Dealing With a Head Injury After a Car Accident

A head injury can be one of the most devastating consequences of a car accident. Even though head or brain injuries are not always immediately obvious, they can worsen over time without immediate medical attention and care. Because even minor brain injuries can eventually lead to significant physical, cognitive, and emotional problems, recognizing and addressing early symptoms can be the difference between a swift recovery and an arduous one.

Fill out the form below

Types of Head Injuries After a Car Accident

People can suffer three basic types of head injuries in car crashes. The most severe accidents may even cause all three types.

Closed Head Injuries

This type of injury occurs when an impact causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull. The impact could be on the body or the head.

Open Wounds

Open wounds occur when an external object strikes the skull hard enough to break the skin and the skull, causing damage to the brain.

Crushing Injuries

Some accidents cause the car’s frame to give way enough that it crushes a section of an occupant’s skull, which can potentially cause injuries to multiple parts of the brain.

All of these injuries can result in a broad range of conditions. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons outlines the possibilities as follows:

Mass Lesions

Brain bruising and bleeding can result from hematoma, contusions, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Diffuse Injuries

These include axonal injuries, which interfere with nerve function. They also include ischemic injuries, which reduce blood flow to the brain.

Skull Fractures

A fracture to the skull can be anything from a simple crack to a compression fracture that pushes bone into the brain.

Our Areas Of Practice a full service law firm

Fake ID Defense Lawyers
Emotional Distress Damages

VIEW ALL PRACTICE AREAS

Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), traumatic brain injury symptoms can include the following:

Physical Symptoms – headache, blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and trouble balancing.
Cognitive Symptoms – The affected individual may suffer from difficulty thinking, a sense of slowness, forgetfulness, and concentration problems.
Sleep Symptoms – A person who has suffered a TBI may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up from sleep.
Emotional Symptoms – After a TBI, a person may feel inexplicable sadness, irritability, nervousness, or anxiousness.

Watch closely for any of the above symptoms in yourself or your loved ones after an accident. If you notice any of them, seek immediate medical treatment.

If a child has been in a car accident, they may be unable to communicate their experience. Observe them for the above symptoms. Also, look for continuous crying or a refusal to nurse or eat.

SERVING YOU 24/7

(843) 832-1120

What Are the Consequences of a Head Injury?

Head injuries can result in long-lasting effects, including cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Some common long-term effects include:

Cognitive impairments – Memory loss, trouble concentrating, difficulty with problem-solving, and other cognitive challenges.
Emotional changes – Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability may develop or worsen after a head injury.
Physical limitations – Balance problems, dizziness, and headaches that may persist for a long time.
Increased risk of future brain injuries – Those who have suffered a previous head injury may be more susceptible to further brain trauma.

Some head injuries are so visibly apparent that other people on the accident scene can immediately recognize how serious they are.

However, many traumatic brain injuries (TBI) go unnoticed or undiagnosed because they happen without outward signs of head trauma. Often the person who has received the injury experiences such a rush of adrenaline that they do not feel any immediate pain. They may begin to experience symptoms in the hours or days that follow. Recognizing early signs is essential for ensuring the greatest chances of recovery.

Recognizing Head and Brain Injury Symptoms at the Scene of an Accident

After someone has sustained a head injury in a car accident, their condition might prevent them from recognizing the signs that they have been injured. If you are on the scene of an accident, be aware of others who might display symptoms such as:

Appearing dazed or confused
Failing to respond normally when questioned
Failing to recall what has happened
Losing consciousness
Changing personality
Forgetting information

$1,272,800 Single Car Collision
$125,000 Car collision
$100,000 Car collision
$400,000 Pedestrian v. Car Collision
$130,000 Single Car Collision

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Charleston Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a car accident, you deserve compensation for your losses. The experienced Charleston car accident attorneys of Crantford Meehan will work to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call our dedicated team of attorneys today at (843) 832-1120 or contact us online for a free consultation.

SERVING YOU 24/7

(843) 832-1120

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS

First Aid for Head Injuries after an Accident

Call emergency responders immediately if you notice someone displaying any of the above symptoms after a car accident. Let them know that you suspect someone has suffered a head injury. While you wait for the ambulance:

Make sure the injured person remains still. Do not move them or reposition them unless it is necessary. If they are wearing a helmet, do not remove it.
If they are bleeding from the head, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. However, if it appears that they may have a skull fracture, do not apply pressure.
Begin CPR if the person has stopped breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of head injuries are common in car accidents?

The most common head injuries from car accidents are concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the force of the impact and other factors.
What should I do if I suspect a head injury after a car accident?

If you suspect a head injury, seek medical help immediately. Even if the person doesn’t show outward signs of trauma, they should be evaluated for potential brain injury, as symptoms can emerge later.
How long do symptoms of a head injury take to show up after a car accident?

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others can take hours or even days to manifest. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical care even if symptoms are not initially present.
Can a head injury after a car accident lead to long-term issues?

Yes, head injuries can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments, including difficulty with memory, mood changes, or problems with motor skills. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes.
How can I prove a head injury in a car accident claim in Charleston?

To prove a head injury, medical records, diagnostic tests (like CT scans or MRIs), and expert testimony are essential. Working with an experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
How much compensation can I receive for a head injury after a car accident in Charleston?

Compensation for head injuries may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount will depend on the severity of the injury, treatment required, and the impact on your life.