A car accident can change the lives of those involved in many ways. From significant personal property damage to serious injuries, the impact can be long-term. This is especially true for those who suffer brain injuries, which is one of the most common types of car accident injuries. Even a minor brain injury can lead to major complications and side effects.
No two brain injuries are the same. If you have this type of injury as a result of a car crash in Florida, or you have a loved one struggling with a traumatic brain injury, you know how complex it can be. People who have these injuries can have side effects that last for months or years. It may be helpful for you to learn about this type of injury, signs of a problem and what to expect from recovery.
Types of brain injuries and their effects
There are various different types of brain injuries, and they all affect people in different ways. The types of brain injuries often suffered in an accident are traumatic injuries, meaning the victim suffers damage in a one-time event, such as a car crash. A few examples of brain injuries a person may suffer in a collision include the following:
- A concussion is a common TBI that occurs when a person experiences a direct hit to the head or moves the head back and forth rapidly. People with concussions do not always know right away the extent of their injury, and they can suffer from symptoms for months or years.
- A contusion is a type of bruise on the brain or bleeding of the brain, the result of a person suffering a direct hit to the head. Surgery may be necessary to remove it.
- A coup-contrecoup injury happens when the force of the impact is significant enough to cause a contusion at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
These brain injuries are only a few examples of the way a car accident can change a person’s life forever. A person may feel confused or dazed at the crash site, only to learn days or weeks later that he or she has a serious concussion. This is why it is critical for accident victims to get appropriate medical care immediately after an accident and in the following days and weeks. It is prudent to never underestimate head pain, bruising or other symptoms.
What can you do as a victim?
If you or a loved one suffered any type of TBI in an accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, you do not have to walk through the aftermath alone. You could have grounds for a personal injury claim, through which you may be able to claim compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as other types of damages.
