Have you Sustained a Head Injury as a Result of a Auto Accident?

Many people involved in a traffic accident sustain some type of head injury. In many situations, head injuries can be invisible and are not apparent without diagnostic testing, so it is critical for any car accident victim who might have a head injury to seek a full medical evaluation right away. After a diagnosis, you might face a long course of treatment, and some head injuries can have lasting effects. It is important to discuss your injuries right away with an experienced Trail Lawyer, call now David C. Chavez Law Firm at 505-865-9696.

The following are some examples of common head injuries in car crashes and how they occur. 

Traumatic Brain Injury

Motor vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States. A TBI occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull, causing tissue damage. This can happen for two reasons:

• Direct trauma from hitting your head on something
• A sharp and violent jolt of the head that is enough to “shake” your brain inside your skull

TBIs can be mild, which is considered to be a concussion, though a mild injury still needs medical care and recovery time. Moderate or severe TBIs often require admission to the hospital and longer-term treatment. Serious TBIs can cause permanent cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments that can change your life. 

Skull Fractures

Your skull can be fractured like any other type of bone, and this commonly happens when traffic accident victims suffer serious head trauma. Skull fractures may or may not be visible from the outside, as some require computed tomography tests to be diagnosed. Some people have skull fractures without any residual brain injuries. However, if a part of the fractured bone breaks off or shifts inward, it can damage brain tissue and result in a TBI. Some skull fractures can leave victims permanently disfigured, as well. 

Intracranial Complications 

Both TBIs and skull fractures can result in additional complications, including:

• Swelling of your brain
• Hematoma, which involves blood accumulating in the brain cavity

Both of these can dangerously increase intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening. After a head injury, your doctor might want to monitor your intracranial pressure, as increases can require immediate treatment.

Treatment for elevated pressure includes:

• Draining fluid through a small hole in the skull or spinal cord
• Removing a piece of the skull to accommodate for swelling
• Inserting a pressure monitor in your brain
• Medically-induced coma to reduce brain activity
• Medically-induced hypothermia

As you can see, all types of head injuries can be serious and can require extensive treatment.

David C. Chavez Law Firm is the Personal Injury Law Firm Who Has the Experience and Resources to Represent You in your Personal Injury Claim.

After a head injury in any type of accident, do not delay in speaking with The Law Firm of David C. Chavez. Call now 505-865-9696 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights as a Top 10 Top 100 Super Lawyer in Personal Injury in the United States.