Truck Accidents Can Cause Serious Brain Injuries

It is very common to see semi-trucks driving through and around Richmond to deliver products and goods to various facilities and businesses. While these large vehicles are vital to the economy, they can be dangerous for drivers who pass them and do not pay close attention or use necessary caution.

When a small automobile collides with a large 18-wheeler, catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, typically arise.

What are traumatic brain injuries?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a traumatic brain injury is a serious injury that “affects how the brain works.” Some of the different types of traumatic brain injuries that may result from a truck accident are concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, coup-contrecoup injuries, and penetrating brain injuries. Most of the time, these injuries are caused because a person hit or struck their head on a very hard object or surface. Therefore, it is no surprise to learn that truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, as you are likely to hit your head on a hard object within your vehicle due to the impact or force of the semi-truck.

If you have recently been involved in an accident with a big rig, here are some of the signs or symptoms that may indicate that you have a traumatic brain injury:

• Recurring and painful headaches
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Nausea or vomiting
• Vision issues
• Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights
• Memory loss
• Feeling confused
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Pupil dilation

Although it is good to know the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, you should seek medical attention even if you do not have any of the above-mentioned symptoms. The reason for this is because you could still have a traumatic brain injury without symptoms. It is crucial that you allow your doctor to perform a CT scan or MRI on your head to ensure that there are no brain injuries present after your truck accident. If you wait until you notice any symptoms, the damage could already be severe and permanent.

Truck accidents also cause brain bleeds

A brain bleed from a truck accident is also very common. In fact, these types of injuries usually occur instantly due to the force and impact of the accident, causing the blood vessels in your brain to rupture. If you are lucky enough to not experience a brain bleed after a truck accident, the doctor may need to monitor you to make sure that you do not have one later on. The reason for this is because the impact of a truck accident can cause the blood vessels in the skull to become very weak, which increases your chances of eventually having a ruptured blood vessel. The following are three different types of brain bleeds that victims of truck accidents commonly experience:

• Epidural hematoma: An epidural hematoma forms when blood begins to collect between your skull and the outer part of the membrane that covers and protects your brain, which is called the dura mater. This type of brain bleed usually occurs when one of your arteries becomes torn due to the force and impact causing a skull fracture. If you are diagnosed with an epidural hematoma after your truck accident, the doctors will determine what type of medical treatment you need. You should keep in mind that it is not uncommon for these brain bleeds to require surgery as they can be emergencies that need to be repaired right away.
• Subdural hematoma: A subdural hematoma is a very serious type of brain bleed. It occurs when you have a torn blood vessel in the area directly under your dura mater, which causes blood to leak out and fill within your brain. If you have a subdural hematoma, you will most likely notice certain symptoms such as excruciating and intense headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, feeling exhausted, and confusion.
• Intracerebral hemorrhage: An intracerebral hemorrhage is described as “deadly” by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). This type of injury occurs when you have bleeding within your brain tissues. If you experience any pressure or trauma to your brain during a truck accident, there is a high likelihood that your arteries may rupture, leading to an intracerebral hemorrhage. When individuals experience an intracerebral hemorrhage, they need to know that they could be at risk for a stroke, as the AANS points out that these brain bleeds are “the second most common cause of a stroke.”

What are the long-term effects of a brain bleed or injury that resulted from a truck accident?

The brain is a very complex, necessary, and vital part of the body. Therefore, it can be extremely difficult for a doctor or medical specialist to determine what types of effects or consequences a person may have after experiencing any type of brain bleed or injury. Most doctors are unable to gain an idea about how much damage has been done to the brain until the individual starts recovering or participating in the recommended rehabilitation programs.

Overall, it depends how severe your injury or bleed was, where the bleed or injury occurred, and how much force or impact the brain sustained during the accident. Here are a few of the long-term effects of a brain bleed or injury:

• Cognitive impairment
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Cerebral palsy
• Hearing and visual problems
• Speech and communication issues
• Behavior and personality changes
• Inability to move, get around, or live independently
• Death

If you recently suffered a brain injury in a truck accident, the Richmond brain injury attorneys from Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers are here to help. We will handle the details and challenges of your claim, while you focus on recovering and healing from your injuries. Our goal is to present the legal options and protect the legal rights of those who are dealing with the consequences of a brain injury or brain bleed that was not their fault. No matter what part of Virginia you are located in, our team can help you navigate the complex legal process. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free case review today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!