Post-Accident Brain Injuries

Free Consultation

Car accidents can change lives in an instant. Often, the focus is on visible injuries like broken bones or lacerations, but the invisible damage—specifically post-accident brain injuries—can have the most lasting and life-altering impact. March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and help accident victims recognize the potential signs of brain damage after a crash.

This blog will explore what traumatic brain injuries are, how car accidents cause them, and the signs you should never ignore. If you or someone you love has been involved in a vehicle collision, read on to understand the importance of timely medical attention and legal action.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

 

The Mayfield Clinic defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “an injury to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head from blunt or penetrating trauma.” TBIs are categorized into primary injuries, which occur at the time of impact, and secondary injuries, which develop later as the brain reacts to the trauma.

 

Primary Injury

 

The primary injury happens during the crash when the brain collides with the skull’s rough interior. This can damage specific areas—or the entire brain—and ranges in severity. For example, mild TBIs may result in concussion-like symptoms, while severe trauma can cause significant brain damage.

 

Secondary Injury

 

Secondary injuries occur after the initial trauma, as the brain swells and builds pressure inside the skull. This swelling can decrease the flow of oxygen-rich blood, causing further, often irreversible, damage. It’s why symptoms might worsen over time, even if the victim initially seems “fine.”

 

 

What Are the Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Car Accidents?

 

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs in the United States. The sudden motion during a collision forces the brain to move and collide with the skull, leading to injuries such as:

  • Bruising
  • Tearing of blood vessels and tissues
  • Swelling of the brain
  • Penetrating wounds from debris

Types of Car Crashes That Lead to Head Injuries

 

The type and severity of injuries often depend on the kind of crash:

 

Head-On Collision

 

When the front of your vehicle crashes into another car or object, the impact can push your head into the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.

Rear-End Crashes

 

Sudden force from behind often causes whiplash as the head snaps forward and backward rapidly. This movement can lead to closed head injuries.

T-Bone Collisions

 

Being struck from the side can force your head into the side window or door, increasing the likelihood of brain trauma.

Rollover Accidents

 

Among the most dangerous crash types, rollovers can result in passengers being hit by flying objects, slammed against surfaces, or even ejected from the vehicle.

 

How Common Are TBIs Following Car Accidents?

 

TBIs are highly prevalent in car crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries nationwide and the leading cause of TBI-related deaths among individuals aged 5-24.

Each year, car accidents account for approximately 24.75% of all TBI hospitalizations. However, this figure doesn’t include cases treated in emergency rooms, urgent care centers, or primary care clinics, meaning the number of car accident-related TBIs is likely much higher.

 

What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

 

Brain injuries can manifest differently depending on the severity of the trauma. TBIs can lead to a broad range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Some of these may be noticeable right away, while others might require observation from loved ones or medical professionals to detect.

 

Why Early Detection Matters

 

Not all symptoms appear immediately following a crash. For example, someone involved in a seemingly minor fender bender may develop symptoms days or even weeks later. That’s why seeking medical care promptly is crucial even if you feel okay at the scene. A “mild” brain injury can still cause lasting complications if left untreated.

 

Understanding the Severity of a Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Medical professionals commonly use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to evaluate the severity of a TBI. This scale assesses three key factors to assign a score ranging from 3 to 15, with higher scores indicating a milder injury. The categories examined include:

  • Eye Response – Ability to open eyes spontaneously or in response to the stimulus.
  • Verbal Response – Ability to answer questions accurately (e.g., “What’s your name?”).
  • Motor Response – Ability to follow commands (e.g., “Raise two fingers.”).

The GCS classifies TBIs as follows:

  • Mild: 13–15
  • Moderate: 9–12
  • Severe: 8 or below

Understanding the severity of a TBI can guide both immediate medical interventions and long-term treatment.

 

Common Symptoms by Severity

 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

 

A mild TBI, also known as a concussion, may cause symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness and balance issues
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Light and sound sensitivity
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in mood, including depression or anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

You may not lose consciousness with a mild TBI, or you could briefly feel “dazed” or disoriented following the accident.

