(275+)Did you suffer a blow to the head in a car accident? You must get yourself checked out by a doctor right away. Head injuries from car crashes are common. As concussions and TBIs often arise with a delayed onset, you may be more seriously injured than you initially believe. At Gibbons & Crichton, we fight for justice for victims and families. Here, our Philadelphia car accident attorney discusses the most common head injuries from motor vehicle collisions in Pennsylvania.
The Most Common Types of Head Injuries from Car Accidents
A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that nearly 1.7 million people suffer head injuries in car accidents in the United States each year. Head injuries can come in a wide range of forms. Here are some of the most common injuries that happen in car crashes:
- Concussions It is the most common traumatic brain injury (TBI). A concussion occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull after a sudden stop or impact. Victims may experience dizziness, headaches, confusion, or a brief loss of consciousness. Even mild concussions can cause prolonged medical issues.
- Contusions (Brain Bruises): A contusion forms when brain tissue is bruised due to direct impact. Swelling or bleeding can increase intracranial pressure. That can cause dangerous complications if untreated. In the worst cases, surgery is required to address the injury./
- Skull Fractures: A skull fracture is a serious medical emergency. These injuries can cause internal bleeding, infection, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Any suspected skull fracture demands immediate emergency care.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI): These brain injuries occur when strong rotational forces shear nerve fibers throughout the brain. DAIs can produce widespread damage and coma in severe cases. They are often catastrophic injuries that require extensive rehabilitative care.
- Penetrating Head Injuries: These injuries are caused by an object entering the skull and damaging brain tissue directly. Though less common, they can happen in serious car accidents, and they have the potential to cause devastating trauma to the victim.
All Car Accident Head Injuries Require Immediate Medical Attention
Have you suffered a head injury in a motor vehicle collision in Philadelphia? You need to see a doctor right away. Every head injury after a crash requires immediate medical attention. That is true, no matter how minor it may appear. The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries often appear gradually. It can take hours or even days after the crash. Early signs like headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or fatigue can quickly worsen without treatment.
There are legal reasons to see a doctor as well. You cannot bring a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania without medical records. If you delay care, insurers often argue that your symptoms stem from unrelated causes or preexisting conditions. They will try to use your delay against you.
What type of treatment will you get for a car accident head injury? The answer depends on your medical needs. A complete evaluation typically includes things like CT scans, MRIs, or neurological testing to detect subtle trauma. In many cases, victims also need ongoing/rehabilitative care.
Who is Liable for a Car Crash Head Injury in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” insurance system determines how head injury claims begin. Each driver carries Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that pays medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, a driver’s tort election controls whether they can pursue additional damages. Those who selected full-tort coverage can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. Drivers with limited-tort coverage are restricted to economic losses unless they meet the Commonwealth’s “serious injury” threshold.
A thorough investigation of a car accident in Philadelphia is a must, especially if you are preparing to pursue a fault-based claim for your head injury. Once a fault becomes relevant, liability must be established through negligence. In other words, the injured victim must show the other driver breached their duty of care (speeding, distracted driver, etc) and that this breach caused the crash and resulting head injury.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident Head Injury
Did you or your loved one suffer a head injury in a motor vehicle crash? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for non-economic losses. Unfortunately, the insurance companies that defend these claims fight hard to pay out as little as possible to victims and their families. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers can help. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance bills and other emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Rehabilitative care for a traumatic brain injury (TBI);
- Mental health counseling;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress;
- Long-term physical or cognitive impairment; and
- Reduced quality of life due to a TBI.
Why Trust Gibbons Crichton for a Car Accident Head Injury Claim
If you or your loved one suffered a bad head injury in a motor vehicle crash, you must have skilled, experienced legal representation. At Gibbons & Crichton, we put victims and families first. Our case results and client testimonials tell the story best. With more than $100 million in financial compensation secured for injured victims across our practice areas, our attorneys are proud to fight for justice for people who need legal help in Philadelphia and across the region.
Contact Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia car accident attorney invests time and resources into every case. We put our clients first. If you or your loved one suffered a serious head injury in a motor vehicle collision, we can help. Contact us right away for a free, no obligation initial case review. With an office in the 19103 zip code of Philadelphia, we handle head injury claims throughout the region, including in 19137, 19127, 19102, 19108, 19109, 19176, 19112, 19162, and 19161.
