Aggressive Personal Injury Representation For North Dakota’s Injured

Car crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are a serious concern for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. These injuries occur when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and are a leading cause of disability and death. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the most common causes of TBIs due to the high impact forces involved.

Common types of TBI from motor vehicle accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to diverse types of traumatic brain injuries. Here are five common ones:

  1. Concussion: A concussion is a mild TBI that occurs when the brain is jarred inside the skull. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, memory problems and confusion. While often considered a minor injury, repeated concussions can lead to long-term issues.
  2. Contusion: A contusion is a brain bruise caused by an impact. This injury can cause swelling and bleeding in the brain, leading to symptoms such as loss of consciousness, nausea and cognitive difficulties.
  3. Diffuse axonal injury: DAI occurs when the brain is jerked inside the skull hard enough to cause nerve fibers to tear. This type of injury is common in high-speed crashes and can result in severe brain damage, leading to long-term coma or a persistent vegetative state.
  4. Penetrating injury: Penetrating injuries happen when something pierces the skull and enters the brain, harming the tissue. They are often life-threatening and can cause severe neurological deficits.
  5. Coup-contrecoup injury: This injury occurs when the brain hits one side of the skull and then rebounds to hit the opposite side. It can cause damage at both points of impact, leading to extensive brain injury and a wide range of symptoms, including cognitive and physical impairments.

TBIs can lead to debilitating injuries that affect every aspect of a person’s life. These can include cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. They may cause physical disabilities, such as paralysis or loss of coordination. There may even be emotional challenges, such as depression and anxiety. The long-term effects of a TBI can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical care and support.

Reasons for seeking damages

Victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by other negligent drivers may seek damages for many valid reasons:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing medical treatment may not be fully covered.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
  • Lost income: The injured often can’t work either short-term or long-term.
  • Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and other property.
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships with family members due to the injury.

There may be other effects as well.

The injured should seek medical help

Understanding these TBI and the issues surrounding injuries caused by other drivers helps everyone prepare for the aftermath. Seek medical help if you or a loved one suffered a TBI.

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