Legally Reviewed by William Pemberton on September 25, 2026
Each year, about 2.8 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Of those brain injuries, auto accidents are the most common cause.
Brain injury types can vary, perhaps more than you might think. This post will cover the range of brain injuries suffered in car accidents. We will also cover what you should do if you or a loved one have experienced one.
Key Takeaways:
- Each year, about 2.8 million people in the U.S. suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), with car accidents being the leading cause.
- Brain injuries vary: concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, penetrating injuries, hemorrhages, and secondary injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like dizziness, headaches, confusion, or loss of consciousness occur; follow all medical advice carefully.
- Document symptoms, incidents, and medical treatment, as this is important for both health and legal purposes.
- Consult a personal injury attorney if your brain injury resulted from another’s negligence to explore compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation, and related damages.
Concussion
A concussion occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jolt or impact, leading to temporary dysfunction. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory issues. They are typically classified as a mild brain injury. But concussions can have long-term effects if not properly managed, especially after repeated incidents.
Contusion (Brain Bruising)
Contusions involve localized bleeding within the brain tissue, usually resulting from a direct impact to the head. These injuries can lead to swelling, pressure on the brain, and, in some cases, require surgery.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
DAI happens when the brain is violently shaken or twisted, causing tearing of nerve fibers. This type of injury disrupts communication between different brain regions and often leads to unconsciousness or persistent neurological deficits. You will commonly see DAIs occurring from high-speed car accidents.
Penetrating Brain Injury
When an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue, it results in a penetrating brain injury. Such injuries can cause localized damage, infection, and swelling. Immediate medical attention is crucial for survival and recovery.
Traumatic Brain Hemorrhage (Bleeding)
Brain hemorrhages, either within or outside the brain tissue, are caused by ruptured blood vessels. Subdural and epidural hematomas are common types of bleeding.
They occur when blood collects between the brain and its protective layers. This can increase pressure and cause brain damage if not treated.
Secondary Brain Injury
Secondary injuries happen after the first trauma. They include problems like swelling, less blood flow, and higher pressure in the skull. These secondary effects can exacerbate the damage caused by the primary injury and may require intensive care.
These injuries often need quick diagnosis with imaging tools like CT or MRI. A tailored treatment plan is important. Victims may need regular observation, emergency surgery, and rehabilitation therapies to help with ongoing issues.
What to Do If You Believe You Have a Brain Injury
If you think you may have a brain injury, consider the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Visit an emergency room or contact a healthcare provider for evaluation. Symptoms like worsening headaches, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness require immediate care.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to prescribed treatments, such as rest, medications, or follow-up tests like CT scans or MRIs.
- Limit Physical and Cognitive Activity: Avoid strenuous activities or tasks requiring intense focus to prevent worsening the injury.
- Document Symptoms and Incidents: Write down any changes in symptoms and the events that led to the injury. This is important for medical and legal reasons.
- Consult Specialists: If symptoms persist, see a neurologist or brain injury specialist.
- Consider Legal Advice: If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury due to another person’s negligence, consult a personal injury attorney.
Please note, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm cannot give medical advice. Please defer to a medical professional for all things health-related.
Brain Injury Medical Expenses
Every brain injury is different. But the lifetime cost of an individual brain injury could be over $1.8 million, pending severity and treatment needs.
Costs of traumatic brain injuries may include extensive rehabilitation programs, brain scans, and everyday assistance. There’s also the initial hospitalization to consider.
The United States sees an estimated cost of over $40 billion in nonfatal brain injury medical expenses every year.
What to Do Next
After visiting a medical professional, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer to fully understand your rights. Injury attorneys will walk you through your best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injuries From Car Accidents
What is the most common brain injury in a car accident?
Concussions are the most common brain injury in car accidents. They occur when the brain experiences a sudden jolt, causing temporary dysfunction. While often classified as a mild brain injury, concussions can have lasting effects if not properly treated or if a person suffers multiple concussions over time.
How can I tell if I have a brain injury after a car accident?
Symptoms that may indicate a brain injury include persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and changes in mood or sleep. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop over hours or days. If you were in a car accident and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical evaluation right away rather than waiting to see if they resolve on their own.
Can a low-speed car accident cause a brain injury?
Yes. Even a relatively low-speed collision can generate enough force to cause a concussion or other brain injury, particularly if the head strikes a window, headrest, or steering wheel. The brain can also be injured by the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head without direct impact, which is the mechanism behind many whiplash-associated brain injuries.
How long does recovery from a car accident brain injury take?
Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type and severity of the brain injury. A concussion may resolve within days or weeks with proper rest and medical management, while more serious injuries such as diffuse axonal injuries or brain hemorrhages can require months of rehabilitation or result in permanent changes. Following your medical team’s guidance closely gives you the best chance of recovery.
Can I seek compensation for a brain injury caused by a car accident in Wisconsin?
If another driver’s negligence caused your brain injury, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Wisconsin’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you a limited window to file a claim. Consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident can help you understand your legal options.
ABOUT THE ATTORNEY
William Pemberton
Personal Injury Attorney, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
William Pemberton is the founding attorney of Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, representing injured Wisconsinites across Madison, Eau Claire, Baraboo, Fitchburg, and Sun Prairie. He handles car accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, brain injuries, and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.
