A car accident can cause a traumatic brain injury when the head is struck or the brain moves violently inside the skull—even if there are no visible injuries. Symptoms may not appear right away, which is why prompt medical evaluation is important. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and support recovery.
After medical care, many people also have questions about insurance coverage, missed work, and long-term rehabilitation. If you were hurt in a crash, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options while you focus on healing. Visit the Dressie Law Firm for more information, or explore help from an Atlanta car accident lawyer.
Understanding how different types of brain injuries occur after car accidents can help you recognize symptoms early and seek the right support.
Common Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Auto Accidents
Brain injuries can result from a minor collision or a traumatic accident. TBIs can be caused by the force of the collision alone or occur when the head strikes an interior surface of the car (i.e., dashboard, door or steering wheel).
There are a number of different brain injuries you could sustain during an auto accident.
- Diffuse axonal: This injury is caused by a severe head rotation that forces the brain to strike the skull on impact — tearing nerve tissues and damaging brain structures. Diffuse axonal disrupts the brain’s communication channels and chemical processes, which can lead to temporary or permanent brain damage.
- Concussion: This is one of the most common forms of injury caused by a rapid, violent movement of the head or sudden change in momentum. The severity of a concussion varies but often leads to symptoms like dizziness, loss of consciousness, nerve damage, or bleeding and swelling of the brain.
- Penetration: This is when an object (i.e., glass or debris) penetrates the head. Penetration may only go to the surface of the skull. However, in severe scenarios penetrating injuries can pierce through to the brain. The sight of oozing blood or difficulty breathing may be an indication of a penetration brain injury.
- Contusion: This occurs when the brain becomes bruised and can cause pain or swelling. In severe cases, a contusion may need to be surgically removed. Risks include headaches, blood clots, memory loss, and difficulty speaking.
- Coup-contrecoup: This is when the brain becomes bruised on both sides (A.K.A., a more severe contusion). A coup-contrecoup is often the result of extreme head rotations anytime the brain moves suddenly within the skull, damaging the brain structure. This injury is especially common in roll-over accidents.
What Are the Symptoms to Watch For?
Initial signs of a brain injury may not appear until hours or days following the car accident. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help ease your nerves and confirm the state of your health and well-being before you suffer complications. People with TBIs are especially vulnerable and their symptoms may worsen if left untreated. For additional symptom guidance, see the CDC overview of traumatic brain injury.
Be alert for the slightest side effects and see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Numbness in extremities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Difficulty with emotions
- Nausea
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Fatigue
If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Brain injuries must be treated swiftly to avoid the risk of long-term or life-threatening effects. Even if it turns out you aren’t suffering from a brain injury, it is better to take precautions.
Can Brain Injuries Cause Long-Term Effects?
Any injury to the brain is serious and should be treated appropriately. Even with time and treatment, it is possible to feel the effects months or even years after a traumatic brain injury. While your brain works to repair itself immediately after sustaining an injury, not all damage can be repaired naturally or even with the help of medical intervention.
Some of the long-term side effects of a TBI may include:
- Migraines or headaches
- Fatigue
- Visual impairment
- Dizziness
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
Importance of Hiring an Atlanta Brain Injury Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical treatments, lost wages, and ongoing expenses. Hiring a brain injury attorney ensures that you have a professional advocate to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
A skilled attorney starts by conducting a thorough case evaluation. This includes reviewing accident reports, medical records, and expert testimonies to build a strong case. They are adept at identifying liability, which is critical in car accident cases where fault may be disputed.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be particularly challenging. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts, but a seasoned lawyer understands these tactics. They negotiate on your behalf to pursue a settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and rehabilitation expenses.
For individuals with severe TBIs, long-term care can be a financial burden. A brain injury attorney can help calculate the cost of future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. They help ensure these factors are included in a claim.
Additionally, attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible when you need it most.
Get Legal Help From Dressie Law Firm After a Brain Injury in Atlanta
A traumatic brain injury can alter your life in an instant. Victims may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation for TBI, or even permanent lifestyle adjustments.
At Dressie Law Firm, we help clients in Atlanta pursue compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Our attorneys understand how to build strong cases that highlight the seriousness of traumatic brain injury claims.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of a brain injury, contact our Atlanta office today. Taking action quickly helps protect your rights and supports your recovery.
Our team at the Dressie Law Firm provides guidance on accident-related injuries in Atlanta.
Contact our Atlanta office at (678) 619-2977 to get started today.