Brain Bleed Symptoms After a Car Accident

See a doctor ASAP to protect your health and right to compensation

Brain bleeds, or intracranial hemorrhages, are serious injuries that can occur after a car accident. They can lead to significant health issues that have long-lasting effects on your life. By understanding the potential symptoms of brain bleeds and the importance of seeking medical attention right after a car accident, injured motor vehicle accident victims can take proactive steps to protect their health and legal rights.

If you were injured in a NYC crash, our experienced New York car accident lawyers can help you demand the compensation you deserve. The following is general information and may not apply in all circumstances. For information specific to your case, contact Giampa Law for a free case evaluation.

How are car accidents and brain bleeds linked?

The link between car accidents and brain bleeds – a type of traumatic brain injury – stems from the forces and impacts involved in such collisions, which can cause severe trauma to the brain. During a car accident, especially high-impact collisions, the forces involved can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This can lead to different types of brain bleeds, including:

Contusions. Bruises on the brain caused by the brain hitting the skull, often resulting in localized bleeding.
Although common without bleeding, concussions can be a sign of a more severe injury like a brain bleed. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory issues may indicate underlying damage.
Hematomas. Accumulations of blood outside of blood vessels due to ruptured vessels caused by the impact of a crash. There are several types:
- Epidural hematoma. Blood collects between the skull and the dura mater (the outermost layer of the brain’s protective covering) due to a tear in the arteries.
- Subdural hematoma. Blood collects between the dura mater and the arachnoid layer (a middle protective layer) usually due to torn veins.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by torn blood vessels.
Coup-contrecoup brain injury. Car accidents often involve rapid acceleration and deceleration, which can lead to a type of injury known as a coup-contrecoup injury. This occurs when the brain is rapidly pushed against one side of the skull (coup) and then the opposite side (contrecoup), leading to bleeding and bruising in multiple areas of the brain.
Whiplash. In rear-end collisions or any accident that causes sudden jerking of the head, the brain can move inside the skull rapidly. This motion can stretch and tear blood vessels, leading to bleeding within the brain or between brain layers.
Penetrating injuries. In severe accidents involving broken glass, metal shards, or other debris, the brain can be directly penetrated, leading to localized brain bleeds.
Secondary injuries. Even if the initial impact does not directly cause brain bleeding, secondary injuries from the accident, such as falls or additional impacts, can exacerbate brain injuries and lead to bleeding.

Given the potentially serious nature of brain bleeds, it’s important for injured crash victims in New York to seek immediate medical care. Symptoms of brain bleeds can sometimes be delayed or subtle, but early detection and treatment are key to managing and treating the injury effectively.

How to recognize brain bleed signs after a car accident

Brain bleeds can present through a variety of symptoms, often occurring shortly after the accident. However, it's important to understand that not all symptoms are immediate, and delayed onset of pain or other symptoms can also indicate a serious brain injury. Key signs and symptoms of brain bleed after a car crash include:

Severe headache. A sudden and intense headache, often described as the worst headache ever experienced.
Nausea and vomiting. Persistent nausea or repeated vomiting, especially if it occurs suddenly after the accident.
Loss of consciousness. Either a brief lapse in consciousness or a longer period of unconsciousness.
Confusion or disorientation. Feeling disoriented or confused, having trouble understanding or following conversations.
Visual changes. Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision.

These symptoms can provide early warning signs of a brain bleed, highlighting the need for prompt medical evaluation to slow or prevent further complications. However, in some cases, symptoms of brain bleeds may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident. That’s why – even if you don’t think you’re injured – seeing a doctor for a thorough medical examination after a car accident is necessary.

Delayed symptoms of a car accident-related brain bleed may include loss of coordination and balance, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, fatigue that does not improve with rest, and mood swings or significant behavioral changes.

Recognizing the symptoms of a brain bleed and understanding the steps you need to take to seek compensation are key to a healthy recovery and financial stability after a NYC car accident.

Seek medical attention after a NYC car accident – even if you feel ok

Regardless of whether symptoms appear immediately or are delayed, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident is vital. Here’s why:

Early detection. Immediate medical evaluation can help identify brain bleeds that may not present symptoms right away. Early detection through CT scans or MRIs can reveal internal bleeding before it leads to more severe complications.
Prevention of further damage. Brain bleeds can worsen over time if not treated promptly. Initial treatment can prevent or slow the injury from progressing and potentially causing more severe neurological damage.
Comprehensive assessment. Doctors can perform a full neurological assessment to evaluate any damage and recommend appropriate treatment, including medications, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Accurate diagnosis. Medical records can provide clear evidence linking the symptoms to the car accident, which is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
Strong evidence. From a legal perspective, documenting both immediate and delayed symptoms is critical for building a strong claim seeking compensation.

Your medical exam can provide compelling evidence of the severity of your brain bleed and its impact on your life. Such medical records also clearly establish a connection between your brain injury and the car accident.

Brain bleeds often require ongoing medical care from specialists, such as neurologists or neurosurgeons. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your recovery and manage any long-term effects. Attend all follow-up appointments and follow the doctor’s instructions. This may include physical therapy, cognitive therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation. By doing so, victims can demonstrate the severity of their injuries as well as their commitment to taking full advantage of every opportunity to restore their health and vitality.

How a New York car accident lawyer can maximize your compensation

Brain bleeds after a car accident are serious injuries that often require immediate and ongoing medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms, taking prompt action, and understanding the complexities of seeking compensation are crucial steps for your recovery and financial stability.

An experienced New York car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, from filing the initial claim to negotiating with insurance companies. They can work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts of the injury.

Giampa Law can work with you and demand the money you deserve for the necessary medical care and treatment for your injuries. Our NYC car accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights. Our law firm’s case results include a $1.4 million settlement for a Bronx car accident injury victim rear-ended by a company van.

If you were injured in a New York accident, contact us right away for a free case evaluation. A member of our team is available to hear from you 24/7 to answer your crash-related questions and discuss the true value of your claim.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this article, “Brain Bleed Symptoms After a Car Accident.”