Brain Injuries in Car Accidents: Symptoms, Outcomes, and What to Do Next

Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, occurs when the brain experiences a sudden and violent impact against the skull. The trauma could be the head striking an object inside the car or the brain colliding with the inside of the skull when the vehicle suddenly stops.

In cases where the brain is injured while the skull remains intact, a victim could suffer a closed head injury, also known as a closed brain injury. This results from excessive shaking or sudden forward and backward movements slamming the brain into the inside of the skull. Surgical intervention can be necessary if the brain begins to swell.

Concussions are likely to occur when a victim’s head is suddenly jolted or shaken. Although considered a mild traumatic brain injury, concussions can still have significant lasting effects. Victims may suffer memory loss, vision issues, headaches, or nausea until the brain repairs the damage.

A contusion is a bruise on the brain’s surface, typically caused by direct trauma to the head during a car accident. Contusions can lead to bleeding and swelling in the brain, which can be life-threatening.

A coup-contrecoup brain injury involves trauma to the brain in two ways. A contrecoup injury occurs when a moving head/brain hits a non-moving object. A coup injury occurs when a moving object hits a non-moving head/brain.

Diffuse Axonal Injury occurs when the brain rapidly shifts within the skull, causing widespread damage to nerve fibers. This shearing force inside the skull often results from high-speed car accidents with sudden deceleration or rotation.

A hematoma is a collection of blood in the brain or between the brain and the skull caused by damaged blood vessels. The risks associated with hematomas can vary depending on their location and size. While small hematomas are usually not a cause for concern and can resolve on their own, larger or more severe hematomas can pose significant dangers and complications. 

Treatment options may include drainage of the hematoma, surgical intervention, and management of any underlying medical conditions that contributed to its formation. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are typically necessary for larger or more serious hematomas, especially those that occur as a result of car accidents.

A car accident can break the hard bones in the skull, particularly if a victim’s head strikes the window, doorframe, or dashboard. In a depressed skull fracture, the pieces of the broken skull point inward and place pressure on the brain. A skull fracture may accompany other head injuries, such as concussions or contusions.

In some car accidents, objects from within the vehicle or debris from the crash can penetrate the skull and directly damage the brain. Due to the invasive nature and high risk of infection, penetrating brain injuries are likely to have long-lasting or fatal outcomes.

Medical expenses are among the most significant and financial burdens for people with brain injuries. The cost of diagnostic procedures, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing appointments required can quickly add up. The financial impact of brain injuries can be long-lasting, extending over many years to include follow-up appointments, specialist consultations, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or mobility aids for those with severe impairments. These ongoing expenses can strain an individual’s finances and deplete savings.

Recovery from a brain injury is often a long and arduous process that involves various forms of rehabilitation and therapy. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation may be necessary to help individuals regain lost functions and adapt to their new circumstances. The cost of these therapies can be substantial, and the duration of treatment can extend for years, further contributing to the long-term financial burden.

Many individuals who suffer brain injuries in car accidents face a considerable upheaval in their lives. Depending on the extent of the injury, some may find it difficult or even impossible to go back to their previous jobs. Some are forced to switch to part-time work, change industries, or leave employment altogether. 

Unfortunately, brain injury survivors often suffer drastically reduced lifetime earnings while their medical bills steadily rise. This decrease in income can profoundly affect an individual’s financial stability, making it challenging for them to provide for themselves and their loved ones. A victim’s loved ones might have to bear the financial burden of a brain injury, including long-term medical care, housing, or caregiver expenses.

For individuals with severe brain injuries, caregiving becomes a critical need. Family members often step into the role of caregivers, which can require them to take time off work or even leave their jobs entirely. This leads to a loss of income and additional expenses related to caregiving, such as medical supplies, home modifications, and transportation for medical appointments. The emotional toll on caregivers is also significant, impacting their physical and mental health.

The pain and suffering individuals with brain injuries experience can be immeasurable. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, cognitive impairment, depression, mood disorders, and a diminished quality of life. While it is challenging to quantify the cost of pain and suffering, it is a real and enduring consequence of brain injuries that can affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being.

The legal and insurance aspects of a car accident-related brain injury can be complex, and many people need help navigating the process. However, hiring an attorney to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue a personal injury claim can lead to legal fees and court-related expenses. Additionally, if a settlement is reached, it may only cover part of the costs, leaving individuals and their families to shoulder the remaining financial burden.