Car Accidents Can Lead to Severe Brain Injuries

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, an important reminder of the risks and consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Car accidents remain a leading cause of severe brain injuries across New Hampshire and throughout the country. These injuries often alter lives physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in a car accident in New Hampshire, it's important to know how these injuries happen, how to recognize their symptoms, and why it's important to consult a lawyer about your potential legal options.

How car accidents cause brain injuries

When two vehicles collide, the force involved can be immense. During impact, a person's head may be thrown forward and backward, which can cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This rapid movement leads to coup-contrecoup injuries, where the brain strikes the interior walls of the skull and damages delicate tissue.

While whiplash is commonly associated with neck injuries, it also contributes to brain injuries. Sudden jerking movements can cause the brain to stretch or rotate abruptly, damaging nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Additionally, direct trauma occurs when a victim's head hits objects inside the vehicle, including the steering wheel, windshield, dashboard, or airbags. Flying debris and shattered glass also pose a serious risk, potentially causing penetrating brain injuries.

Common brain injuries sustained in car accidents

The most common types of TBIs linked to car accidents include:

• Concussions: A concussion is the most common brain injury in a car accident. It occurs when impact causes temporary dysfunction in the brain. They vary widely, from mild to severe, and symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and cognitive difficulties.
• Brain contusions: Contusions, or bruises on the brain tissue, can cause major damage. These injuries often involve bleeding within the brain, which increases dangerous pressure inside the skull. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to seizures. In severe cases, immediate surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure and prevent permanent harm.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): DAI involves microscopic tearing of the brain's nerve fibers, which is caused by rotational forces in car accidents. These injuries can be devastating but often remain undetected by standard imaging techniques such as CT scans. DAI can lead to severe impairment, coma, and lifelong disability.
• Penetrating brain injuries: These injuries occur when debris, such as shards of glass or metal, penetrates the skull. Penetrating brain injuries require immediate emergency care and surgical intervention. Survivors may face significant and permanent cognitive and physical disabilities.

How brain injuries can affect victims

A traumatic brain injury can profoundly affect a person’s quality of life, impacting their physical capabilities, cognitive functioning, and emotional stability:

• Physical impairments: Victims frequently experience physical problems, including reduced mobility, muscle weakness, coordination issues, paralysis, or speech difficulties.
• Cognitive impairments: Victims may struggle with memory loss, difficulty making decisions, reduced attention spans, and impaired reasoning skills that impact their ability to work or maintain daily routines.
• Emotional and psychological impact: Many experience psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood swings, and increased social isolation. Relationships with loved ones may also suffer due to changes in personality and emotional stability.
• Financial implications: Severe brain injuries generate significant financial burdens through ongoing medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning potential. Families may face substantial stress due to the costs of long-term care and supportive therapies.

The importance of seeking immediate medical attention

Even minor TBIs can become serious if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Waiting to seek medical help after a car accident could increase your risk of complications, permanent disabilities, or even death. Early intervention allows doctors to quickly identify injuries through specialized tests, such as neurological evaluations, cognitive assessments, and imaging (e.g., CT scans and MRIs).

Symptoms of a brain injury don't always appear right away. Getting immediate medical care (even if you feel okay) ensures early detection of injuries that might not yet be obvious. This step could improve your chances of a successful recovery while limiting lasting damage and giving you peace of mind about your health.

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be a lengthy and challenging process, and it often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Physical therapy to regain motor function and coordination.
• Occupational therapy to adapt to everyday activities and regain independence.
• Speech therapy to address communication skills and cognitive recovery.
• Psychological therapy for emotional support, coping strategies, and assistance adjusting to new realities.

How a car accident lawyer can help after a brain injury

If you've suffered a brain injury because of a car accident, it's important to know you have rights under New Hampshire law. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and even future expenses related to your injury.

Seeking legal advice right after your accident helps protect these rights. An experienced New Hampshire brain injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and handle all the complicated paperwork so you can focus on recovery. The attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. know how to build strong cases and advocate for the compensation our clients deserve.

Our dedicated team is here to offer compassionate support, protect your rights, and help you get the resources you need to recover and move forward.

To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call our law offices in Dover or Portsmouth for a free consultation. We'll be glad to answer any questions you have and help you explore your potential legal options for seeking compensation.

"I had a rather traumatic brain injury after a horrid car accident and had some 'problems' that I needed legal assistance with. I recommend Attorney John Durkin, 5/5 stars. I was treated with respect and attention, and the case was taken care of so well and professionally and took a bunch of stress away at a time when I was very stressed." — Addy S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