Houston truck crashes cause numerous disasters and injuries, including brain injuries. If an 80,000-pound truck strikes a car or SUV, the risk of serious injury to the body is very high, including the head. Brain injuries caused by a Houston truck crash can result in long-term impairment, devastating loss of life, and financial turmoil. Schedule a free consultation with our highly-regarded Houston truck accident attorney today.
Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Truck Crashes in Houston
There are several ways the brain can suffer trauma as a result of a collision with a Houston truck. One incident involves a closed head injury, in which there is significant force that moves the head rapidly back and forth. This type of injury does not cause actual fractures to the skull. It can result in concussions and traumatic brain injuries, such as a brain herniation or cerebral concussion.
Open brain injuries occur when the skull suffers damage. This can happen if an object strikes the skull and pierces the brain. That may happen, for example, due to a piece of glass from the windshield. In addition, the head can strike a hard surface, creating a fracture. This can also cause damage to the soft brain tissues within.
Typical Brain Injuries in Truck Crashes
When a truck crash occurs, the amount of force and pressure at the time of the accident can cause the head to move rapidly back and forth. The brain within the skull can shift, striking the front and back of the skull with intensity. When this happens, several potential injuries can occur.
- Skull fractures: This is a break in the skull surrounding the brain. Fragments of the bone can enter the brain’s soft tissues, causing lacerations and damage.
- Contusions: A concussion is a significant bruise to the brain’s soft tissues. This happens when a significant force moves the brain back and forth within the skull. A subdural hematoma, or brain bleed, is a common result of this type of injury.
- Concussions: Concussions range in severity, with some leading to mild symptoms and others resulting in serious brain damage. Post-concussion syndrome can occur, requiring medical attention and prolonged treatment.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries: In this type of brain injury, there is damage to two sides of the brain, directly opposite each other. It occurs when the brain strikes the front or side of the skull, then bounces back and strikes the other area, causing a contusion in two locations.
- Diffuse axonal injury: This type of brain injury occurs when there is twisting or significant whiplash of the neck due to the force of the accident. This type of injury can cause damage to the nerves in the neck, leading to changes in speed and function.
Brain injuries range widely based on the amount of force, the location of impact to any hard object, and the overall complexity of penetration of tissues. Many factors contribute to these injuries, and all can have long-term, serious consequences for the victim.
Seek Legal Guidance After a Brain Injury Caused by a Truck Accident
The Doan Law Firm provides comprehensive legal representation to victims of truck crashes in Houston. If you have brain injuries from being in a truck accident, set up a free consultation to speak to our team about your legal rights.