Can a Car Accident Cause a Concussion?

The reality is that car accidents represent a major cause of concussions. There are a number of important facts that you need to understand when it comes to concussions resulting from automobile accidents. If you suffered a head injury in a crash, a car accident lawyer in Houston may be able to assist you.

Can a Car Crash Cause a Concussion?

A car accident can cause a concussion due to the sudden deceleration or acceleration forces involved in the collision. When a vehicle suddenly stops or changes direction, the brain can continue moving inside the skull, leading to a concussion. The impact of the collision can cause the head to jerk forward or backward, leading to a concussion. This sudden movement can cause the brain to hit against the skull, resulting in injury and possible concussion.

Concussions can occur even in low-speed car accidents, as the brain can still experience significant movement inside the skull. Even a minor collision can generate enough force to cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to a concussion. The head may hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a car accident, resulting in a concussion. If the impact is strong enough, the head can strike these hard surfaces, causing injury to the brain and potentially resulting in a concussion.

Whiplash, a common injury in car accidents, can also contribute to the occurrence of a concussion. The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a collision can cause the brain to move inside the skull, increasing the risk of a concussion.

Even if there are no visible signs of injury, such as cuts or bruises, a car accident can still cause a concussion due to the internal forces exerted on the brain. Concussions are often referred to as “invisible injuries” because they may not be immediately apparent. However, the internal movement and impact forces experienced during a car accident can still result in a concussion, even if there are no external signs of injury.

Items in a Car Can Cause Serious Harm

The force of a collision can cause objects inside the car to strike the head, increasing the risk of a concussion. Loose objects, such as cell phones, water bottles, or even debris from the accident itself, can become projectiles during a collision, potentially causing injury to the head and brain.

Airbag deployment during a car accident can also cause a concussion, especially if the head is in close proximity to the airbag. While airbags are designed to protect occupants, their rapid inflation and subsequent deflation can still generate enough force to cause a concussion, particularly if the head is positioned too close to the airbag.

Minimizing the Risk of a Concussion During a Car Accident

The use of seatbelts and other safety restraints can help mitigate the risk of a concussion in a car accident. By properly securing occupants in their seats, seatbelts can help minimize the movement of the head and body during a collision, reducing the likelihood of a concussion.

The size and weight of the vehicles involved in a car accident can impact the forces experienced by the occupants and the likelihood of a concussion. Larger and heavier vehicles may have more momentum and generate greater forces during a collision, potentially increasing the risk of a concussion. The speed of the vehicles involved in a car accident can influence the forces experienced by the occupants and the likelihood of a concussion. Higher speeds generally result in greater forces during a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the head and brain.

Additionally, the specific location of impact on the head can affect the type and severity of the concussion. For example, a direct impact to the front of the head may result in a different pattern of injury compared to a side impact or a blow to the back of the head. Different areas of the brain may be affected, leading to varying symptoms and outcomes.

The position and posture of the occupant at the time of a car accident can impact the likelihood and severity of a concussion. For example, a person who is slouched or leaning forward may be more susceptible to head and neck injuries compared to someone who is properly seated and positioned.

Your Legal Rights After a Houston Car Accident

If you’ve sustained injuries and losses as the result of a Houston car accident, including a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury, you can contact a member of The Doan Law Firm skilled and experienced legal team by calling (800) 349-0000 any time of the day or night. The Doan Law Firm never charges an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.