During Atlanta car crashes many people hit their heads against dashboards, windshields, windows, or other hard objects inside or outside the vehicle. Sometimes occupants lose consciousness when this happens, and other times people don’t have a loss of consciousness. Unbeknownst to many, brain injuries can happen whether or not a loss of consciousness occurs.
A brain injury following a motor vehicle accident can range from minor head trauma to major traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some of the different types of brain injuries that can occur when a head strikes a dashboard include:
- Skull fracture. In the case of striking a dashboard, there may be a noticeable dent or depression in the skull. The skull is the bony structure protecting the brain. When it fractures, it can tear brain tissue, blood vessels, or cause bruising and bleeding. When people hit their heads in crashes, get them to a doctor immediately. This is especially important if they have a seizure, which is generally a symptom of a skull fracture.
- Concussion. When people suffer direct blows to their heads, such as in the case of striking a dashboard, they may suffer a concussion—a bruise-like injury to the brain. If someone suffered a change in consciousness, even for a few seconds, or if they have amnesia following a crash, get them medical care immediately.
- Hematoma. When a severe brain injury occurs, a black and blue bruise may appear which may be caused by damaged blood vessels and the leakage of blood. When bleeding occurs within the brain, an acute subdural hematoma may occur, which can lead to coma or even death.
There are many other brain injuries that can occur in car accidents including contusions, lacerations, and TBIs. If you suffered a brain injury in Atlanta in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Find out more by calling Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for complimentary case consultation with a skilled brain injury lawyer today.