Based on a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1.7 million Americans suffering from a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States. Motor vehicle collisions causing traumatic brain damage are the leading cause of both disability and death in the country. Due to the typically intense impact in a crash involving car accident head injuries, accident victims usually sustain injuries that affect them indefinitely, some even causing life-threatening complications.
Head injuries in the U.S. are most commonly caused by auto collisions, slips, falls, or any type of strong impact. The severity of damage and the length of recovery time vary greatly depending upon the force of the impact and the location of the blow. Unfortunately, there are currently about 5.3 million Americans who are living with a long-term disability caused by a traumatic brain injury during an accident of some sort. These people will have to continually receive treatment and therapy to learn to function in daily life while living with a disability.
The human body is not built to withstand strong blows to the head. Therefore, when car accident head injuries occur, they have the potential to damage a wide range of body parts. For instance, then the brain shifts inside of the head, bleeding may occur in the spaces surrounding the brain. This may cause damage to nerve connections linking from the brain to other parts of the body, as well as the development of bruised brain tissue.
Greg Coleman Law has represented a large number of Tennessee residents suffering from car accident head injuries. In our years of experience and millions of dollars won in verdicts and settlements, we understand what it takes to build a strong case that breeds the maximum compensation possible for our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered from car accident head injuries, you may be entitled to monetary benefits for your recovery.
To get started today with a Knox County personal injury attorney, complete a Free Case Review form.
Types of Car Accident Head Injuries
When a serious head injury occurs after a motor vehicle collision, the damages often affect the accident victim long-term. Depending upon the exact location and force of blow, many head injuries lead to traffic fatalities if not addressed and treated immediately. For this reason, any passenger occupant or driver of a vehicle involved in a serious crash must seek medical attention as soon as possible. In general, concussions are the most commonly seen type of head injury and are often found in minor auto accidents as well as high impact sports, such as football.
The following types of car accident head injuries are commonly seen in a motor vehicle crash:
Skull Fractures
Skull fracture severity ranges greatly, as a slight fracture may have little to no impact on the brain while a forceful impact may result in permanent brain damage or even a fatality. A skull fracture is labeled by a diagnoses which based upon the location, appearance of the fracture, and if the bone was bushed in or not. The following are the various types of skull fractures:
- Open or Closed Fractures
- Linear or Stellate Fractures
- Basilar Skull Fractures
- Penetrating Skull Fractures
- Depressed Skull Fractures
- Diastasis Fractures
Epidural Hematoma
When blood is trapped in a small region in the brain, an epidural hematoma forms, also referred to as a blood clot. When this happens, pressure rapidly builds up in the epidural space and pushes the clot up against the accident victims brain. For this reason, those who suffer epidural hematoma must be treated immediately to avoid life-threatening damages. Surgery is required in most cases.
Subdural Hematoma
Subdural hematomas occur when a tear or bleeding exists in the subdural region of the brain, often causing a clot to form and pressure brain tissue. Unlike many other injuries, subdural hematomas can actually occur on the opposite side of where the victim was struck. Surgery is occasionally required.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (Shear Injury)
Diffuse Axonal injuries are typically devastating, often resulting in permanent damage that many patients are unable to recover from. Even worse, there is no current surgery available for this type of damage and many patients are never able to recover. When this type of injury happens, the victim looks to be comatose due to the damage of electrical flow to brain cells which makes brain activity largely impossible.
Intracranial Bleeding
When any bleeding takes place in the skull it is considered intracranial bleeding. These ailments are largely undetectable to the human eye, as the damage is internal and thus imperceptible. Because so many different types of internal injuries may be present following a motor vehicle crash, accident victims are advised to seek medical care immediately, whether damages are perceptible or not.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyers
The injury lawyers at Greg Coleman Law have a track record of success, that has built a strong reputation throughout the state of Tennessee. Our personal injury law firm has achieved millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements through hard work, thorough research and investigation, and a shared dedication to excellence. When car accident head injuries are sustained by the victim of a crash, there are multitudes of things that the sufferer and their loved ones will have to handle. With this in mind, our Knoxville car accident lawyers aim to ensure that all legal aspects will be taken care of, leaving you to focus on recovering and getting back to normal daily life.
To get started today, please complete a Free Case Review on this page.
