What are the Different Types of TBIs That Can Result From a Truck Accident?

Semi-trucks are essential vehicles on the roadway. They travel all over the country hauling essential goods that we use on a daily basis.

However, these trucks are huge, weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. A collision involving a semi-truck can be serious or even fatal. Those who survive often suffer from catastrophic injuries. They may even experience traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

The size and mass of semi-trucks cause them to exert a huge force in a collision. This increases the risk of TBIs in crash victims. The risk is even greater when these accidents involve motorcycles or pedestrians.

The severity of a TBI can vary depending on the force of the impact, the direction of the head movement, and the specific area of the brain affected. After a truck accident, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention right away. That is because some TBI symptoms may not be immediately apparent and can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, and changes in personality.

Truck accidents tend to cause closed brain injuries, which means it is a nonpenetrating injury to the brain with no break in the skull. A closed brain injury is caused by a rapid forward or backward movement and shaking of the brain inside the skull, causing bruising and tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels. Here’s a look at the various types of closed brain injuries.

Brain Contusion

This is a bruise on the brain tissue caused by the brain striking the inside of the skull during impact. A brain contusion can potentially lead to swelling and damaged blood vessels.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

This refers to widespread damage to nerve fibers in the brain due to rapid acceleration or deceleration forces. This can cause disruption in brain communication and lead to long-term neurological impairments.

Brain Hematoma

This refers to a collection of blood within the skull. The blood can collect under the skull or in the brain tissue. Hematomas are caused by ruptured blood vessels due to impact. A person with a hematoma often suffers permanent brain damage.

Skull Fracture

This is a break in the skull bone that can cause damage to the brain if bone fragments are displaced. The skull can also get pushed in, putting pressure on the brain.

Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain is bruised in two places: at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain. The coup refers to the initial impact on the head. The brain then rebounds and hits the opposite side of the skull.

Contact Our Kansas Personal Injury Attorney

Truck accidents are often catastrophic in nature, causing a variety of injuries, such as TBIs. A victim of a brain injury may struggle in many ways for a long time or even the rest of their life.

Brain injuries can be costly. Get help with finances from the Salina brain injury attorneys at Neustrom & Associates. Our trusted attorneys have experience handling brain injury cases. We are committed to zealous legal representation, fighting for our clients every step of the way. To schedule a consultation, call (785) 825-1505 or contact us online.