Texas Car Accident Head Injuries: The Aftermath
Head injuries caused by auto accidents are relatively common because of the sudden impact of a crash. Head injuries can be minor, like a headache, or major, such as penetration of the skull, which may result in death. Some head injuries have a short healing time, while others last a lifetime with minor or major side effects.
Whether you or a loved one are suffering from headaches because of a smaller impact car accident, or major injuries, such as brain damage, a crushed skull, or death, car accident attorneys can help you fight for compensation. Read on to learn about car accident head injuries and average compensation payouts.
Types of Head Injuries
Car accident-induced injuries can affect your head in different ways, including damage to the skull bones or a traumatic brain injury. Head injuries range in severity depending on the crash type.
Concussion
A blow to the head can cause a concussion, an injury that affects bodily functions such as memory, balance, concentration, and coordination. Concussions can happen from the head hitting a window or headrest too hard.
Contusion
A contusion occurs when blood bleeds or pools under the skin. Contusions, or bruises, often heal on their own, but sometimes the pooled blood may put pressure on the brain and require surgery to avoid further damage.
Fracture
The impact of a crash can cause the bones in the head to break. Depending on the size and location of the fracture, the bones are sometimes simply monitored and left to heal on their own. Other fractures are more severe and require surgery.
Penetrating Injuries
Glass or other objects may penetrate the skin, skull, or brain. Penetrating injuries also range in severity, from minor wounds that only need to be cleaned to prevent infection, to significant brain damage that requires surgery and alters the patient's life forever.
Diffuse Axonal
This type of brain injury occurs when the connecting nerve fibers of the brain are torn, causing a coma and severe damage. Most diffuse axonal injuries result in severe impairments.
Coup-Contrecoup
Coup-contrecoup injuries are when both sides of the brain are damaged by sudden movement. Coup-contrecoup injuries are typically seen in high-impact car accidents such as rollover crashes. Coma, permanent brain damage, or brain death are commonly seen as a result of coup-contrecoup injuries.
Head Injury Compensation
Compensation payouts for head and brain injuries depend on the type of injury, the severity of damages, and potential health problems. The amount of compensation can also differ if you receive an insurance payout or a lawsuit settlement. Review the list below of average compensation amounts for head and brain injuries from auto accidents.
Headaches have an average compensation of $72,168.
The average compensation for concussions ranges from $20,000 to $80,000.
Compensation for skull fractures averages $271,385.
Brain damage injuries can average between $7.5 to $26 million in compensation, depending on the severity.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
The types of damages experienced in a car accident are grouped into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are damages with a dollar amount fixed to them, while non-economic damages do not. Review the list below to see how these damages can apply to head and brain injuries.
Economic Damages
Hospital bills
Pharmacy costs
Rehabilitation expenses
Physical therapy bills
Future healthcare costs
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Disfigurement
Emotional stress
Lower quality of life
Disabilities
Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Case
Head and brain injuries from car accidents can have severe lifelong impacts that may qualify for compensation. Compensation can ease the financial burden of the accident so you can focus on healing. An experienced car accident attorney from the Law Office of Bobby Garcia can help you figure out how much compensation you deserve and what steps you should take to fight for justice in your case.