Everything You Need to Know About Head Injuries From Car Accidents

Our brains are incredibly delicate. Although protected by our skulls, sudden or forceful impacts can jostle our most vital organ within its confines and cause serious, potentially life-changing damage, ranging from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in more serious events. 

Head injuries commonly result from motor vehicle collisions, even in minor accidents where drivers are moving at low speeds. Symptoms aren’t always apparent, either. Someone may not realize they hit their head or assume that they can “walk off” a minor impact when, in reality, they’ve suffered significant damage that may affect them invisibly. 

Anyone involved in a car accident must seek out a trained medical professional for a comprehensive evaluation. Although you might not think it’s necessary, taking this proactive step can quite literally save your life. If you do discover you were injured in your accident and you’re worried about how to afford treatment out-of-pocket, don’t worry—Morgan and Morgan can help you recover every penny you deserve for the damage.

Continue reading for more information about head injuries after car accidents. To speak with our team about your legal claim, complete our free, no-risk case evaluation.

Types of Head Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Car accidents can leave victims with a range of injuries. Some of the most common head-specific injuries include:

• Concussions: One of the more well-known injuries, concussion symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness. Although most are relatively minor and allow for full recovery, it’s still important that a medical professional evaluates these injuries, and that you take the proper steps for treatment afterward.
• Skull Fractures: Despite the strength of the human skull, significant impacts to the head can cause fractures that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can mirror those of concussions but also include swelling, bruising, or abnormally severe pain around the impact area.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Traumatic brain injuries are more severe than concussions, ranging from recoverable damage to long-term complications or death. Common symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting, seizures, abnormal difficulty awakening from sleep, and dilation of one or both pupils.

The line between concussions and TBIs isn’t always clear. What may seem like an insignificant injury can actually be severe and vice versa, so it’s important that you seek medical attention to understand more about your unique circumstances.

Symptoms of Head Injuries

An impact to the head has a wide spectrum of outcomes. A major hit obviously can result in more severe injuries, but evidence shows that repeated, less severe impacts, like those occurring in sports, can cause damage that accumulates over time and increases the risk of long-term brain injury. A car accident can be the straw that breaks the camel's back, so to speak, and lead to a serious condition. 

Understanding the range of symptoms can help you identify red flags before they result in symptoms. Here are some things to monitor for after a car accident:

Immediate Symptoms

Some symptoms are apparent to victims immediately. If you experience any of the following after a car accident, it’s a sign to seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Blurred vision or “tired eyes”
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Loss of memory, like remembering the accident

Delayed Symptoms

The adrenaline spike that accompanies a car accident can conceal symptoms until days, weeks, months, or even years after the accident. These delayed symptoms are often subtler but can indicate serious underlying issues that require medical evaluation.

Some symptoms to monitor for include:

• Persistent headache that worsens over time
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances, such as sleeping more or less than usual
• Mood changes, like increased irritability, sadness, or anxiety
• Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or changes in the ability to smell
• Seizures or other severe brain-related conditions

The Legal Side of Head Injuries from Car Accidents

After receiving medical care, car accident victims must file a claim with their insurance provider as soon as possible to ensure they can receive swift compensation. Most accident victims are able to recover through their insurance payout, but it’s possible that the damage exceeds policy coverage and spills out, creating a situation where the victim must pay out-of-pocket for the damage.

The severity of head injuries often exceeds insurance coverage. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible to recover the remaining damage through a personal injury lawsuit. Anyone considering this next step should speak with a legal expert about their situation to learn more about their eligibility.

Morgan and Morgan can support you through this stressful time without upfront costs. Complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started with our team.