Head trauma is unfortunately a common injury in car accidents. During a car crash, the driver and passengers are moving at a high speed and then come to an abrupt stop. If at that time, someone’s head hits a hard object inside the car, such as the steering wheel, seat ahead, or the dashboard the force of the impact can be substantial resulting in corresponding injuries. A Pedestrian can also sustain serious head trauma if struck by a car.
The term “head trauma” refers to any injury to the head or to the brain. Head traumas can be minor or serious. Types of head traumas include traumatic brain injury, concussions (which are a milder form of traumatic brain injury), and wounds to the skull.
Head traumas are classified as closed or open. In closed head injuries, damage is caused when the head hits a hard object, but the object doesn’t enter into the skull. In open head injuries, it does.
A common type of head trauma caused by car accidents is traumatic brain injury, which can occur when a person’s head forcefully hits an object. Most traumatic brain injuries are closed injuries, where nothing penetrates into the skull, but the brain gets damaged by being jostled around inside the skull due to the force of the impact.
Traumatic brain injuries can be very serious. They can have long-lasting effects and in some cases may even be fatal. If you or someone you know shows symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, you should get medical help right away.
Symptoms may begin to appear immediately, or they may not be seen until a few hours or even a few days after an accident. Symptoms may include nausea, abnormal behavior, different sized pupils (centers of the eye), and passing out. If you think someone may have a serious head trauma, you should call 911 to get emergency medical help. It could be a matter of life and death.
If you or someone you love sustained a head trauma in an accident, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries if the other driver was negligent. People with head traumas often have large medical bills. They may also lose income because they are no longer able to work their full hours or may be unable to work at all. They will also have a decline in the quality of their lives if they are unable to enjoy all the activities that they used to participate in. And all of this can cause great emotional distress. Compensation may be available for all of these things.
Claims involving head trauma can be complex. A lot of money may be at stake. It’s a good idea to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process. If you or a loved one suffered a head trauma in a road accident, we invite you to call us, the law offices of Eric Woods, for a free, no obligation consultation. We will talk to you about your accident, your injury, and the treatment you have been receiving, and we will tell what you can expect to happen if you decide to file a lawsuit. We want to help you get all the compensation you deserve.
