Common Head Injuries in Car Accidents, Symptoms, and Statistics

Head injuries are very common after a car accident, whether you are a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Head injuries could require hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical treatments, depending on the extent of the injury. Unfortunately, head injuries are very complex, and may require years of treatment until an accident victim is completely themselves again. Sometimes, unfortunately, an accident victim will never be themselves again.

No matter what type of head injury you have suffered, our attorneys can help every step of the way. Our Heidari law head injury attorneys are located in California and Nevada, and could help accident victims every step of the way as they file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. If you have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, look no further.

Traumatic brain injuries will impact your life forever, and you should have an experienced attorney to make sure that you get the compensation you need for your future medical treatment, along with loss of earning capacity.

Understanding the Types of Impact That Cause Head Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, often resulting in various types of injuries. Among the most concerning are head injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being. Understanding the specific types of impact that can lead to head injuries is crucial for ensuring timely medical intervention and proper treatment.

Common Types of Impact Leading to Head Injuries

Even if you don’t exhibit immediate symptoms after a car accident, certain types of impacts to the head should prompt you to seek medical evaluation. These impacts include:

1. Hitting Your Head on the Window
   • During a collision, the force can cause your head to strike the window, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
2. Striking Your Head on the Steering Wheel
   • The steering wheel is rigid and can cause significant head trauma upon impact, potentially resulting in skull fractures or brain injuries.
3. Contact with Hard Objects (Glass or Metal Pieces)
   • Debris from the vehicle or shattered glass can cause lacerations, contusions, or penetrating head injuries when they strike your head.
4. Experiencing a Shaking Sensation in the Head
   • The sudden movement and jarring can lead to whiplash or subconcussive impacts, which may not show immediate symptoms but can still cause brain injury.

Why Immediate Medical Evaluation is Essential

Even in the absence of visible symptoms, head injuries can have delayed manifestations. Conditions such as concussions may not present symptoms right away but can develop over hours or days. Early medical assessment ensures that any potential injuries are identified and treated promptly, reducing the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the common symptoms of a head injury after a car accident?

A: Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise. In severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures may occur. For more detailed information, visit NBC LA.

Q: Can head injuries occur even if the airbags deploy?

A: Yes, while airbags significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries, the force of deployment can still cause head trauma, especially if the occupant is too close to the steering wheel or window. Learn more from ABC7.

Q: How long after a car accident should I seek medical attention for a potential head injury?

A: It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Some symptoms may appear hours or days later. Early evaluation is crucial for effective treatment. Refer to Fox 11 for related insights.

Statistical Insights on Head Injuries in Car Accidents

According to recent data from ABC7, head injuries account for a significant percentage of emergency room visits following car accidents. Understanding these statistics highlights the importance of preventive measures and prompt medical care.

Preventing Head Injuries in Car Accidents

While accidents can be unpredictable, certain safety measures can reduce the risk of head injuries:

• Always Wear a Seatbelt: Proper seatbelt use can prevent occupants from being thrown against hard surfaces.
• Adjust Headrest Position: Ensuring the headrest is correctly positioned can minimize the risk of whiplash.
• Maintain Safe Distances: Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles allows more reaction time to avoid collisions.
• Avoid Distractions While Driving: Staying focused reduces the likelihood of accidents that could result in head injuries.

Understanding the Types of Accidents That Cause Head Injuries

Head injuries are a serious consequence of various types of accidents, each presenting unique risks and impacts. Recognizing these accident types can help in prevention and awareness efforts. Here are the most common accidents that lead to head injuries:

1. Head-On Car Accidents

Head-on collisions are among the most frequent and severe types of car accidents resulting in head injuries. These occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, generating immense force and momentum. The sudden impact can cause the occupants’ heads to snap violently, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

According to Fox11.com, head-on collisions account for a significant percentage of fatal car accidents each year.

2. Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This type of accident often causes whiplash, where the head is rapidly jolted forward and then backward. Such motion can lead to concussions or other brain injuries as the brain moves within the skull.

Q&A: Q: How do rear-end accidents cause head injuries? A: In rear-end collisions, the sudden force propels the head forward and then backward, which can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in concussions or more severe brain injuries.

For more insights on rear-end accidents, visit ABC7.com.

3. T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. This impact can cause the occupant’s head to hit the side window or door, potentially leading to significant head injuries.

Learn more about the dangers of T-bone accidents at NBC LA.com.

4. Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are among the most severe types of vehicle crashes concerning head injuries. During a rollover, the vehicle flips onto its side or roof, leaving occupants vulnerable without proper support. The lack of head restraints increases the risk of traumatic brain injuries or even fatalities.

Statistics on rollover accidents and their impacts can be found on Fox11.com.

