Concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, coup-contrecoup injuries, and post-concussion syndrome are types of brain injuries caused by auto accidents. Not every victim experiences all of these brain injuries.
However, it’s important that you receive medical care after a collision. That way, healthcare professionals can check you for brain injuries. A Charlotte traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you understand how to proceed if they notice anything concerning.
6 Types of Brain Injuries Commonly Experienced by Auto Accident Victims
Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries. The force of impact in a car crash can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, which often causes a range of injuries. Some of these injuries can have long-lasting effects.
These are six types of brain injuries that victims often sustain in car accidents:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Coup-contrecoup injury
- Post-concussion syndrome
When you reach out to an attorney, your Charlotte traumatic brain injury attorney will often reference official documentation that details your injuries. This is why the answer to the question, “Should I always report an auto accident?” is yes.
You should always report an auto accident because it creates a paper trail that your legal counsel can reference when building a case on your behalf.
Concussions
A very common type of brain injury resulting from an auto accident is a concussion, which occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken within the skull. It often happens as a result of sudden acceleration or deceleration while in the car.
For example, this type of injury can happen in rear-end collisions where whiplash is present. It can also arise from situations where your head strikes a hard surface—such as the steering wheel, the dashboard, or a side window.
Contusions
Contusions are another type of brain injury that auto accidents can cause. A contusion refers to a bruise on the brain, and it often takes place when your brain is forcefully impacted against your skull. This results in localized damage to the brain tissue.
Contusions occur in high-impact accidents, such as head-on collisions. They are also prevalent in accidents where someone’s head strikes a hard object, like a window or the dashboard. The severity of a contusion can vary depending on the force of the impact.
Diffuse Axonal Injury: Widespread Damage to Brain Structures
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a more severe type of brain injury that often occurs in high-speed auto accidents. It’s particularly common in collisions that involve violent impact or sudden deceleration.
This injury happens when the brain’s axons either tear or stretch. Your axons are the long nerve fibers that transmit signals between different parts of your brain. Since DAI affects the brain’s white matter, it can result in widespread damage to several brain structures and often result in a wide range of symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Cognitive impairment
- Motor dysfunction
- Emotional disturbances
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious and life-threatening types of brain injuries caused by auto accidents. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and they can result in significant long-term consequences for those who sustain them.
In the majority of cases, a TBI occurs when an external force—such as a blow to the head—causes damage to the brain tissue. This type of injury can involve either a direct blow to the skull or an indirect force, such as the brain shaking inside the skull.
In auto accidents, TBIs are often caused by high-impact collisions or violent motions that cause the head to strike an object. Another possibility is when the head is rapidly accelerated and decelerated.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain is injured at two sites:
- The site of impact, which is known as the coup
- The opposite side of the brain, called the contrecoup
This type of injury is typically seen in auto accidents involving sudden deceleration, such as a rear-end collision or an unexpected stop. When the head strikes a surface, the brain slams into the skull on the side of the impact.
However, the rapid motion of the head may cause the brain to then move in the opposite direction. As a result, it hits the opposite side of the skull. The coup-contrecoup injury results in damage to both the primary impact site and the opposite side of the brain.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
While concussions are generally considered mild brain injuries, they can sometimes lead to long-term effects. This is a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
PCS occurs when the symptoms of a concussion persist for weeks, months, or years after the initial injury. Common symptoms of PCS include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mood swings.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
How Long will it Take to Recover From a Brain Injury Caused by a Car Accident?
The recovery timeline for a brain injury caused by an auto accident depends on the severity of your injury. Mild injuries—such as concussions—may resolve themselves within a few weeks as long as you give yourself proper rest and adequate care.
However, even mild brain injuries can result in ongoing symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. All of these side effects can persist for several weeks, if not months. Then, there are also more severe brain injuries.
These include the likes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or diffuse axonal injuries (DAI). With injuries like these, you may take much longer to heal. You might also require ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and emotional support.
Can I Receive Compensation for Brain Injuries Caused by an Auto Accident in Charlotte?
Yes—you can receive compensation for brain injuries caused by an auto accident in Charlotte if somebody else was responsible for the crash. To start the legal process, you should reach out to a lawyer in your area. When you connect with them, your legal counsel can start looking into the details of your circumstances.
A major component of seeking compensation for your injuries involves establishing liability. Don’t worry—you won’t have to learn how to do this by yourself. Instead, your lawyer will take on the responsibility of identifying the cause of the crash and determining who is at fault.
From there, your attorney can file a claim against the at-fault party and negotiate with the insurance company of the person—or people—responsible for the collision. Just know that the type and amount of compensation you receive will depend on the specifics of your case.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Reach Out to a Charlotte Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm for Help After an Auto Accident
Were you hurt in an auto accident? Did someone you love sustain brain injuries as a result of a collision? DeMayo Law Offices are the ones to call when you need legal representation in the aftermath of a car crash.
We have more than 250 years of combined experience, and in that time, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation for 125,000 people and counting. When you call our lawyers, you’ll learn more about what makes us Your North Carolina Law Firm™.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
