6 Types of Head Injuries You Can Suffer from a Car Accident

Head injuries are among the most common types of injuries suffered in car accidents. These injuries range in severity and have the potential to permanently affect your life.

However, auto accident victims may be entitled to compensation after suffering a head injury in a crash. Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to help you determine your legal options. Our Fort Worth car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators and will help you pursue maximum compensation for your claim.

Below, we provide information about five types of head injuries you may suffer from in a car accident. If you believe you have suffered a head injury, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

1. Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when your brain strikes the inside of your skull as a result of a sudden change in movement or momentum, such as during a car crash.

Concussions can range in severity and often include the following symptoms:

2. Contusion

A contusion is a bruise on the brain that typically results from a direct impact to the head. In a car accident, contusions can occur when the driver is struck by external objects or hits his or her head on fixed objects in the car upon impact, such as the steering wheel or a window.

Symptoms of contusions include:

3. Penetration

A penetrating head wound occurs when an external object penetrates your skull. Often, objects inside a vehicle become dangerous projectiles that could cause severe injuries.

Penetrating head wounds can be fatal and may cause serious complications, such as:

4. Diffuse Axonal

A diffuse axonal injury to the head occurs due to a severe rotation or shaking. In a car accident, this injury can occur when the vehicle stops abruptly upon impact when the brain is not moving as fast as the skull. This type of head injury commonly occurs in high-speed car accidents.

A diffuse axonal injury leads to tearing of brain structures and may include the following symptoms:

5. Coup-Contrecoup

A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain jerks suddenly within the skull. This type of head injury is common in car accidents that are extremely violent or forceful, such as a rollover collision. The impact causes the brain to suddenly strike both inner sides of the skull, resulting in both sides of the brain being damaged.

Some of the most common symptoms of a coup-contrecoup head injury include:

6. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic Brain Injuries range in severity and typically result from a violent jolt or blow to the head—such as during a car crash. TBIs are a critical category of car crash head injury and can cause lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. These injuries may lead to long-term disability and often require ongoing care, particularly when symptoms persist or worsen over time, affecting all aspects of daily life.

Symptoms may include:

• Ongoing headaches
• Trouble with balance or dizziness
• Memory lapses or foggy thinking
• Mood swings or fatigue
• Problems sleeping or increased light sensitivity

Other Serious Injuries

Not all head injuries fall neatly into specific categories like concussions or TBIs. Some are more complex or involve additional trauma to the skull or brain structures, often requiring urgent and specialized medical treatment.

• Skull Fractures: A high-impact collision can crack the skull, possibly damaging the underlying brain tissue. There are several types of skull fractures, including linear, depressed, and basilar. Each presents its own risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding): Blood vessels rupture inside the brain, potentially leading to increased pressure and brain damage. Subdural and epidural hematomas are among the most common forms and can develop rapidly, requiring emergency surgical intervention.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): A severe brain injury where nerve fibers are torn due to the brain shifting inside the skull. This type of injury often results in a coma or long-term unconsciousness and may leave lasting impairments in coordination, speech, or cognition.

These injuries can be life-threatening, even when symptoms appear moderate or are delayed. Because the brain is such a complex organ, even modest structural damage can have far-reaching effects.

Delayed Symptoms

Some head injury symptoms may not appear immediately and can manifest hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Post-accident symptoms—such as confusion, sensitivity to light, mood swings, or difficulty focusing—can emerge well after the collision.

Delayed onset of symptoms is often associated with swelling, bleeding, or a slow-forming hematoma. Individuals may initially feel fine, then later experience severe complications. This makes early medical evaluation essential. Hidden injuries like these can be deceptive and may continue to worsen if left untreated, increasing the risk of long-term damage and complicating recovery.

Red Flag Symptoms

Seek immediate medical assistance if you develop any of the following symptoms following a car accident head injury:

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe headaches
• Vomiting
• Uneven pupils
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Significant drowsiness

Other serious signs include fluid leaking from the ears or nose, weakness on one side of the body, or unusual behavior or agitation. These red flags may indicate a severe condition such as a hematoma, brain swelling, or a penetrating injury. In some cases, they signal dangerous pressure on the brain that can rapidly worsen, leading to loss of vital functions or permanent impairment.

Ignoring these symptoms may result in irreversible damage. If any of these signs appear, seek emergency medical care without delay.

Important Considerations

After recognizing the types and warning signs of head injuries, it’s important to understand the steps to take to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of how severe symptoms may seem, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation after a car accident if a head injury is suspected. Timely diagnosis can prevent serious complications and also help build a strong legal case if someone else’s negligence played a role in the crash.

Doctors often use advanced imaging tests—such as CT scans and MRIs—to assess internal brain damage. Documenting injuries early is also essential for strengthening a personal injury claim.

Long-Term Effects

According to the CDC, some head injuries can lead to long-term complications, including cognitive issues, emotional changes, and physical impairments. Individuals may experience chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, or memory loss.

These effects can interfere with everyday activities such as driving, working, or maintaining relationships. Ongoing therapy, medications, and support systems may be needed to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Rehabilitation

Recovering from a brain injury often requires a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may involve:

• Physical therapy to restore motor function and coordination
• Occupational therapy to regain independence in daily tasks
• Speech and language therapy for communication challenges
• Neuropsychological counseling for cognitive or emotional support

Every brain injury is unique—and so is the path to recovery. Early intervention and consistent medical care can significantly improve outcomes for those who suffer a car crash head injury.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you have suffered a head injury in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Anderson & Cumming’s Forth Worth personal injury attorneys will review your claim and determine which legal options may be available to recover compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We do not charge clients upfront legal fees and only get paid if you do.

Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Class Evaluation form now.