A car accident can lead to serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries. One of the most devastating injuries that can result from a car accident is a brain injury. Some brain injuries are minor and resolve over time, but others are more serious and can result in permanent disability. There are several different types of brain injuries that can occur in a car accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the impact of a car accident causes a person’s brain to slam against the inside of the skull. When this happens, permanent injury can occur to the brain and result in significant physical and cognitive deficits. Victims of TBI often experience memory loss, depression, seizures, confusion, agitation, or aggression.
Concussion: A concussion can be minor or severe depending on the force of impact in a car accident. Victims of concussion require rest and time for the brain to recover from the bruising and swelling that occurred. Headaches, vision disturbances, attentional issues, and dizziness are commonly associated with a concussion.
Contusions: This type of injury results in localized bleeding in the brain caused by an impact to the head. When a car accident occurs, the victim may be thrust into a solid object, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or front seat. This impact can cause the brain to tear slightly and bleed, causing bruising and clotting. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove a blood clot that has formed in the brain.
Penetration Injuries: Shattered windshields, twisted metal, and flying debris are common in car accidents. Victims can incur penetration injuries when sharp objects, such as glass or metal shards, are forced into the skull and brain. When this happens, serious injury can occur that requires surgery to remove the objects in the brain and repair damaged tissue.
Oxygen Deprivation: Brain injuries resulting from oxygen deprivation can be catastrophic. Cell death within the brain begins immediately and if oxygen is not administered quickly, permanent brain damage and death are likely.
Consequences of a Brain Injury
The brain controls all our bodily functions and life activities, and when an injury to the brain occurs, there are consequences. The most common consequences include:
- Mobility issues due to loss of balance or coordination
- Speech deficits
- Short-term memory loss
- Amnesia
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Tremors
- Sensory impairment
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Visual and hearing impairment
- Reduced concentration and attention
- Impaired reasoning and empathy
- Executive functioning deficits
- Confusion
- Emotional imbalance
- Agitation or aggression
Anyone involved in a car accident should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out the possibility of a brain injury. Symptoms are often masked by the stress and emotions of a car accident, or by other physical injuries. Quick diagnosis and treatment for a brain injury is vital to recovery.
Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP Represent Car Accident Victims Suffering Brain Injuries
If you suffered a brain injury as a result of a car accident, contact the Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyers at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP today. We will fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us at 833-ACTS-LAWopens phone dialer or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout California.