California Brain Injury Lawyers Experienced in Auto Accidents

California is one of the most populated states and is known for its traffic congestion. The number of California auto accidents can be daunting. The NHTSA reported that there were 5,987,000 non fatal accidents in 2007; 2,491,000 of those car accidents resulted in injury. The Brain Injury Association estimates that 62 % of all transportation related Brain Injuries occur in an enclosed motor vehicle. With statistics like these it is no wonder, California auto accident attorneys and California brain injury attorneys have no shortage of work.

It is said that no two brain injuries are exactly alike. Although, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be grouped to fall under several different categories the most common in California auto accidents are Diffuse Axonal, Concussion, Contusion, Coup-Countercoup and Penetration.

Diffuse Axonal can be inflicted by rotational forces or severe shaking. Injury occurs because the unmoving brain lags behind the movement of the skull, causing brain structures to tear. The tearing of the nerve tissue disrupts the brain’s regular communication and chemical processes Often times the extensive tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain can cause brain chemicals to be released resulting in additional injury. This type of injury can cause temporary or permanent widespread brain damage, coma, or death. When this occurs, California auto accident attorneys or California brain injury attorneys at the Haines Firm are ready to assist.

Most people are familiar with what a concussion is, but often times do not take it as seriously as it really can be because of its commonality. A concussion can be caused by direct blows to the head or force from a whiplash type injury. Skull fracture, brain bleeding, or swelling may or may not be present, all the more reason to be sure to see a doctor after a car accident and speak to California auto accident attorneys. Concussion’s can cause diffuse axonal type injury resulting in permanent or temporary damage or blood clot in the brain can occasionally and be fatal. Typically, it may take a few months to a few years for a concussion to heal.

Of all types of injuries Contusion is probably the least complicated to understand, but still extremely dangerous. A Contusion is a direct impact to the head that causes bruising or bleeding on brain. Surgery is generally needed to remove the bleeding to prevent further brain damage that may have lasting affects or in some cases death. Coup-Countercoup is a type of Contusion that is both at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain. It is caused when the impacting force to the head is not only great enough to cause a contusion at the site of impact, but also is able to move the brain and cause it to hit the opposite side of the skull hard enough to cause a second Contusion. If you or a loved one suspects this has occurred through an accident of no fault of your own, you should immediately contact a California personal injury law firm or California brain injury lawyers.

Penetration type injuries are caused by a sharp object that forces hair, skin, bone and fragments from the object into the brain. With that said, the damage and severity of this situation is rather severe and likely needing surgical attention. The lasting affects greatly depend on the area and size of the brain that was inflicted. Traumatic brain injury is very serious and requires immediate medical attention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there currently are at least 5.3 million Americans living with a disability as a result of a traumatic brain injury TBI.

If you or anyone you know has been in an auto accident and you are looking for more answers regarding a traumatic brain injury, it is advisable to contact California brain injury lawyers for a legal opinion. California brain injury lawyers or California auto accident attorneys are able to help you secure the answers you seek and can also assess the compensation you may deserve.