The Different Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

The Different Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Calendar icon June 13, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 min

One of the most common causes of brain injuries in the U.S. is car accidents. Even when car occupants are properly restrained, the sheer force exerted in the crash may be enough to cause serious internal damage, with or without an impact. Brain injuries can range in severity from a mild concussion that resolves in a matter of days to a traumatic brain injury that irreparably impairs function or causes death.

In an instant, the actions of a negligent driver can completely upend your life. You may accumulate staggering medical bills while undergoing treatment, have to take time away from your career, and struggle emotionally. 

The Different Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

The car accident attorneys of Cellino Law understand that the settlement you receive can have a profound impact on your family’s future and your peace of mind. We have decades of experience as personal injury attorneys, which makes us highly qualified to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs.

If you have sustained a brain injury in a New York car accident, reach out to our team at (888) 888-8888 or through our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. That is not to say that it should not be taken seriously, as a severe concussion can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and permanent damage if left untreated. Concussions can be typically identified by signs of nausea, confusion, blurry vision, and headache.

Car accident victims can sustain a concussion from the rapid lurching of the vehicle on impact or from being thrown against a hard surface such as a window or the steering wheel.

Brain Contusion

Car accidents can also be responsible for brain contusions, which refer to an injury where an area of brain tissue is bruised. Signs of a brain contusion include issues with speech, focus, and mobility. The affected area of the brain is typically more confined as compared to a concussion. In the context of a car accident, a brain contusion could be caused by being struck by an object within the car or hitting a hard surface.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

A Diffuse Axonal Injury to the brain can be catastrophic, as it tears nerves inside the brain. If a car occupant sustains a Diffuse Axonal Injury, they will likely fall into a coma, and if they survive, they may have serious issues with their memory. DAIs are caused when the brain is suddenly and violently shaken or thrown forward, but the rest of the brain doesn’t immediately catch up, resulting in tearing.

Second Impact Syndrome

Car accident victims who sustain a concussion should be cognizant of the risk of Second Impact Syndrome if they have recently sustained a concussion prior to the car accident or sustain a concussion following the car accident injury. Second Impact Syndrome is almost always disabling, if not deadly, and the onset is rapid.

Essentially, the brain swells because it has not fully healed from the first concussion, which is also referred to as edema. This prevents the brain from controlling cerebral spinal fluid pressure. Even a small jerk in a car accident can potentially trigger SIS in a person who has had a recent concussion, so it is imperative that you seek prompt medical attention.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture refers to breaking the bone of the skull. Not only is this often quite painful, but it can be dangerous if bone fragments dislodge and enter other parts of the brain or bloodstream. Mild cases may heal on their own, but fractures that occur at the base of the skull or are depressed may require prompt surgery to correct.

In car accidents, skull fractures can occur when a car occupant’s head is slammed against a hard surface like the dashboard or ejected from the car and thrown against the road or other structures.

Penetrating Brain Injury

As the name would suggest, a penetrating brain injury involves an object that has breached the skull. This is one of the most severe forms of traumatic brain injury. In addition to the extensive damage a penetrating brain injury can inflict, these types of open wounds are more likely to develop infections because they are exposed.

In a car accident, a penetrating brain injury can occur when an object, such as glass or debris from the crash, collides with a car occupant’s head.

Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury is common to rear-end car accidents, as this type of brain injury occurs when the brain is slammed against the front of the skull from the initial impact and then thrown back against the back of the skull. This results in a brain injury to two sides of the brain. The risk of misdiagnosis in these situations may be higher because one area may appear significantly more affected than the other, resulting in one side being overlooked.

Why You Should Choose Cellino Law to Represent You

When you have sustained a brain injury in a car accident, you need a reputable personal injury attorney to represent you, lest you risk walking away with a lesser settlement. At Cellino Law, we are proud of our results and equally as proud of the reputation we have among our clients for being straightforward, hard-working, and dedicated advocates.

Cellino Law clients know that they can trust our team to go the extra mile to ensure that their settlement reflects not just their past expenses but the future costs that they are likely to sustain. With our car accident attorneys by your side, you can feel confident that every effort will be made to maximize your compensation.

Call Cellino Law to File a Brain Injury Claim Today

Hiring a brain injury attorney can have numerous benefits for your claim. Beyond lending your case credibility, you can secure expert legal advice with a simple call to your attorney. At Cellino Law, we are accessible to our clients as we work to help them navigate the personal injury claims process.

