Head and Brain Injuries
Trauma to the head and brain is often the most severe type of injury that results from car and truck accidents. The general practice attorneys at Murnane & O’Neill describe the various types of head and brain injuries that could result from an auto accident.
The Brain Injury Association of Maryland estimates that almost half of the state’s severe brain injuries are the result of car and truck accidents. As such, it is important that motorists are aware of the potential risks associated with head injuries, and are familiar with the dangers posed to the head during car accidents.
Most head injuries are caused by blunt trauma resulting from colliding with a hard object or portion of the car. These injuries are commonly caused by impact with the car’s steering wheel, window or windshield. In general, it is more common for a head injury to occur from a head-on or side impact collision than from accidents such as “fender-benders”. Injuries can also result from contact with shrapnel such as shattered glass and sharp pieces of metal.
The symptoms associated with head and brain injuries can manifest themselves immediately. Skull fractures, for example, can be immediately observed from the resulting bruising, swelling and ear and nosebleeds. Head lacerations are also easily recognizable, and usually occur from stray pieces of broken glass or metal.
In other instances, symptoms of a head injury may take several days or even weeks to appear. If you have suffered a mild brain injury, you may feel fatigued, nauseous, confused, dizzy, moody, or have a headache. A concussion is one such type of mild brain injury. Concussions are considered a specific type of traumatic brain injury, but often do not have lasting effects. Nevertheless, they can have a significant impact on the victim.
Mild traumatic brain injuries are more severe, and will sometimes present similar initial symptoms to those of concussions. However, these injuries become gradually more severe, and may even result in permanent psychological, physiological and cognitive disability. As such, if you are in a car accident, it is extremely important that you consult a physician at your earliest convenience to ensure that any potential brain injuries are monitored from the onset.
Severe traumatic brain injuries are still more serious. Long term effects include memory loss, compromised or limited motor skills, and the debilitation of the senses. Extreme emotions and frequent mood swings can also be the result of a traumatic brain injury. Initial symptoms are also more severe in these cases, and may include seizures and difficulty speaking. Severe traumatic brain injuries will likely have lifelong consequences for the injured individual. A car or truck accident victim who presents any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, you should seek out the guidance of an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will work diligently to ensure that you receive compensation for your medical bills along with compensation for the pain, suffering, inconvenience, and alteration of your daily lifestyle as a result of your accident.
To speak with an experienced attorney about your car or truck accident, call the law offices of Murnane & O’Neill today.