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

 

More serious TBIs lead to prolonged or intense symptoms, including:

  • Persistent or worsening headaches
  • Repeated vomiting or seizures
  • Dilated pupils or drainage of clear fluid from ears/nose
  • Difficulty waking up or extreme drowsiness
  • Numbness/weakness in fingers or toes
  • Noticeable coordination challenges or slurred speech
  • Extreme confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviors
  • Coma or loss of consciousness for extended periods

Symptoms in Children and Infants

 

Children who may struggle to verbalize their symptoms require closer monitoring. Parents should watch for warning signs such as irritability, inconsolable crying, feeding difficulties, seizures, or a sudden loss of interest in favorite activities.

 

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

 

Understanding the specific type of brain injury can provide valuable insight for diagnosis and treatment.

Concussion

 

A concussion is a mild injury that temporarily disrupts brain function, often causing headaches, dizziness, or confusion. Recovery is typically possible with proper rest and care.

Contusion (Brain Bruise)

 

A contusion is localized bleeding and bruising on the brain, often caused by a direct impact. It can occur beneath the point of impact (coup injury) or on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup injury).

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

 

This injury involves tearing nerve cells due to rapid brain movement inside the skull, such as during a car collision. DAI often leads to significant disruptions in normal brain function and requires intensive treatment.

Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (TSAH)

 

This involves bleeding into the area around the brain, where cerebrospinal fluid typically cushions and protects it. When blood mixes with this fluid, it can cause inflammation and severe complications.

Hematoma

 

A hematoma is a blood clot that forms due to ruptured blood vessels in or around the brain. It may cause increased pressure on the brain and require surgical removal.

  • Epidural Hematoma: Clot forms between the skull and brain lining.
  • Subdural Hematoma: Clot forms between the brain and dura lining.
  • Intracerebral Hematoma: Clot forms deep in the brain tissue.

Primary vs. Secondary Brain Injuries

 

While primary injuries occur at the moment of impact, secondary injuries result from the body’s inflammatory response to trauma. Swelling can increase intracranial pressure, potentially damaging brain areas that are not initially impacted. This is why timely treatment is vital to mitigate secondary injuries.

 

Immediate Actions and Treatment for Brain Injuries

 

One of the most critical factors in mitigating brain injury is early action. If you suspect a traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a car accident, here’s what you need to do right away:

Emergency Medical Attention Is Critical

 

If there is any suspicion of a brain injury, call emergency services immediately. Symptoms to watch for include confusion, loss of consciousness, severe headaches, impaired motor skills, or slurred speech. Even minor head trauma may signal a more severe underlying problem, so err on the side of caution.

Stabilization

 

When paramedics arrive, their priority is stabilization. This prevents further injury by addressing immediate issues like airway obstructions, low oxygen levels, or bleeding. Ensuring the person is stable buys precious time for deeper medical evaluations in a hospital setting.

Diagnostic Tests

 

Doctors will usually perform imaging tests to assess the extent of the brain injury:

  • CT (Computerized Tomography): Quickly detects fractures, bleeding, or hematomas.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides a detailed look at soft tissue damage and subtle injuries.
  • ICP Monitoring: Intracranial pressure monitoring measures the pressure inside the skull, helping to detect brain swelling.

Treatment at the Hospital

 

Hospital treatments for TBIs vary based on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may only require rest and observation, but severe cases might involve medications, oxygen therapy, or surgery to reduce swelling or eliminate blood clots.

 

Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Diagnosing a TBI frequently requires a combination of tests and examinations due to the complex nature of brain injuries. Immediate action in a hospital emergency room lets doctors evaluate the extent of the damage using advanced diagnostics. The following tests are commonly used to confirm TBIs:

  • CT Scans and MRIs: These tests provide images of the brain’s physical condition. CT scans identify urgent issues like bleeding or fractures, while MRIs offer detailed insight into soft tissue damage.
  • MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy): This imaging method evaluates brain metabolism and helps doctors predict recovery outcomes.
  • Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring: If there is evidence of brain swelling from the injury, ICP monitoring measures pressure and may help inform treatment plans.

These diagnostic tools, combined with neurological examination results (e.g., responsiveness, pupil reaction, and physical coordination), enable doctors to confirm a diagnosis and start a tailored treatment plan immediately.

