Setareh Law
April 8, 2025
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most common and fatal brain injuries caused by car accidents and slip-and-falls. Each year, TBIs are the cause of 2.5 million emergency room visits. TBIs can range from relatively minor brain injuries to severe, life-threatening fractures. The severity, complications, and required treatments of TBIs depend on how the injury occurred and the location of the injury in the brain. Though mild TBIs—such as minor concussions—often heal on their own with time and rest, more severe TBIs do not resolve despite medical care and treatment and can have lifelong consequences.
If you have incurred a TBI from a car accident or a slip-and-fall, it is best to consult a skilled personal injury lawyer. Outlined below are the four most common TBIs and their associated symptoms.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex and multifaceted condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. It encompasses a wide range of injuries that affect the brain’s function, ranging from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding the different types of brain injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for providing the best possible care and support for those affected. TBIs can result from various incidents, including car accidents, falls, and sports injuries, and each type of brain injury requires a unique approach to treatment and rehabilitation.
Types of Brain Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, and it is crucial to recognize the different types of brain injuries that can occur as a result of a car crash. The force and impact involved in car accidents can lead to various types of brain injuries, each with its own set of symptoms and complications. Understanding these types can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for those affected.
Concussions
A concussion is a TBI that is caused by an impact to the head, whiplash, or shaking of the skull. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include headaches, memory loss, and disorientation. To treat concussions, doctors will usually advise injured patients to rest, stay off their phones and other devices, and avoid participating in physical activities that could worsen the injury. While concussions are relatively minor injuries, they can have negative impacts if they are sustained for a long period of time. Additionally, if you get a second concussion before the first one heals, it can have significant damaging effects on your brain.
Brain Contusions
In the same way that you get contusions on your skin, a brain contusion occurs when the brain tissue is bruised—usually from impact to the head. Car accidents can result in closed head injuries, where the skull remains intact, but the brain is injured. Caused by the breakage and leakage of small blood vessels, brain contusions cause pressure in your brain to build, which results in a variety of symptoms, such as tiredness, disorientation, and emotional distress. A coup injury occurs when the brain is injured at the site of impact, which is common in car accidents. In severe cases, the swelling caused by the contusion can prevent your brain from receiving proper oxygenation.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) are a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain’s nerve fibers are damaged due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head during a car accident. This type of injury can cause significant damage to the brain’s white matter, leading to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems. DAIs are particularly concerning because they can result in widespread brain damage, affecting multiple areas of the brain and leading to long-term impairments. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, persistent headaches, and difficulties with coordination and balance.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
Coup-contrecoup injuries are a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is damaged in two different areas: the area where the head was struck and the opposite side of the head. This type of injury can cause significant damage to the brain’s gray matter, leading to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems. The initial impact (coup) causes the brain to collide with the skull, and the rebound (contrecoup) causes it to hit the opposite side. This dual impact can result in severe brain damage, leading to symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Diagnosing and Treating Brain Injuries
Diagnosing and treating brain injuries requires a comprehensive approach that involves a team of medical professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists. Diagnosing brain injuries typically involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests, and cognitive assessments. Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI scans can help identify the location and extent of the brain damage, while cognitive assessments can help evaluate the individual’s cognitive and emotional functioning.
Treating brain injuries depends on the severity and type of injury. Mild brain injuries may require rest, medication, and cognitive therapy, while more severe injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. It is essential to work with a team of medical professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the individual’s unique needs and goals. In addition to medical treatment, it is also essential to provide emotional support and counseling to individuals with brain injuries and their families. Brain injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, and it is crucial to address the emotional and psychological aspects of the injury to promote optimal recovery and well-being.
By understanding the different types of brain injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, we can provide the best possible care and support for those affected by traumatic brain injuries.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
Some accidents result in an object piercing the victim’s skull. The resulting brain injuries from these kinds of accidents are classified as penetrating brain injuries. When an object comes into contact with your head and penetrates the skull, it can cause serious injury to a concentrated or large area of your brain.
A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by an impact to the head, whiplash, or shaking of the skull.
Anoxic Brain Injuries
Anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain does not receive the proper oxygen supply it needs to function properly. After a couple of minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin to die, which can cause significant damage. Since oxygen is supplied to the brain by blood, anoxic brain injuries usually occur from a blockage in blood flow. Heart attacks, serious traumas, and clots are just a few blockages that can cause an anoxic TBI.
Receiving Compensation for Accident-Related TBIs
TBIs are both physically and financially devastating. Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) are a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain’s nerve fibers are damaged due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head during a car accident. If your TBI resulted from an accident caused by a negligent party, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for your damages. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Loss of wages
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Disability
When you consult a skilled personal injury lawyer, they will look at the specifics surrounding your case and determine the best strategy for pursuing financial compensation.
Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI as a result of a car accident or slip and fall, it is imperative to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer. At Setareh Law, we are dedicated to representing plaintiffs across California who have suffered devastating injuries from various accidents.
With over ten years of experience helping our clients navigate the claim process, we have a proven track record of getting our clients the justice they deserve. We understand the stress of being injured by a negligent party and will exhaust every available resource to help ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826.
