Auto Accident Head Injury

An auto accident head injury can affect every part of your life, sometimes right away and other times hours or even days after the crash. A sudden jolt or direct blow to the head may lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can range from mild to severe. Some people experience headaches or dizziness, while others may have confusion, seizures, or even lose consciousness. Even if symptoms appear minor, seeking immediate medical care is essential, since some head injuries develop or worsen over time.

At O’Brien & Ford, we assist clients across Buffalo and Western New York who are navigating the physical, emotional, and financial impact of serious car accident injuries.

Common Types of Head Injuries Caused by Auto Accident

During a car crash, the brain can hit the inner walls of the skull, twist unexpectedly, or suffer a direct impact. Depending on how the collision occurred, these violent motions may result in bruising, internal bleeding, swelling, or lasting damage to brain tissue. Head injuries caused by car accidents are generally classified as either open or closed, with each type carrying its own set of symptoms, risks, and treatment needs.

Open Head Injuries From Car Accidents

An open head injury happens when something pierces the skull and enters the brain. This kind of trauma is often caused by sharp debris during a crash, such as broken glass or twisted metal. How serious the injury is depends on which part of the brain is impacted, how deep the object penetrates, and how forcefully the blow occurred.

In many cases, these injuries are immediately obvious, with visible wounds, bleeding, or exposed tissue. But even when the damage isn’t outwardly dramatic, open head injuries can lead to long-term neurological problems, cognitive difficulties, or serious infections. Quick medical attention, including diagnostic imaging like a CT scan or MRI, is critical to assess the damage and begin treatment.

Closed Head Injuries Resulting From Auto Accidents

Closed head injuries occur when the brain is damaged without any fracture or opening in the skull. These types of injuries are especially common in car crashes and can be just as dangerous as those involving visible trauma. They often result from sudden stops or changes in direction, like in a rear-end or head-on collision. During the impact, the brain can strike the inside of the skull, leading to internal damage that might not be obvious right away. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may take time to appear and can involve memory problems, changes in behavior, or physical difficulties.

We frequently see several specific types of closed head injuries in the car accident cases we handle.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild TBI that temporarily affects brain function. It’s usually caused by a sudden jolt, like when the head snaps forward and back in a collision.

Symptoms may include headaches, difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity, mood shifts, or memory problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, these effects are often short-term but can persist without proper care. Diagnosis usually involves neurological testing, and treatment may include rest, monitoring, or follow-up evaluations.

Brain Contusion

A brain contusion is a bruise on the brain itself. This injury often occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull during a crash. Common signs include slurred speech, numbness or tingling, and difficulty with coordination.

Unlike concussions, contusions involve localized bleeding and can worsen over time. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries

Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) are among the most serious types of brain trauma. These occur when rapid rotation or violent motion tears the brain’s long nerve fibers (axons), such as in a rollover accident.

Victims may lose consciousness immediately or suffer long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Recovery is unpredictable and often requires intensive therapy. DAIs are a leading cause of coma and death in high-speed crashes.

Intracranial Hematoma

An intracranial hematoma involves bleeding inside the skull, typically caused by ruptured blood vessels due to trauma. It may develop in different areas: between the skull and brain lining (epidural), between the brain and its outer layer (subdural), or within the brain tissue itself (intracerebral).

These injuries raise pressure in the skull and can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or severe neurological symptoms. Emergency surgery is often needed to prevent lasting damage or death.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the skull’s bones, often caused by hitting a hard surface like a dashboard or window. Signs include visible wounds, clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, or bruising around the eyes and behind the ears.

While some fractures heal without intervention, others may cause complications like internal bleeding or infection.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Head Injury Cases

Head injuries resulting from car accidents can change a life in an instant. At O’Brien & Ford, we’ve worked closely with individuals and families throughout Buffalo who are facing the challenges that come with brain trauma. Whether you’re dealing with a concussion or a more serious injury, we coordinate with doctors and specialists to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Waiting can make things more complicated. If you or a loved one has suffered an auto accident head injury, reach out to us for a no-cost consultation. Call 716-222-2222 or stop by our office at 4549 Main St, Suite 201, Buffalo, NY 14226. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you confidently take the next step.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York