Car accidents regularly result in head injuries. While some are minor, others are so severe that they can affect the rest of the victim’s life. If you suffered head injuries in a Lakeland, FL crash, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you will need to hire a competent Florida car accident attorney to help you understand your legal options and decide on the best course of action. You’ll also need to seek prompt medical attention so you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five of the most common types of head injuries that people involved in car accidents can suffer.
Concussion
A concussion occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull because of a sudden change in momentum or movement. Concussions can result from falls, direct blows to the head, and whiplash such as that which occurs in a car accident. These head injuries vary in severity, but symptoms can include:
- Amnesia
- Headache
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Problems concentration
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling lightheaded or dazed
- Personality changes
Penetration
Sometimes objects penetrate the skull during a car accident. Loose items inside the vehicle can become projectiles if there’s enough force. Penetrating wounds are serious and in some cases, fatal. They can result in:
- Seizure
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from the ears
- Excessive blood loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Coma
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, you need to see a doctor right away and then contact a Lakeland car accident lawyer. The sooner you move to protect your right to file a claim, the better it will be for you.
Diffuse Axonal Injury
This type of injury happens when the head is violently shaken or rotated. This can occur if the vehicle stops suddenly upon impact and the brain moves more slowly than the skull. Diffuse axonal injuries tend to occur in high-speed crashes, and they lead to the tearing of structures in the brain.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain that tends to follow a direct blow to the head. Contusions often occur when individuals hit their heads against the steering wheel, car window or an external object.
Symptoms include:
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Numbness or tingling in the area that was struck
- Cognitive changes
- Slurred speech
- Problems forming new memories
- Problems forming sentences
- Difficulty concentrating
Coup-Contrecoup
This type of injury is common in extremely forceful or violent car accidents including rollover crashes. A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain jerks suddenly in the skull. The impact causes the brain to strike both sides of the skull and as a result, both sides suffer damage.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Seizure
- Bleeding or swelling in the brain
- Skull fractures
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Why It’s So Important To See A Doctor
Car accident victims often think they’re okay if they don’t notice any visible head injuries after the crash. This is especially likely after accidents that don’t seem all that serious. However, it doesn’t take a major car accident for a driver or passenger to suffer head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can occur even at relatively low speeds.
You may assume the headache or nausea will go away after they get a good night’s rest. However, if you have a head injury, delaying treatment can be dangerous. Even if your head injuries seem minor, you should go to the doctor and mention all your symptoms. Something that seems insignificant to you may be a symptom of serious injury. Prompt treatment can make a significant difference in your outcomes.
Seeing a doctor quickly after your head injuries also helps to protect your right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. If you wait too late to seek medical attention, the other driver’s insurance company is likely to challenge your claim.
Book A Free Consultation With Burnetti, P.A. Today
If you were diagnosed with a head injury following a car accident that was not your fault, you should seek compensation. You shouldn’t have to struggle to handle the costs associated with medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let a Lakeland personal injury lawyer at Burnetti, P.A help you to build a strong case for compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.
