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Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Common in Car Accidents?
Jessica Nix • Apr 10, 2023
Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Common in Car Accidents?
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe and life-altering brain damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional motor vehicle accidents accounted for approximately 17 percent of all TBI-related deaths reported from 2018 to 2019.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, such as a blow to the head or a sudden jolt, causes damage to the brain. In a car accident, the force of the impact can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to various types of traumatic brain injuries that can have debilitating effects on a person's life (i.e., permanent brain damage, functional impairments, comas and death).
If you have suffered a hard blow, jolt or bump to the head, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. If your car accident injuries are due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages (i.e., medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, etc.). A personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and explain the necessary steps for filing a claim in Atlanta.
Seven Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs can have a wide range of physical and cognitive effects depending on their severity and location. The types of traumatic brain injuries that can occur in a car accident include:
- Concussion –
Concussions are the most common type of TBI. They occur when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, causing a temporary loss of consciousness, blurred vision, confusion and/or other symptoms (i.e., headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and/or noise, etc.). While most people can make a full recovery, repeated concussions may lead to long-term brain damage.
- Contusion – A contusion is a bruise on the brain that occurs when the brain collides with the inside of the skull. These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the force of the impact. Symptoms of
a contusion include headache, dizziness and confusion. In more severe cases, contusions can lead to bleeding or swelling of the brain.
- Hematoma – Hematomas are a type of brain injury that involves the collection of blood outside the blood vessels. They can be caused by a blow to the head or a sudden acceleration or deceleration. Hematomas can cause pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion and slurred speech. Depending on the location and size of the hematoma, surgery may be necessary to remove the blood clot.
- Brain penetration – Penetrating injuries happen when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain. For example, a piece of metal or glass from a shattered windshield can pierce the skull, causing severe brain damage. Symptoms of a penetrating injury often depend on the location and severity of the injury, but they can include seizures, paralysis and cognitive impairment.
- Coup-contrecoup – Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain strikes the skull on one side and then bounces off and strikes the other side. This type of injury can cause damage to both sides of the brain, leading to symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and cognitive issues. Coup-contrecoup injuries are often associated with high-speed accidents, such as those involving motorcycles or sports-related injuries.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) – DAIs occur when the brain moves back and forth inside the skull, causing tearing of the nerve fibers. These injuries can lead to a loss of consciousness, coma or even death. DAIs are often associated with high-speed accidents, such as those that occur on highways or freeways. Symptoms of a DAI include confusion, dizziness and persistent headaches.
- Anoxic brain injury – Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. This can occur if oxygen becomes restricted from being trapped or crushed by a vehicle, or due to low blood pressure after significant blood loss from another injury sustained in the accident (i.e., lacerations or puncture wounds). Symptoms of an anoxic brain injury can include confusion, memory loss and cognitive impairment.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Head, Neck and Spine Injury Lawyers in Atlanta
Car accident injuries can have life-altering consequences that can drive up your medical bills and impact your finances. At the Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix, we understand the toll a traumatic brain injury can have on you and your family. When it comes to your claim, we look at the overall picture and calculate a fair settlement that will aid in your recovery.
You deserve compensation if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Contact our office at (404) 588-1001 and schedule your free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and have filed a claim, what happens next is critical. According to The Law Dictionary, 95% of civil cases settle at some stage. What will make or break the case for your future is having a seasoned attorney by your side to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. A personal injury lawyer knows the ins and outs of dealing with reluctant insurers and can drag them to court if necessary. Once you reach that point, their expertise can be the key to unlocking the maximum restitution you’re entitled to. Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming, but having the right legal team makes all the difference. The Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix has a proven track record and in-depth understanding of personal injury law. We deliver more than just legal representation; we give you a strategic advantage. Read on to discover just how consequential having a skilled Atlanta attorney is after an accident and how they can secure maximum compensation for you and your family. Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Finding your way forward after an accident can feel like walking blindfolded through a maze. You’re drowning in medical bills, you can’t work, and you may be having conflicts at home from all the stress. An experienced personal injury attorney can cut through all the noise and show you the crucial legal steps to take. Personal injury lawyers bring a wealth of relevant knowledge to the table. They know how insurance companies argue and stall. They also have negotiation strategies that bring them to heel so you can focus on recovery. Top 5 Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Personalized Legal Strategy An adept lawyer devises a specific strategy to win your case. Higher Compensation Having astute legal representation typically results in substantially higher compensation. Complex Case Management Being represented by a personal injury attorney in complex cases is absolutely indispensable. These cases typically involve intricate legal procedures. No Upfront Costs Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Peace of Mind Leaving the fight to a legal professional vastly reduces stress and offers the emotional support you need in this difficult time. Common Injuries Where an Attorney is Crucial Certain accidents that result in life-altering consequences like severe neck and head injuries, paralysis, or wrongful death make having an attorney essential. Incidents involving Uber/Lyft accidents or workplace injuries can become messy to deal with on your own. What Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney? The vast majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. If they don’t win your case, you pay nothing. This proves that by taking your case, they are confident of success and will work diligently to win. Personal Injury Compensation FAQs Q. Should I get a lawyer for a minor injury? A. Many clients believe they can win these types of cases on their own, and they may be right. However, they often need to negotiate for what they really deserve before taking the first settlement offered. That’s where having a personal injury attorney makes all the difference. Q. How much is my personal injury case worth? A. The answer depends on how severe your injuries are, their impact on your quality of life, and your prospects for recovery. Your personal injury lawyer can provide a detailed assessment of your case's worth. Q. Can a lawyer get me more money for my pain and suffering? A. Your lawyer is a skilled negotiator who knows all the tricks insurance companies play. While pain and suffering damages require specialized tactics to maximize, it’s all in a day’s work for an experienced legal expert. Q. How do personal injury lawyers increase settlement amounts? A. Your attorney will interview you to grasp all the details of your case and then collect comprehensive proof. They may consult experts to testify on your behalf or use legal precedents. If necessary, they can also threaten litigation to gain leverage and reach a higher settlement without going to court. Want to Learn More? Contact the Best Personal Injury Firm in Atlanta The team at Rickard, Drew & Nix has seen firsthand the transformative impact of a skilled legal ally. Our clients can attest to our dedication and commitment to their future financial security and how tough we fight for their rights. We can do the same for you, and we will. Contact Us You only get one chance for rightful compensation. Make it count by contacting our knowledgeable team today for a free consultation with a personal injury expert. We’ve got your back, Atlanta, and we’ll prove it.
Atlanta personal injury attorneys, RDN Legal, explains the potential available damages in a wrongful death claim. For more information, schedule an appt. today.
Atlanta personal injury attorney, RDN Legal, provide teh crteria and procedures for bring a wrongful death lawsuit to trial. For more infomration, call today!