Head Trauma From Car Accidents

Head trauma resulting from car accidents can range from mild damage to severe traumatic brain injuries. The severity of the head trauma will depend on many factors, such as the force of the impact, the direction of the vehicles, and whether the victim was wearing a seat belt or had an airbag deploy. 

If you or someone you love experienced head trauma from a car accident, you may have grounds for a legal claim. You should not be responsible for paying the costs caused by another person’s recklessness.  

Fortunately, the accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience fighting for the rights of head trauma victims. As the country’s largest injury firm, we know how to successfully recover compensation for traffic collision victims nationwide. 

Those who experience head trauma from car accidents often suffer a wide range of financial and personal losses. These may include medical debt, vehicular repair costs, and emotional trauma.  

The compassionate lawyers at Morgan and Morgan believe victims deserve justice after an accident or injury. No matter the circumstances surrounding your motor vehicle collision, our car accident lawyers can help.  

Complete our online contact form today. One of our representatives will schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation for you.

Kinds of Head Trauma From Car Accidents

Mild concussions are the most common type of head injury car accident victims experience. These injuries occur when the brain is jolted within the skull. 

Mild concussions may cause temporary confusion and disorientation. Symptoms of a mild concussion can include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Sensitivity to light and noise 

In most instances, the symptoms will go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, the symptoms may persist for several months. When this happens, it constitutes a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. 

Regardless of the presence of symptoms, it is critical to speak with a medical professional following a car accident. 

Moderate to severe head injuries are more serious. These injuries can result in long-lasting or permanent brain damage. Moderate and severe injuries occur when the force of the impact is strong enough to cause bleeding or swelling in the victim’s brain. The symptoms of these head injuries may include: 

• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion and cognitive difficulties
• Memory loss
• Seizures
• Partial or total paralysis 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the most serious type of head injury and can be life-threatening. They occur when the brain is brutally damaged from a blow to the head. 

However, TBI may also be the result of a sudden, fierce movement of the person’s head. Common symptoms of TBI are: 

• Unconsciousness
• Cognitive impairment 
• Severe and lasting headaches
• Vomiting
• Persistent seizures
• Paralysis  

In some cases, a traumatic brain injury can result in permanent disability or even death. Contact a car accident lawyer immediately if you or someone you love has suffered a TBI from a collision.

Causes of Head Trauma From Car Accidents

One of the most common causes of head trauma resulting from car accidents is the impact of the head against a hard surface. This surface can include the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.  

These impacts can cause skull fractures, which may lead to brain swelling or internal bleeding. Severe impacts can also cause the person’s brain to bounce back and forth inside their skull. Bruising or tearing of the brain’s soft tissue may result. 

Another common cause of head trauma from car accidents is “whiplash.” This condition occurs when the victim’s head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. 

This rapid motion causes the neck to stretch and overextend. Whiplash injuries cause damage to the soft tissue in the neck and upper back.  

These injuries can also cause a concussion. This is particularly likely if the victim's head hits the headrest or another firm surface.  

Whiplash can cause symptoms to appear in the days or weeks following the incident. If you believe you have suffered whiplash, contact a skilled car accident lawyer immediately.

Ways to Prevent Car Accident Injuries

Using seat belts and airbags can help reduce the risk of head trauma in car accidents. Seat belts can prevent passengers and drivers from being thrown forward and hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.  

Airbags can help cushion the impact of the victim’s head against the window or dashboard. But even with these safety features, head trauma can still occur in car crashes.

Negative Outcomes of Head Trauma

Beyond physical symptoms, head trauma injuries can also have emotional and psychological effects on the victim. These may include: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  

PTSD can occur after a traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle collision. This psychological condition can cause symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance of situations reminiscent of the trauma. 

No matter the extent of the head trauma you suffered, you deserve justice. The knowledgeable legal professionals at America’s largest personal injury law firm can help.  

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, our skilled team will work diligently to recover every cent to which you are entitled. Reach out to our firm today.

Medical Treatments for Head Trauma from Car Accidents

Automobile crashes can cause a wide range of head injuries. This damage can be caused by a direct impact to the head or by the force of a sudden jolt or acceleration.  

There are many possible medical treatments needed after head trauma happens. Immediately after a crash, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is true even if you do not feel any immediate symptoms.  

Some of the symptoms of serious head injuries may not appear until hours or even days after the event. A healthcare professional can perform an exhaustive examination on you. They will assess the extent of your injury. 

In severe cases, those at the scene should call for an ambulance immediately to transport the injured victim to the hospital. 

Many car accident victims suffer concussions. Treatment for a concussion typically involves rest and monitoring of symptoms. The victim may need to avoid physical activity, the use of digital devices, and mental exertion. In some cases, a physician may prescribe medication to help control symptoms. 

Another type of head trauma that can occur in a motor vehicle crash is a skull fracture, which involves a break in one of the bones of the skull.  

Symptoms of a skull fracture can include swelling, tenderness, and pain at the site of the break. Headaches and dizziness may also result.  

Treatment for a skull fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Minor fractures may require only rest and medication to manage pain. More severe fractures often require surgical interventions to repair the bone. 

Traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention and treatment. Treatment for a TBI usually involves hospitalization and close monitoring of the victim’s physical condition.  

In severe instances, surgery may be necessary. Surgical interventions can help remove any blood clots or swelling in the brain.  

Following hospitalization, the person may need to undergo extensive rehabilitation. Rehab can help TBI victims regain their ability to perform daily activities. 

In addition to medical care for head injuries, it is important for victims to receive emotional support. Traffic accidents can be traumatic events and can cause anxiety, depressive symptoms, and PTSD.  

It is important for victims to seek therapy or counseling to address any emotional issues arising after the accident. When another party caused your injury, you may be able to recover compensation for both physical and mental healthcare treatments. 

Make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a traffic accident. Treatment for head trauma can vary depending on the severity of the person’s injury. Emotional support is critical to help the person cope with any psychological issues they experience after the accident.