 

Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

 

The treatment plan for a TBI depends on the injury’s severity. For mild cases, rest and time may suffice. However, moderate to severe TBIs often involve surgical procedures, medications, and careful monitoring.

Common Treatment Approaches:

 

  • Medications: These help control pain, seizures, and swelling. For severe cases, patients may be sedated to prevent agitation.
  • Surgery: Emergency procedures may involve removing blood clots, repairing skull fractures, or relieving pressure caused by brain swelling. Examples include:
    • Craniotomy – Temporarily removing part of the skull to access brain tissues and repair damage.
    • Decompressive Craniectomy – Removing a section of bone to alleviate swelling and pressure within the skull.
  • Supportive Devices: Severe cases may require tools like breathing tubes (tracheotomies) or feeding tubes (PEG) for critical support functions.

Monitoring in Neurocritical Care

 

For life-threatening brain injuries, patients are often placed in neurocritical care units, where they are monitored 24/7 by neurointensivists. This ensures any further complications, such as seizures or infections, are managed immediately.

 

 

Rehabilitation for TBI Patients

 

After the initial treatment, the recovery process for many TBI patients involves extensive rehabilitation to regain physical, emotional, and cognitive functions. Rehabilitation programs focus on the following areas:

  • Physical Therapy: Restores mobility, balance, and coordination.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helps patients relearn essential daily tasks like cooking, dressing, or using a computer.
  • Speech Therapy: Aids in improving language comprehension, speech clarity, and swallowing when those skills have been affected.
  • Psychiatric Care and Counseling: Tackles emotional health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which often accompany brain injuries.
  • Social Support: A network of family, friends, and structured support groups enhances recovery outcomes by fostering encouragement and routine.

Rehabilitation needs vary from person to person, depending on the nature of the injury and the patient’s progress. Some individuals recover fully, while others require ongoing care.

 

What to Do If You Suspect a Brain Injury

 

Suspecting a brain injury after a car accident is not an easy situation to face, but taking the proper steps early on is vital. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Contact emergency services if you have head trauma. Even if you feel fine, latent brain injuries can worsen rapidly.
  2. Get a Thorough Examination: Tests like the Glasgow Coma Scale, CT scans, or MRIs help determine the seriousness of brain damage.
  3. Document Your Injury: Detailed medical records are crucial for both treatment and your injury claim. Don’t skip this important step.

A proactive approach ensures proper care and helps stabilize your condition for a better recovery outcome.

 

HOW MUCH DOES A BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEY COST?

 

After a car accident resulting in a brain injury, your focus should be on healing—not worrying about legal fees. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we understand the overwhelming stress that comes with serious injuries. That’s why our experienced car accident attorneys are here to handle the legal complexities while you concentrate on your Recovery.

We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. From there, we work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay an attorney fee if we successfully recover your compensation through a settlement or trial verdict.

At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we are committed to securing the justice you need and deserve. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs. Before we begin, we’ll explain exactly how our fees work—typically as a percentage of your Recovery—so you’ll know what to expect. With over 70 years of experience, you can trust our team to pursue the best possible outcome for your brain injury case.

 

HEAD INJURIES CAN COST MILLIONS – YOU DESERVE COMPENSATION

 

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is challenging—physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical bills alone can reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. When your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence in a car accident, you deserve full and fair compensation.

At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we understand the devastating impact that moderate to severe TBIs can have on your life. Victims often face long-term or permanent disabilities, require extensive medical treatment, and may be unable to return to work. Without income, supporting yourself and your family can become impossible.

Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to ensure you aren’t left bearing these burdens alone. We fight to recover economic damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Many traumatic brain injury claims are worth millions of dollars, and we are relentless in pursuing every dollar you are entitled to for your future security and well-being.

CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY

 

Trauma to the head and brain is tragically common in car accidents. If your life has been turned upside down because of someone else’s negligence, now is the time to focus on rebuilding your life, not battling insurance companies.

Let the trusted car accident attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault handle your claim. For over 70 years, we have been standing up for injury victims across Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and Northeast Indiana, offering experienced, compassionate, and personalized legal representation. Our proven track record in accident and injury claims, including traumatic brain injuries, speaks for itself.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a car accident, call Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault today at 419-843-6663. You can also complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are here to fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.