What Are the 5 Most Common Brain Injuries in Car Crashes? Van Zandt Accident Attorney Investigates

The impact of a car accident can damage any part of the body, but brain injuries are particularly devastating. Depending on the severity and nature of the injury, the victim may have permanent cognitive problems and long-term disabilities.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, auto accidents are responsible for 14 percent of all traumatic brain injuries. Even a minor TBI can have permanent consequences.

Common examples of car crash brain injuries include:

1. Concussion;
2. Contusion;
3. Coup-contrecoup;
4. Diffuse axonal;
5. And penetration.

If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury in a collision, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury lawyer in Van Zandt who can structure your claim, gather evidence, and help you pursue the maximum compensation.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit accident.usattorneys.com/texas/ to learn more about injury lawsuits in Texas.

Here is a brief overview of five common brain injuries in car accidents:

1. Concussions

Concussions are the most common head injuries for car crash victims. According to the Brain Injury Alliance, blunt force trauma and violent head shaking can cause a concussion.

Many people dismiss concussions as minor injuries that will heal on their own. However, a concussion can cause lasting cognitive symptoms – even if you do not have a visual head wound.

Concussions refer to stretched blood vessels inside the brain, which can damage cranial nerves. Symptoms can take a few hours or several days to manifest.

2. Contusions

A contusion is a bruise on brain tissue. It happens due to blunt force trauma, which causes the brain to swell and bleed internally.

All contusions require medical attention. In serious cases, patients need surgery to remove the damaged tissue, but most heal without long-term complications.

3. Coup-Contrecoup

A coup-contrecoup refers to two contusions: One typically forms at the site of impact, and the other forms on the opposite side of the brain. Coup-contrecoup injuries happen when a powerful blow forces the brain to shift violently to one side of the skull and then the other. Serious cases may cause paralysis, but this is usually temporary.

4. Diffuse Axonal

A diffuse axonal is perhaps the most serious TBI. It can happen when the head shakes or rotates violently during the crash.

These are most common in rear-end crashes and other accidents that cause an abrupt stop. The impact forces the brain forward, which can tear blood vessels, nerves and white matter.

5. Penetration

Penetration wounds are often fatal. Shorn metal, broken glass and projectiles within the vehicle can break through the skull and damage the brain.

Survivors usually need extensive rehabilitation. They may have to relearn basic functions such as walking and talking.

If you sustained a brain injury in a crash with a negligent driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Van Zandt accident attorney who can protect your rights. He helps clients throughout east Texas, including Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Jefferson, Lufkin, Marshall, Mt. Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Paris, Pittsburg, Texarkana and Franklin County. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.