side–impact collisions: In T-bone accidents, the head can be thrown sideways, causing the brain to hit both sides of the skull.
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Skull Fracture With Brain Injury
This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in a car accident due to a powerful impact on the head. When the skull is fractured, there is a high risk of brain damage, bleeding, swelling, or infection, depending on the severity of the injury.
Several types of skull fractures may occur in a car accident, including:
- Linear skull fractures: A break in the bone without displacement, which may heal on its own but can still cause brain trauma.
- Depressed skull fractures: A section of the skull is pushed inward, potentially pressing on or damaging the brain.
- Basilar skull fractures: A fracture at the base of the skull, which can cause bruising around the eyes (“raccoon eyes”) or behind the ears.
- Compound skull fractures: A break that penetrates the skin, increasing the risk of infection and direct brain exposure.
Penetrating Brain Injury
A penetrating brain injury occurs when an object breaks through the skull and directly damages brain tissue. Unlike closed-head injuries, which involve internal trauma without skull penetration, these injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Some common causes of penetrating brain injury after a car accident include:
- Metal or glass fragments from a broken windshield or dashboard pierce the skull.
- Sharp objects inside the vehicle, such as loose tools or personal belongings, striking the head.
- Ejection from the vehicle, where the head hits a sharp surface or object outside.
- Severe crashes with structural collapse, where debris or wreckage causes deep head wounds.
If You Were Diagnosed With a Brain Injury, a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
A car accident lawyer understands the true impact of brain injuries and will fight to secure the maximum possible compensation. From gathering medical records and consulting experts to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, taking your case to court, an experienced lawyer will handle every aspect of your claim.
For more than 40 years, the dedicated team at Gruber Law Offices, LLC, has been helping injury victims recover and move forward. With a staff of over 130 skilled legal professionals, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
While our headquarters are in Milwaukee, we proudly serve clients throughout Wisconsin.
Take advantage of our free initial consultation; just make “One Call… That’s All” to get the legal support you need. After carefully reviewing your case, we’ll provide effective guidance to help you make informed decisions about your claim.
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