Unfortunately, car accidents are a leading cause of head-trauma-related fatalities in the U.S. If a head injury victim survives after a car accident, they may be left with life-long symptoms. Head injuries may leave individuals with crushing medical expenses, lost wages, and lifelong impacts on daily functioning or the ability to work. The reality of the consequences of a car accident-caused head injury leads to understanding why it is so essential to take full advantage of the law. It is pertinent to ensure you or your loved one receives just compensation for both your current and future expected damages after sustaining a car accident injury.
Here at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ we have represented hundreds of car accident injury victims and are well-versed in the ins-and-outs of North Carolina personal injury law and car accident injury cases. If you seek top-end legal expertise and care in your claim, contact Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ at (800) 529-0804 or online. We have helped our clients receive significant monetary compensation from North Carolina head and brain injury car accident cases.
Head Injuries After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident in which your vehicle has sustained damage, your body may also have sustained damage. Head injuries after a car accident can be tricky to diagnose and may take some time for symptoms to develop. This is why it is best always to be evaluated by a medical professional immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Below find some examples of different kinds of head injuries and associated symptoms.
Common Head Injuries
Head injuries may vary significantly in severity, but all may be associated with long-term health issues. For example, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be classified as mild or severe. Severe TBIs are associated with permanent brain damage, loss of consciousness, memory loss, and even coma or death. However, whether minor or severe, most head injuries may be classified as a concussion, contusion, hemorrhage, hematoma, or penetrative. We will discuss these common car accident-related brain injuries in more detail below.
Concussion
Concussions are the most commonly reported type of Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI). A concussion occurs when the brain hits the walls of your skull. Concussions often present with dizziness, confusion, and may include a loss of consciousness.
Contusion
Contusion is the medical term for bruising. Yet, a contusion on the brain can be severe and may require surgical intervention. Brain contusions can occur alongside concussions or may be associated with brain swelling. Symptoms of a brain contusion include changes in cognition, memory challenges, and trouble speaking.
Penetration
When it comes to brain injuries, penetration is the term used when a foreign object penetrates the brain. Deep cuts or lacerations may penetrate the brain. If involved in a car collision and an object is protruding from the head, it is best to leave the object in place until an emergency responder arrives. Do not attempt removal of the object on your own.
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhaging is internal bleeding. Brain tissue and the space around the brain can hemorrhage. Brain hemorrhaging often presents with vomiting, headache, and a loss of consciousness.
Hematoma
Hematomas occur when blood clots or collects outside of blood vessels. For example, brain hematomas often occur when blood vessels rupture and may often occur due to a car accident. Symptoms associated with hematomas include loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, and vomiting.
Symptoms of Head Injury
If you have been involved in a car accident, look out for signs of head injury. If in doubt, it is best to receive a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. As many brain injury symptoms may not immediately present themselves, it is best to get evaluated by a medical professional immediately following an accident. Head injuries can be very dangerous as symptoms are not always apparent.
Head Injury Symptoms
If you have been involved in a car accident, watch for signs of a head injury. Below find some common head injury symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Balance difficulties
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
Diagnosing Head Injuries from a Car Accident
Even without experiencing symptoms presently, doctors may be able to use a variety of tools and techniques to diagnose a head injury, such as:
- Looking for bruising, swelling, bleeding
- CT scans
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Other diagnostic/imaging tools
Treating a Head Injury After a Car Accident
The severity and kind of brain injury will greatly determine and impact treatment options. However, the following treatment options are common medical treatments for head injury victims.
Rest
Brain injuries will require rest and time to restore normal functioning. In addition, rest will support the healing process.
Pain Management
Pain associated with a head injury may be mild or severe. Your doctor may recommend medications or other pain relief methods.
Medication
In addition to pain medication, your doctor may prescribe other medicines to help manage symptoms, such as anti-seizure medication, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in some brain injury cases to reduce the risk of death or permanent brain damage.
Rehabilitation
After brain injury, rehabilitation may help regain brain functioning and improve coordination, strength, and balance. Rehabilitation may also be necessary to help support regaining mobility and speech.
If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered a brain injury, it is essential to receive medical treatment immediately.
North Carolina Head Injury Lawyers
Costs associated with head injuries and the potential necessity for long-term medical care can be harrowing. Head injuries can easily lead to lost income or even long-term disability. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you contend with your damages and ease the burden of life-altering brain injuries. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve and will fight to protect your legal interests. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’, have the skill and knowledge to navigate complex car accident injury cases. Call (800) 529-0804 or contact us online to receive your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
