Car accidents are among the leading causes of head injuries, which can range from mild bumps to severe trauma leading to long-term complications or even death. The impact of brain damage can be severe, resulting in permanent impairments in cognition, mobility, speech, memory, and much more.
If you were injured in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention right away to mitigate the effects of the injury and potentially save your life. Here are five common types of head injuries that you can suffer from after a motor vehicle collision in McAllen, Texas.
#1: Concussions
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in car accidents. They occur when the brain is jolted within the skull due to a sudden impact, causing a temporary loss of normal brain function. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and in some cases, loss of consciousness. While many recover from concussions with rest and proper medical treatment, the effects can linger, impacting a person’s ability to work and engage in daily activities.
#2: Skull Fractures
The force of a car accident can cause the skull to fracture, which can be more than just a simple break in the bone. Depending on the severity, skull fractures can lead to brain damage, infections, and other serious complications. In some instances, a skull fracture can result in death.
#3: Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain. This form of harm is particularly severe and often results in swelling, bleeding, permanent neurological damage, or even death. Car accidents can cause penetrating injuries if debris or parts of the vehicle breach the skull during the impact.
#4: Contusions
A contusion is a bruise on the brain itself, caused by a direct impact to the head. Symptoms of this brain injury can include cognitive difficulties, emotional and behavioral changes, and physical impairments, which may evolve. Large contusions may require surgical intervention to alleviate pressure on the brain and prevent further damage.
#5: Hemorrhages
Hemorrhages involve bleeding in or around the brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhages, where bleeding occurs between the brain and the tissues that cover it, and intracerebral hemorrhages, bleeding within the brain tissue itself, are common types resulting from car accidents. Both conditions are life-threatening and can lead to increased pressure inside the skull, causing severe brain damage or death without prompt treatment.
Speak to a Texas Brain Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury as a result of a car accident, it is essential to seek medical assistance immediately. Some of these injuries do not show any symptoms right away but can be dangerous if left untreated. Always go to the hospital after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured.
Then, contact a McAllen traumatic brain injury lawyer right away. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Remember, time is of the essence in these cases, so schedule a free legal consultation as soon as possible to get the support that you need.
