--- description: Suffered a brain injury in a car accident? DC car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. fight for maximum compensation. Free case evaluation. title: Brain Injuries From Car Accidents - DC Automotive Brain Injury Lawyers --- Brain Injuries From Car Accidents - DC Automotive Brain Injury Lawyers # Brain Injuries From Car Accidents Last Updated: March 5, 2025 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 1 year ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Brain Injuries From Car Accidents What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. # **Brain Injuries From Car Accidents** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 17.3% of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by motor vehicle accidents – second only to falls. Depending on the[ type and severity of the TBI](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/), the symptoms of a brain injury may not become apparent until weeks or months after the initial [car accident.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) If you suffered traumatic brain injuries caused by the negligence of another party, contact a brain injury lawyer at [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) We can gather the evidence needed to help ensure you obtain fair compensation. ## Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries Two kinds of TBIs are penetrating injuries and closed-head injuries. A car accident can cause either of these injury types. A penetrating head injury occurs when a foreign object physically enters the skull; a closed-head injury involves a blunt-forced blow to the skull or any other force being applied to the brain. You do not necessarily need to hit your head to suffer a brain injury. For example, in a rear-end collision, your head could be thrown forward and thrown back, causing your brain to collide with the inside of the skull, causing a TBI. ### Primary & Secondary Damage Primary brain damage is acquired at the time of the accident. This might include a skull fracture, laceration, nerve damage, or bruising of the brain. A secondary brain injury is usually not evident at the time of the accident and can evolve after the brain suffers primary damage. Secondary damage includes: - Hematoma - Swelling of the Brain (Edema) - Low Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure - Anemia - Epilepsy - Infection (Intracranial) - Fever Other problems one might experience include difficulty with attention and concentration, migraine headaches, nausea, blurry vision, loss of smell, loss of tastes, difficulty balancing, and fatigue. Many people who have had a significant brain injury will experience memory loss, changes in cognitive skills, permanent ear damage (such as ringing in the ears), or hearing loss. ## Types of Brain Injuries Caused By Car Accidents The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild [concussion](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. Some of the most common TBI car accident victims suffer from include: ### Concussions A [concussion](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) is usually caused by an impact on the head or sudden and violent movement. Although a concussion is considered a mild [traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/), it can cause substantial damage to the cranial nerves. It can take months or years to heal or even result in permanent problems. ### Contusions A contusion is a bruise on the brain. A contusion occurs when the brain is injured by a blow to the head or by being shaken. A contusion can be small, involving only a few cells, or large, involving many different areas of the brain. It is a severe brain injury that causes bleeding and swelling inside the skull, leading to serious and long-term damage. ### Coup-Contrecoup Contusion A coup-contrecoup contusion is a type of brain injury in which the brain collides with the skull and then rebounds and hits the opposite side of the skull. The force could cause the brain to crash the inside of the skull even if there was no blow to the head. ### Diffuse Axonal Injury A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken violently. Violent or rapid movement causes the skull to move faster than the brain, and nerves and other brain tissue can be torn. [Whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) can cause this type of brain injury. ### Anoxic Brain Injury An anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, causing brain cells to die off rapidly. This can happen if the heart stops beating or the lungs stop working. Anoxic brain injury victims can often experience brain damage when oxygen deprivation lasts for as little as 30 seconds. After two minutes, there is almost a certainty that brain damage will occur. If oxygen deprivation lasts for four minutes or longer, that will usually be fatal. ### Acquired Brain Injuries Acquired brain injuries are injuries not caused by the traumatic force of the accident. They can result from blood loss, lung and rib damage, chest complications, or throat injuries that often lead to conditions directly affecting the brain. Acquired brain injuries are easily noticeable when you seek medical treatment. ### Second Impact Syndrome Second impact syndrome can occur when someone who already has a brain injury suffers another head injury. This is typically far more damaging than the original injury and can often result in permanent disability or death. ## When to Seek Treatment for a Brain Injury If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, it is important to be aware of the potential for brain injuries. Symptoms of a brain injury may not appear immediately after the accident. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible: - [Headache](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/headache-after-a-car-accident/) - [Dizziness](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/dizziness/) - Nausea - Vomiting - Fatigue - Confusion - Memory problems - Problems with vision or hearing - Sleep problems - Mood swings Treatment for a brain injury will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, rest and pain medication may be all that is needed. More severe brain injuries may require hospitalization and surgery. ## Auto Accidents & Headrests A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association revealed that headrests (also called head restraints) are an effective way to [minimize whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/what-is-whiplash/) during a car accident. Although headrests can effectively prevent some injuries, a head restraint will not always prevent a TBI. ## Why You Should Hire Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. for Your Case Suffering from a traumatic brain injury is no easy feat. While many people may recover from a TBI within a few weeks or months, some people experience permanent brain injury or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury after a car accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries. The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## Work With Our Team for Strong Legal Guidance After a Car Accident If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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