Like other commercial vehicles, 18 wheelers are large and powerful. These vehicles build significant momentum even at low speeds, which means they have extreme force upon impact. One of the most common types of injuries due to an Albuquerque 18 wheeler wreck is a brain injury. This is because the brain is susceptible to damage even in low speed collisions with a large box truck because of the force upon impact. Learn the types of different brain injuries and how they could be caused by New Mexico trucking accidents from our New Mexico lawyers here.
Two General Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Albuquerque 18 Wheeler Wrecks
There are two general types of brain injuries that could be caused in any auto accident, especially a big rig, tractor trailer, or other 18 wheeler crash. The two general types are the following:
Open head injuries – this is when the skull is fractured and there is damage through the skull and to the brain. This could be from the force of impact breaking the skull, or through a penetrating injury that pierces through the brain and into the skull.
Closed head injuries – this is when the brain sustains injury but the skull is not pierced or fractured. This occurs when the forces upon the body and the brain result in the brain being violently shaken, yanked, twisted, or otherwise injured by the forces exerted upon it.
Types of Brain Injuries from Albuquerque 18 Wheeler Wrecks
Whether the brain injury is an open head or closed head injury, a brain injury could result in serious and catastrophic injury to a victim of a serious New Mexico trucking accident. These injuries all depend on the type of trauma to the brain. Some of these injuries are classified as traumatic brain injuries, or injuries which have caused serious damage to the brain. Some of the most common injuries include the following:
- Coup-contrecoup injuries – since the brain is suspended in fluid within the skull, a violent force on one side of the skull could cause the brain to slide forward. When this happens, the brain could sustain injury on two opposing sides of the brain. For instance, in a rear and collision, the force of impact will push the brain to hit the front of the skull and then whip backwards to hit the back of the skull. This will result in serious injury to both ends of the brain.
- Diffuse axonal injuries – when the brain is violently shaken in a big rig crash, it could result in brain tissue literally shearing, tearing, and ripping. This causes a diffuse axonal injury when parts of the brain that are not as anchored to structures end up tearing off of each other and causing damage.
- Concussions – even though most people may think concussions are common, which they are the most common brain injury, concussions are by no means mild. Every concussion is devastating and the worse of a concussion that you have, the more likely there will be long term and devastating consequences. Even the first concussion can cause debilitating and permanent disability, including memory loss, severe headaches, and language problems.
Victims of an Albuquerque 18 Wheeler Wreck With a Brain Injury Should Call our New Mexico Lawyers for Help
Any type of brain injury is a very serious injury. No brain injury or head injury should be taking for granted. All brain injuries should be treated very seriously. If you or a loved one have been serious injured in a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck, please call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
