Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Geneva, Illinois, and across the U.S. Even a seemingly minor car crash can result in a serious brain injury that changes a victim’s life forever. The force of a collision does not need to penetrate the skull to cause lasting harm. When the brain is jolted, compressed, or struck with enough force, damage can occur that requires immediate medical attention. After experiencing injury in a preventable car crash, our legal team can help.
Overview of Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when an external force disrupts normal brain function. This trauma may be the result of direct impact, sudden acceleration and deceleration, or penetration by a foreign object. Because the brain controls every function of the body, even a mild injury can have wide-ranging consequences.
The severity of a brain injury depends on the type of trauma sustained and the part of the brain affected.
Types of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents
Doctors generally classify brain injuries into two main categories: closed head injuries and open head injuries.
Closed Head Injuries
Closed head injuries happen when the brain moves within the skull after a sudden force, such as the violent motion caused by a rear-end crash. Here, the brain strikes the skull’s inner surface, leading to bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
Examples of closed head injuries include:
- Concussions caused by whiplash or striking the steering wheel or window.
- Intracranial hematomas, which are pools of blood inside the skull, can increase pressure on the brain.
- Cerebral contusions, i.e., bruising of brain tissue that can impair function.
- Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) causing widespread damage to the brain’s connective fibers. These often result in coma or long-term disability.
Closed head injuries are the most common type of TBI in Geneva car accidents and can range from mild to catastrophic.
Open Head Injuries
Open head injuries occur when an object fractures or penetrates the skull. These are less common than closed head injuries but are among the most severe. They often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Examples include:
- Linear fractures, which refer to cracks in the skull without penetration of brain tissue.
- Depressed fractures, which occur when broken bone fragments press into the brain.
- Basilar fractures are breaks at the base of the skull, which can damage critical nerves and tissues.
Open head injuries are life-threatening medical emergencies. Immediate treatment is essential to reduce the risk of permanent impairment or death.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries?
Brain injury symptoms may not appear right away after a car crash. In some cases, the signs worsen over hours or days. That is why it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation after any accident, even if you feel “fine.”
Common warning signs include:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or inability to stay awake
- Confusion and disorientation
- Vision problems or ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
Brain injuries can worsen quickly. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.
Contact a Geneva Car Accident Lawyer for Help After a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury in a Geneva car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced Geneva car accident lawyer can help you recover full economic and non-economic damages for your financial and personal losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Your attorney will handle all aspects of your claim, from filings and paperwork to negotiation and court appearance. They will calculate the value of your claim and consult with experts across disciplines to ensure that your losses are adequately documented.
Call Feagans Law Group today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options after a brain injury.