Preventing Head Injuries in Accidents

Preventive measures are crucial in reducing the risk of head injuries during accidents. Here are some effective strategies:

• Wear Seat Belts: Always buckle up to secure yourself and minimize movement during a crash.
• Use Proper Headrests: Ensure headrests are adjusted to support the head and reduce whiplash.
• Drive Defensively: Stay alert, follow traffic rules, and avoid distractions to prevent accidents.
• Maintain Vehicle Safety Features: Regularly check that airbags, seat belts, and other safety features are functioning correctly.

Q&A: Q: What can drivers do to minimize the risk of head injuries in a car accident? A: Drivers can minimize risks by wearing seat belts, using proper headrests, driving attentively, and ensuring their vehicle’s safety features are in good working order.

Stay Informed and Safe

Understanding the types of accidents that cause head injuries and taking preventive measures can significantly enhance road safety. For more detailed statistics and information on car accidents and head injuries, visit trusted sources like ABC7.com, NBC LA.com, and Fox11.com.

How much does my head injury case cost?

There is no specific amount as to how much a head injury may cost. Instead, it depends on the severity of the head injury. Usually, head injuries are very severe compared to other types of injuries such as bone fractures or strains. Head injuries could also be very expensive since they will require several different types of medical treatment.

For a more in-depth look into your head injury lawsuit, give us a call today to discuss and move forward with your claim or lawsuit.

What are the different types of head injuries caused by a car accident?

Because a head injury could result in various symptoms, you must get medical treatment immediately after a car accident. A medical provider will be able to identify exactly what type of head injury you have and refer to your proper treatment.

•  Concussions: concussions are a very common head injury that results from a car accident, and occur when the passenger’s head is pushed forward and then backward. The forces involved cause bouncing within the skull. A concussion that has not been treated properly could lead to permanent injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury. This could lead to numbness, loss of sensation, or difficulty thinking. If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion after a car accident, give us a call today to see how you could recover compensation for the concussion.
•  Hematomas: hematoma is a blood clot in the brain, and occurs when there is a dramatic force upon the skull. There is tissue inside the brain that is meant to protect the brain from any force, and once that is tampered with, could cause a blood clot. Hematomas will require surgical intervention and can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills.
• Brain hemorrhage: a brain hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the brain. This is also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, and there are different categories of brain hemorrhages depending on where the hemorrhage is taking place. For example, there is epidural hemorrhage and subdural hemorrhage. For more information on hemorrhages, we recommend that you consult a medical doctor as soon as possible after a car accident to prevent any lasting effects of a brain hemorrhage.
•  Skull fractures: a skull fracture occurs when there is an abrupt force on the skull. This usually occurs when there is a foreign object that goes through the skull, such as large pieces of glass or metal. Serious skull fractures could be life-threatening and may require surgery as soon as possible to save the victim’s life.
•  Contusions: a contusion is a bruise that occurs on the brain, and is a buildup of blood caused by a force. A contusion is usually not immediately noticeable and will require several types of imaging to detect. A contusion can point to something very serious. 
• Diffuse axonal injury: a diffuse external injury occurs when the nerves in the brain tear. This could result in permanent nerve damage, which could lead to unconsciousness. Those who have suffered an axonal injury could be in a coma forever, depending on the force of impact.

What are the symptoms of a head injury after a car accident?

There are specific symptoms that you should be wary of after you have been involved in an accident that could point to a head injury. The key is to get evaluated by a medical professional, even if you think you are not feeling any symptoms. The longer you push off a visit to the doctor, the more serious your condition could get. Examples of some symptoms after a head injury include:

•  Headaches
•  Migraines
•  Coma
• Loss Of Consciousness
•  Blurred Vision
•  Unable To Speak
•  Unable To Focus
•  Confusion
•  Memory Loss
•  Slurring Words
•  Disoriented
•  Difficulty Sleeping
•  Anxiety
•  Loss Of Coordination
•  Numbness
•  Bleeding
•  Bruising
•  Seizures
•  Paralysis
•  Vomiting
•  Nausea
•  Pain
•  Swelling

How much do our head injury attorneys in California cost?

Our California head injury attorneys work through contingency fee agreements, which means that we do not collect any compensation upfront unless we win compensation for you. You owe us zero upfront costs, and we will take on your case for you. This means that if we secure compensation for you, we will deduct legal fees. If we don’t secure any compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Schedule A Complimentary Case Evaluation Heidari Law Attorneys Today

Our top-rated attorneys know just what it takes to represent our clients in a head injury lawsuit. We want to make sure that our clients do not suffer, and should not have to pay for their medical costs when the accident was not their fault.

Our top-rated attorneys are committed in making sure that our clients get the help they need. We hold negligent parties accountable and responsible for causing permanent life-threatening injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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