The Most Common Type of Brain Injury in Auto Accidents

Traumatic brain injuries are often connected to contact sports in the media, but auto accidents and falls lead to the largest number of brain injuries each year. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. An estimated two million Americans suffer a brain injury annually, and this statistic is likely higher due to the deceptive nature of concussions. There are two types of brain injuries: open and closed. Open head trauma occurs when an object breaks through the skull and penetrates the brain whereas a closed brain injury is caused by a blow to the outside of the head.

Auto accidents, even minor crashes, typically lead to closed head trauma because most collisions cause victims to hit their head against the steering wheel or windshield. It’s important to seek medical attention following an auto accident to make sure you didn’t sustain a mild to severe concussion. Concussions can lead to long-term issues with cognitive abilities such as your thought processes and sensory perception.

If you’ve been in an auto accident, look for these common signs of a closed brain injury:

• Ongoing or worsening headache
• Difficulty speaking
• Mental confusion
• Poor coordination
• Convulsions or seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Clear liquid draining from ears or nose

Brain injuries are often considered catastrophic injuries due to their impact on all aspects of your life. If you were in an auto accident and suffered head trauma, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses and ongoing care as well as any pain and suffering you’ve endured.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, please contact our lawyers in Chicago today at (800) LAW-0300 for a FREE consultation. The Sklare Law Group serves clients in Chicago and throughout Northern Illinois.