Did you recently suffer a head injury from a car accident in Huntsville, Alabama? The personal injury attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., want to help you with your injury claim and demand the compensation you deserve from the individuals at fault for the crash. We’ll handle the entire claims process from start to finish while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us online or call 256-274-8130 today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation with a car accident head injury attorney in Huntsville.
How Do Head Injuries Happen in Car Accidents?
Head injuries in car accidents can occur due to numerous factors. During a collision, the impact force can cause a person’s head to strike hard surfaces inside the vehicle, like the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows. The sudden stop or rapid deceleration in a crash can also cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull and sustain severe injuries.
Additionally, flying objects inside the car can strike the head, causing serious harm. Even when accidents result in no direct impact to the head, the sheer force of a collision can cause the head to jerk back and forth suddenly, leading to significant brain injuries. Proper use of seat belts and airbags can substantially reduce the risk of various types of head injuries from car accidents.
What Types of Head Injuries Can You Get from Being Hit by a Car?
Car crashes can cause a broad range of head injuries. These injuries differ in severity and type depending on factors like the collision speed, impact angle, and the vehicle’s safety features. Common examples of head injuries from car accidents include:
- Concussions – A concussion happens when a blow to the head causes the brain to strike the inner wall of the skull. This disrupts normal brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory loss.
- Contusions – A contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain. It results from a direct impact to the head that causes blood vessels in the brain to leak. The leakage leads to swelling and increased pressure within the skull, which might require surgical intervention in severe cases.
- Hematomas – A hematoma occurs when blood pools outside blood vessels within the brain. There are different types of hematomas, such as subdural, epidural, and intracerebral, depending on where the blood collects.
- Hemorrhages – Hemorrhages involve active bleeding in or around the brain. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs within the brain tissue, while subarachnoid hemorrhage happens in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries – These injuries occur when the brain strikes the side of the skull opposite the point of impact. This can happen when the force of the blow causes the brain to bounce back and forth inside the skull, resulting in contusions on both sides of the brain.
- Skull fractures – A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the skull. This type of injury can lead to damage to the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues. Skull fractures can be simple, with no skin break, or compound, where the skin breaks and the bone is exposed.
- Diffuse axonal injuries – A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) involves widespread damage to the brain’s white matter. This damage results from the brain moving back and forth rapidly, causing tearing of the axons, which are long nerve fibers that connect the brain’s two hemispheres.
- Penetrating head injuries – Penetrating head injuries happen when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of a Potential Brain Injury from a Car Crash
Head injuries from motor vehicle collisions can lead to a wide range of symptoms, which depend on the severity and type of injury. Symptoms that could indicate a potential brain injury after a car crash include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Pupil dilation
- Fluid drainage from the nose or ears
Should I Get Checked for Head Injuries After a Car Accident?
Yes, you should get immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine at first. Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries often do not appear immediately, but early detection is essential for proper treatment.
A medical professional can perform a thorough physical exam to identify any potential issues. They might use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to look for internal injuries that are not visible. Ignoring a possible head injury can lead to severe complications, including long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Seeking medical treatment also creates documentation of your injuries, which can be important for any legal claims or insurance settlements related to the accident.
Potential Compensation in a Head Injury Case Following a Car Accident
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury or other head injury in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you might be entitled to various types of compensation for the costs and impacts of the injury. A successful personal injury lawsuit or insurance settlement could provide compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Car Accident Head Injury Claim
If you have suffered a severe injury in a Huntsville car accident, the lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., are ready to guide you through the legal process and demand the maximum compensation you deserve.
We can help you by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly to determine liability
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Calculating the full value of your head injury claim
- Consulting with medical experts to strengthen your case
- Communicating with all parties involved in the case on your behalf
- Filing all necessary claim documents for you
- Handling all legal deadlines and filing requirements
- Negotiating with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
- Preparing and presenting compelling arguments in your favor
- Managing all aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery
If you have suffered a head injury in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, don’t wait to get the legal help you need from a personal injury lawyer at our firm. Contact us online or call 256-274-8130 Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., today for a free consultation about your potential personal injury claim.
