Vehicle collisions regularly lead to injuries, including brain trauma. However, when you hear the phrase “brain injury” or “brain trauma,” you may conjure images of horrific sights. However, the reality is that brain injuries aren’t often visible, making them even more dangerous than other types of collision trauma that can occur. Here, we want to review a few types of brain injuries that are fairly common in vehicle accidents, starting with the least severe and ending with the most severe.
Concussions
A concussion is the least severe form (though still concerning) of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it can still have significant effects. Concussions typically occur when a blow to the head causes the brain to shift within the skull. This can happen even in low-speed vehicle accidents, where the head experiences a sudden jolt or impact.
Contusions
A contusion to the brain tissue is more common than most people realize. Yes, the brain can suffer from a contusion. This type of injury happens when a direct impact causes blood vessels in the brain to break, leading to localized bleeding. Contusions can occur in car accidents if the head strikes a solid object, such as the steering column, dash, or side window. Depending on the severity, a brain contusion may require surgery to relieve pressure caused by the bleeding
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
Coup-contrecoup injuries involve bruising on both sides of the brain. This type of injury happens when the head is forcefully thrown forward and then back in rapid succession, a common occurrence in rear-end or head-on collisions. The impact causes the brain to shift and hit the inside of the skull at the point of impact (the coup) and then rebound to hit the opposite side (the contrecoup). This can cause significant damage to multiple areas of the brain, affecting speech, motor skills, memory, and emotions.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Diffuse axonal injuries to the brain are more severe and occur when the head is violently shaken, causing tearing of the brain’s long connecting nerve fibers, known as axons. This type of injury can result from the intense rotational forces that often accompany car accidents at higher speeds. DAI is particularly dangerous because it may not always cause obvious bleeding, but it can lead to widespread brain damage.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
A penetrating brain injury happens when a solid object pierces through the skull and enters the brain tissue. While this type of injury is less common in car accidents, it can occur during severe crashes involving debris or sharp objects. Survivors of penetrating brain injuries may experience permanent disabilities, including paralysis, loss of speech, or cognitive impairments.
Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries, even mild ones, can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life. Common long-term symptoms of brain injuries include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, emotional instability, and sleep disturbances. Some individuals may experience chronic headaches or become more sensitive to light and sound. In more severe cases, brain injuries can result in permanent physical disabilities, requiring long-term rehabilitation and care.
While some brain injuries heal with time and medical treatment, others may lead to lifelong challenges that affect a person’s ability to work, engage in social activities, and perform daily tasks.
Montana’s Statute of Limitations for Brain Injury Claims
In Montana, individuals who have suffered a brain injury due to a car accident have three years from the date of a collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to all personal injury claims, including those for brain injuries. It is crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that all evidence is preserved and to build a strong case for compensation.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Afterward, considering legal assistance can help ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and handle the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery.