A head injury can be one of the most devastating consequences of a motor vehicle 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 long-term suffering.

From concussions to penetrating injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range widely. As an accident victim who has suffered brain and head injuries in Charleston, you can count on our South Carolina head injury lawyers for help. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, reduced earning capacity, and ongoing care.

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Types of Head Injuries After a Car Accident

People can suffer three basic types of head injuries in car crashes: closed-head injuries, open wounds, and mass lesions. Each type can cause a range of damage to brain tissue, with the most severe accidents potentially causing all three types of injuries.

Closed Head Injuries

This type of injury occurs when an external force or 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 or open head injuries occur when an external object strikes the skull hard enough to break the skin and the skull, causing damage to the brain or penetrating injuries.

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.

Mass Lesions

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

Diffuse Injuries

These include diffuse 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.

Brain Swelling

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to severe swelling and significant damage to the brain. It’s important to watch for signs of injuries.

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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, and may have impacted sleep patterns.
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 family members 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.

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What Health Impacts 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 daily tasks, 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.

These impacts don’t include the personal toll that head injuries can often have on brain injury victims, potentially touching all parts of daily life.

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.

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Contact an Experienced Car Accident Brain Injury Lawyer in Charleston Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a car accident in South Carolina, 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 (866) 216-5916 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re ready to help with your Charleston car accident brain injury case.

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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
Brief loss of consciousness
Confusion or disorientation
Changing personality
Forgetting information

Keep in mind that brain injuries may not always have obvious symptoms. If you have any reason to think you or another person may have suffered even a mild TBI, it’s essential to get care from a medical professional as soon as possible.

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 TBIs, 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 legal claim. You can reach out today for a free case evaluation from our Charleston brain injury attorneys to get started.
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. You may also be owed punitive damages in cases of extreme wrongdoing. Our Charleston brain injury lawyers can help you seek a settlement for the full extent of your losses.