4 Types of Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by Car Accidents January 23, 2018.

According to the Brain Injury Society, falls and car accidents are the two biggest causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is an "umbrella" term, under which two primary two classifications of injuries exist — open and closed head injuries. Specific brain injuries will then fall into one of those two categories. There are several types of TBIs that can be caused by car accidents, with the four discussed here being more common.

1. Concussions

Sustaining a concussion from a car accident is a relatively common occurrence, even if the accident was not severe. It doesn’t take much to concuss a person, and the snapping motion of the head and neck during an accident can be enough to cause the brain to become bruised. Concussions typically heal on their own, but must be observed closely in the first few days for complications. In a few cases, concussions can lead to long term side effects.

2. Axonal Closed Head Injuries

These types of traumatic brain injuries come from violent shaking, such as would occur in a multi-car pileup or a rollover accident that sends a car tumbling down an embankment, for example. The shaking actually rattles the brain inside the skull, resulting in a TBI. Over time, the damage caused may improve, but permanent brain injury is also a possibility. This type of TBI can cause a person to struggle with daily tasks and memory recall for the rest of their life.

3. Penetrating Head Wounds

Penetrating TBIs come from objects that penetrate the skull and enter the brain. There are several different ways this can happen in a car accident, although penetration injuries are not as common as injuries sustained to a closed skull. Flying debris can be propelled at a velocity that could cause a penetrating head wound and depending on where the brain is injured and how seriously, this kind of TBI can be especially devastating or even fatal.

4. Contusions

Contusions are similar to concussions, but they may involve blood clots and other bleeding that must be surgically addressed. This can cause significant brain damage if not handled carefully, so it is vital that the problem be detected quickly. However, even with proper treatment, contusions can cause lingering issues like behavioral and mood changes, memory loss, and more.

Traumatic brain injuries can have catastrophic and lifelong consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, there is help available. A car accident lawsuit may provide financial remedy for medical expenses and lost wages and can also penalize negligent drivers for their actions behind the wheel.

Contact The Mellino Law Firm to learn more about traumatic brain injuries caused by car accidents and how to obtain the financial restitution you deserve for injuries that are serious and life changing. Call now for a consultation at (440) 333-3800.