Car crashes are one of the leading causes of traumatic head injuries in the United States.
From minor concussions to life-altering brain damage, these injuries can have serious consequences for your health, career, and future.
Recognizing the most common head injuries from car accidents can help you know what to watch for and when to get help.
After a crash, symptoms may appear right away or take days to develop. Whether you hit your head or not, the force of the collision can cause your brain to shake or twist inside your skull. Even a seemingly minor head injury deserves medical attention.
Our New Mexico and Texas car accident attorneys review 11 types of brain injuries from car accidents, how they happen, and why legal support may be essential to your recovery.
For immediate assistance and free consultation, please call (575) 222-1000 or send us an online message today.
1. Concussion
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. It’s one of the most common injuries in car crashes, even in low-speed impacts.
Symptoms may include:
- Headache,
- Confusion or brain fog,
- Dizziness or nausea,
- Difficulty concentrating, and
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
While many people recover from a concussion within weeks, others may experience symptoms for months. Any concussion should be taken seriously, as repeated injuries can lead to long-term complications.
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2. Contusion
A contusion is a bruise on the brain, usually caused by the brain hitting the inside of the skull. It may occur at the point of impact (coup) or the opposite side (contrecoup).
Symptoms can include:
- Slurred speech,
- Weakness on one side of the body,
- Memory issues, and
- Loss of coordination.
Depending on the severity, treatment can range from rest and monitoring to surgery. Brain contusions are a serious car accident head injury that often requires imaging to diagnose.
3. Skull Fracture
A skull fracture occurs when the force of the crash causes a break in the skull bone. It can happen with or without damage to the brain.
Types of fractures include:
- Linear, which is a thin break in the bone;
- Depressed, which means the bone pressed inward toward the brain; and
- Basilar, where the fracture is at the base of the skull.
Symptoms may include clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, bruising behind the ears or under the eyes, and visible deformity. A fractured skull often requires hospitalization and ongoing monitoring.
4. Diffuse Axonal Injury
This serious injury occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, stretching and tearing the brain’s long nerve fibers (axons). It’s one of the most severe types of brain injuries from car accidents and is often associated with loss of consciousness.
Possible outcomes:
- Coma,
- Cognitive impairment, and
- Permanent brain damage.
Diffuse axonal injuries are challenging to detect with standard imaging, but they can have lasting effects on speech, movement, and personality.
5. Epidural Hematoma
An epidural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the skull and the brain’s outer layer (dura mater), usually from a torn artery.
Red flag signs:
- Brief loss of consciousness, followed by a lucid interval;
- Sudden deterioration;
- Pupil dilation on one side; and
- Seizures.
This condition can quickly become fatal without emergency surgery. It’s one of the most dangerous car accident brain injuries and requires immediate intervention.
6. Subdural Hematoma
A subdural hematoma involves bleeding between the dura mater and the brain itself. It may develop gradually over hours or days.
Look for the following symptoms:
- Confusion,
- Slowed thinking,
- Weakness, and
- Drowsiness.
Older adults and people on blood thinners are especially vulnerable. Without timely treatment, pressure on the brain can lead to coma or death.
7. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
This type of bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it. A car crash head injury can cause blood vessels to rupture and leak into this area.
Signs to watch for:
- Sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap” headache);
- Neck stiffness;
- Nausea or vomiting; and
- Light sensitivity.
Some cases resolve with monitoring, but severe hemorrhages require surgery or intensive care.
8. Penetrating Head Injury
Sharp objects like glass or metal can puncture the skull during a crash, leading to a penetrating injury.
Potential outcomes:
- Localized brain damage,
- Infection risk,
- Seizures, and
- Loss of function depending on location.
These injuries are medical emergencies. Even with prompt treatment, they often result in lasting deficits or disability.
9. Coup-Contrecoup Injury
This injury occurs when the brain hits one side of the skull (coup) and then rebounds to hit the opposite side (contrecoup). These double-impact injuries are common in high-speed or rollover crashes.
Possible symptoms:
- Balance problems,
- Visual disturbances,
- Speech difficulties, and
- Memory loss.
Because two areas of the brain are injured, these cases can be especially complex to diagnose and treat.
10. Second-Impact Syndrome
This rare but deadly condition happens when someone sustains a second brain injury before the first one has fully healed. It’s most common in younger individuals, but can happen to anyone.
Symptoms can escalate quickly, including:
- Brain swelling,
- Respiratory failure,
- Coma, and
- Death.
Second-impact syndrome underscores the importance of not returning to normal activities too soon after a car accident head injury, especially if symptoms persist.
11. Post-Concussion Syndrome
Some people experience prolonged symptoms for weeks or months after a mild concussion. That is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent headaches,
- Mood changes such as anxiety, depression,
- Difficulty sleeping, and
- Trouble focusing.
PCS can affect your ability to work, drive, or care for your family. It’s often underestimated by insurers, making legal guidance critical.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered one of these common head injuries from car accidents, you need more than just medical care. You need someone who will fight for the full value of your recovery. Head and brain injuries can change your life in an instant, and insurance companies often try to minimize how serious they really are.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we don’t let that happen. Our team offers aggressive representation backed by courtroom experience, deep local knowledge of Texas and New Mexico laws, and a personalized approach that treats every client like more than just a case number. From your first call to the final resolution, we’ll keep you informed, supported, and in control of your case.
If you or a loved one sustained a car accident head injury, contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today. We’re here to help you protect your future and won’t back down when it matters most.
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Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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