Our team of personal injury attorneys has ample courtroom experience that sets us apart from other New York personal injury law firms. The capable, diligent car accident lawyers of Cellino Law can be depended on to use the resources at our disposal to maximize your compensation.

If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury in a New York car accident, don’t delay seeking medical attention. Then, contact the auto accident attorneys of Cellino Law to help protect your right to seek compensation for your damages. You can contact us at (888) 888-8888 or through our online form to schedule a free case evaluation with our car accident attorneys.

Zoom Screenshot_16.png

Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

INJURED?
WE CAN HELP

CALL US NOW

Free Case Review

BLOGS ARCHIVE

FREE CASE REVIEW

Testimonials

  • I really just wanted to say thank you so much for taking my case, answering all my questions, and mostly for being very patient with me. I feel that without you and Roza I would not have been able to get anything at all. I hope to never need a lawyer again, but if I do I will definitely want you both working for me. Again thank your for you hard work, time and patience.

    Veola

  • Cellino Law and more specifically my attorney, Gregory V. Pajak, Managing Attorney, and as a whole the Cellino Law Firm and its organization. This is by far one of the most professional law firms and attorney I have ever engaged with and retained in my 35 years. The level of professionalism goes beyond words, the care and constant engagement with me as the client was touching. I was never ever just treated as simply a CASE with potentially a significant dollar number attached to my file. I was engaged regularly, Tracey (Ass’t) and Greg always made sure to remain constant, as well as consistent in overseeing that my case was handled properly and that it did matter in many ways - ensuring that the end result(s) would be fair and reasonable to my case/injury. The regular follow-up calls were very satisfying, knowing that you’re involved in your case matters significantly AND always. One of my main items to recognize Cellino Law and Gregory is that whenever I called, I was able to get through to speak directly to my Lawyer and he would answer any if not all of my questions in a very professional and genuinely caring manner. I always felt cared for and protected legally and more importantly, I was made feel as a human being that was being cared for and always keeping me abreast of all matters connected to the case. There was never a point I felt let down, on the contrary -the level of service was “STELLAR”. Greg is the consummate professional, a ‘role model’, if you will, for what other attorneys should strive to become when dealing with their clients.

    Anthony

  • Cellino Law is an amazing firm with a great team. I worked with Greg Pajak and his assistant, Tracey Falconer. I cannot express enough how dedicated they are. The personal attention I received was excellent; they were always available to help with questions and concerns and put me at ease in the unknown territory I found myself in. I highly recommend them to anyone needing representation. A huge thank you to them for all they accomplished for me!

    Liane

  • We'd like to thank you for all the assistance and time you spent on our case. Your professionalism and honesty will always be appreciated. The staff was always courteous and we were always impressed with your accountability. Your passion and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will you.

    Sarah

  • Choosing the right attorney to represent you after an accident can make all the difference. This is no cliche. I recently experienced these words to live by first hand. After a tractor trailer rear ended me at high speed in 2017 I retained Allan Silverstein to handle my case. I quickly realized that bringing a lawsuit rapidly snowballs into a mountain of details that can make or break your results. Documents, case histories, doctor visits, bills, and lots of phone calls all need to be accurately kept track of if a successful outcome it to be attained. To complicate matters I reside in New York and the incident took place in New Jersey. Luckily, Allan was licensed in multiple states. I was fortunate to find Allan to handle this matter from the New York area. Armed with an accurate account of the facts Allan went to work on the difficult job of negotiating with the defending insurance company as well as my no fault carrier in order to obtain the best possible outcome for my set of circumstances. In a lawsuit communication is key and and events can be of a timely nature. Allan never failed to return my calls - usually the same day! He fought skillfully and respectfully to get me the best possible settlement. He is easy to deal with and a likeable down to earth guy. He always listened with compassion and respect to my issues. He guided me with objective understanding as well as a realistic analysis of the merits of my case. When we finally settled Allan got me a fair agreement beyond my expectations and negotiated with my doctors to make sure all my bills were paid. It was a great experience having Allan represent me. Quality work in any aspect of life is hard to find. Quality is what I got with Allan Silverstein. I highly recommend him if you find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney.

    Theodore

  • We want to send a big "Thank you" from the both of us. We know you both fought for us and did a great job with our case. You did it in a timely manner and we appreciate it.

    Kerrijo & Jerry