Mark Anderson | January 16, 2026 | Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of car accidents. Even collisions that seem minor can cause significant trauma to the head and brain, sometimes with symptoms that do not appear right away. In a busy metro area like Dallas, where crashes often occur at high speeds or in heavy traffic, head injuries are a common and serious concern.
Understanding the different types of head injuries that can result from a car accident can help injured individuals recognize warning signs and seek appropriate care.
Why Head Injuries Are Common in Car Accidents
During a car crash, the head may strike a steering wheel, window, dashboard, or headrest. Even without a direct impact, the sudden force of a collision can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull.
These rapid movements can damage brain tissue, blood vessels, or nerves. Because the head and brain are especially vulnerable to sudden acceleration and deceleration, head injuries can occur in a wide range of crash scenarios.
Concussions
A concussion is one of the most common types of head injuries suffered in car accidents. It is a form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head.
Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, sensitivity to light, or memory problems. While concussions are often labeled “mild,” their effects can be serious and long-lasting if not properly treated.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries range from moderate to severe and can have permanent consequences. TBIs occur when the brain is damaged due to a strong impact or violent movement.
Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, severe headaches, speech problems, mood changes, or difficulty with concentration and coordination. Severe TBIs may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.
Skull Fractures
A skull fracture happens when the force of a collision causes a break in one or more bones of the skull. These injuries often occur when the head strikes a hard surface during a crash.
Skull fractures can increase the risk of brain injury, bleeding, or infection. In some cases, fractures are accompanied by swelling or pressure on the brain, making prompt medical attention critical.
Contusions and Brain Bleeding
A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by direct impact. These injuries may lead to swelling or bleeding within the brain tissue.
Car accidents can also cause internal bleeding, such as subdural or epidural hematomas, where blood collects between the brain and the skull. These conditions can be life-threatening and may require emergency intervention.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries
Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain is injured on both sides. The “coup” injury happens at the point of impact, while the “contrecoup” injury occurs on the opposite side of the brain as it rebounds within the skull.
These injuries highlight how damaging sudden force can be, even when the head only strikes one object during a crash.
Closed Head Injuries Without Visible Trauma
Not all head injuries involve cuts, fractures, or visible wounds. Closed head injuries occur when the brain is injured without the skull being penetrated or visibly damaged.
These injuries can be difficult to diagnose initially and may worsen over time. Symptoms such as persistent headaches, fatigue, or cognitive changes should never be ignored after a car accident.
Delayed Symptoms After a Crash
One issue many accident victims do not expect is that head injury symptoms may appear hours or even days after a collision. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain immediately after a crash.
Because of this delay, some people do not seek medical attention right away, which can complicate diagnosis and recovery. Monitoring symptoms closely and seeking evaluation after an accident can be crucial, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
Why Head Injuries Can Have Long-Term Effects
Head injuries can affect memory, personality, emotional regulation, and physical coordination. In some cases, individuals may struggle with work, relationships, or daily activities long after the accident.
Recovery often involves medical treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the potential scope of these injuries helps explain why they are taken seriously in accident-related claims.
Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
Head injuries can affect far more than just your physical health, often disrupting work, family life, and long-term well-being. If you or someone you love suffered a head injury in a Dallas car accident, it may be helpful to understand what options are available moving forward. Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you review your situation and explain potential next steps.
For more information, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury attorney today.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
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About the Author
Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
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