Brain injuries are among the most devastating injuries that can occur in car accidents. Even a minor collision can generate enough force to cause a traumatic brain injury. Victims may face weeks, months, or even years of rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Types of Brain Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of brain injuries, each with its own symptoms and long-term prognosis.
Concussions
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These occur when the brain is shaken or jolted; they can lead to memory issues, headaches, sensitivity to light, and concentration difficulties.
Contusions
A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head. Severe contusions may require surgery and can lead to swelling, cognitive impairment, and long-term neurological issues.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)
DAIs occur when the brain’s nerve fibers are torn due to rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head. These injuries are extremely serious and often result in coma or long-term cognitive dysfunction.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
In rare but severe cases, debris or objects can penetrate the skull during a crash. These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate emergency treatment.
Hypoxic or Anoxic Brain Injuries
If the crash interrupts oxygen flow to the brain (e.g., cardiac arrest, severe blood loss, or airway obstruction), victims may suffer permanent neurological damage.
How Do Brain Injuries Happen in Car Accidents?
Brain injuries in St. Charles car crashes typically result from a sudden, forceful impact. Even low-speed collisions can create violent acceleration that causes the brain to collide with the skull.
Common causes of head injuries include:
Rapid Forward-Backward Movement
In rear-end collisions, victims may experience a sudden “whipping” motion that causes the brain to shift inside the skull.
Direct Impact with Hard Surfaces
Striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or another area during a collision can cause contusions, concussions, or penetrating injuries.
Airbag Deployment
Airbag deployment can contribute to concussions or contusions, especially if the victim is seated too close to the airbag compartment.
Vehicle Rollovers
Rollover crashes often involve rotational forces, increasing the likelihood of severe TBIs.
Flying Debris
Broken glass, metal fragments, and loose objects inside the vehicle can strike the head during a crash.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Brain Injury?
Brain injuries are often severe and long-lasting; victims may be entitled to substantial compensation through a personal injury claim.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
A St. Charles car accident attorney can help you identify all the available damages in your claim. They can even help you evaluate complex losses like future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
If a negligent driver caused your injury, you should not have to shoulder the burden alone. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.