Head injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries that car accident victims can suffer. Some head injuries can result in lifelong consequences, both physically and psychologically. If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury after a car accident, it is critical to your health to immediately seek medical attention. Your next step should be to contact an experienced Cincinnati car accident lawyer to discuss your situation and determine if you are entitled to compensation for the effects of your injury.
Types Of Head Injuries
Car crashes can cause many different types of head injuries. These severe injuries are usually divided into two categories: open head injuries and closed head injuries, both of which can be fatal if they are not treated properly.Closed Head Injuries
Closed head injuries can occur when the momentum of the collision causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. These injuries are often caused when a person’s head bangs against a hard surface, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Some types of closed head injuries include:- Concussion – A concussion results when there is a sudden blow to the head.
- Hematoma – This is a blood clot in the skull that may lead to serious symptoms such as tears in brain tissue or blood vessels.
- Contusion – These are bruises that can result in internal bleeding, possibly requiring surgical removal.
- Diffuse axonal – A concussion is considered a mild form of a diffuse axonal injury. This is caused by a strong rotation of the head that causes brain structure to tear.
Open Head Injuries
Open head injuries occur when the skull is penetrated by an outside object, such as metal, glass or an object that became a projectile during the crash. These injuries are caused by force and may result in bone fragments striking the brain, which can cause additional neurological damage. Surgery is often necessary to treat these types of injuries.What Are The Symptoms Of A Head Injury?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms of a head injury:- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion or disorientation
- Problems with short-term memory loss
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or reasoning
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Mood swings
- Numbness
- Low level of alertness
- Headache
- Irritability
- Depression
- Problems sleeping
- Slowed response time
Evidence To Support Your Head Injury Claim
If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim after suffering an injury in a car accident, our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, such as:Medical Records
Seeking medical treatment immediately after the car accident can help you strengthen your claim. Medical records can establish the link between the car accident and your head injury. They may also exhibit that you did not have a previous injury. Keep copies of the following documents and other types of medical evidence:- Hospital bills
- Physician medical records
- X-rays
- Diagnostic test results
- Imaging test results
- Prescriptions
- Surgery notes
- Treatment notes
Pictures
As soon as possible, it is important to take pictures of the accident scene. If possible, you should have pictures that show the following:- Damage to the vehicles involved
- Any debris on the roadway
- The street where the accident occurred and any road signage
- Other property damage in the area
- Weather and road conditions
