This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most severe types of brain injuries. It often happens during a car accident when the brain moves back and forth quickly inside the skull. This movement can tear the brain’s nerve fibers, leading to serious problems with memory, speech, or even consciousness. These injuries can require long-term care, expensive treatment, and life changes for the victim and their family.
Davidoff Law helps people in Queens who suffer from diffuse axonal injury after a car accident. Our experienced legal team understands how traumatic brain injury affects every part of your life. We work hard to help you cover medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
With the support of a trusted brain injury lawyer, you can focus on healing while we focus on your case. If you or a loved one suffered this kind of injury, we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Table of Contents
What is Diffuse Axonal Injury?
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain moves very fast inside the skull. This sudden movement can stretch and tear the brain’s nerve fibers, also called axons. When this damage occurs, signals in the brain can’t move the way they should. This can lead to serious problems like memory loss, coma, or long-term brain damage.
DAI is different from other head injuries because it often affects many parts of the brain at once. It is one of the most common traumatic brain injury cases seen after high-speed car accidents. Many TBI victims don’t show clear signs right away, which is why early testing is so important.
These injuries can happen without a direct hit to the head, making them harder to detect. That’s why working with a traumatic brain injury lawyer or personal injury lawyer is so important if you’ve suffered from this type of damage.
Causes of Diffuse Axonal Injury in Car Accidents
Diffuse axonal injury often happens in car accidents where the head moves quickly and forcefully. The brain shifts inside the skull, damaging nerve fibers. These injuries don’t always involve direct impact, but are still very serious.
Here are the main ways a diffuse axonal injury can occur during a car accident and why they require immediate medical attention:
High-Speed Collisions and Sudden Deceleration
When vehicles crash at high speeds, the body and head can stop suddenly while the brain keeps moving. This sudden stop causes the brain to twist or stretch, damaging brain tissue. These high-speed accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and often result in severe injuries.
Even without a blow to the head, the damage can be deep and widespread, needing extensive medical treatment and support from a TBI lawyer.
Head Impact Against Steering Wheel, Window, or Dashboard
In many car accidents, the head strikes a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. This kind of impact can cause a diffuse axonal injury by shaking the brain inside the skull. The force doesn’t need to break the skull to damage brain tissue.
These head injuries are common in both front-seat and back-seat passengers, especially if seat belts aren’t worn.
Violent Whiplash Movements
Whiplash happens when the head is thrown back and forth with great force. While often linked to neck pain, it can also lead to diffuse axonal injury. The quick motion stretches the brain’s nerve fibers, leading to traumatic brain injury. Even without direct contact with the head, this violent motion can harm deep areas of the brain, making it a serious concern for brain injury victims after a crash.
Side-Impact and Rear-End Collisions
Side and rear-end crashes often cause the head to jerk in unnatural directions. These movements can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers. Such injuries may not be seen right away, but can lead to long-term damage. A Queens car accident diffuse axonal injury lawyer will understand how these types of crashes increase the risk of diffuse axonal injury and can help prove the cause in brain injury cases.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Diffuse Axonal Injury
Diffuse axonal injury can be hard to spot right away. Some symptoms appear hours or even days after a car accident. That’s why early testing and diagnosis are so important. Many traumatic brain injury cases go untreated at first.
Some of the signs to watch for and how doctors find this type of brain injury after a crash are:
Common Symptoms of DAI After a Car Accident
- Loss of consciousness: The person may pass out for minutes, hours, or longer after the injury occurs.
- Headaches: Ongoing or severe head pain is a common sign of brain tissue damage.
- Nausea or vomiting: This may happen due to pressure or trauma in the brain.
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing or thinking clearly can show brain damage.
- Fatigue or drowsiness: Feeling very tired even after rest may be linked to traumatic brain injury.
- Memory loss: Short-term or long-term memory problems are common with DAI.
- Mood changes or confusion: Irritability, mood swings, or feeling “off” may be signs of brain injury.
How Diffuse Axonal Injury is Diagnosed (CT Scans, MRIs)
Diffuse axonal injury is often diagnosed using brain scans. A CT scan can quickly show bleeding or swelling in the brain right after a car accident. However, an MRI is more detailed and better at showing damage to nerve fibers and brain tissue.
Doctors also look at the person's symptoms and medical records to decide which tests are needed. In many traumatic brain injury cases, both scans are used to confirm the diagnosis.
The Importance of Early Detection for Effective Treatment
Finding a diffuse axonal injury early gives the victim the best chance at recovery. Immediate medical attention can reduce brain swelling, prevent further damage, and improve long-term outcomes. Without fast diagnosis, brain injuries can get worse.
That’s why injury victims should always go to the hospital after a crash, even if they feel fine. A brain injury attorney can also help make sure all medical records are used to support your case.
How a Queens Car Accident Diffuse Axonal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A diffuse axonal injury can change your life. You may need long-term care, face high medical bills, and miss work. A Queens brain injury lawyer can help you seek compensation by building a strong case.
Here are the ways a traumatic brain injury attorney supports injury victims through every step of their recovery and legal process:
Investigating the Accident to Establish Liability
Your lawyer will look into how the injury occurred by examining the accident scene, reviewing medical records, and checking the police report. They may work with crash experts to show how the injury occurred during the car accident.
Proving that someone else’s actions caused the injury is the first step in a successful traumatic brain injury claim. A strong investigation helps build the foundation for financial recovery.
Working with Medical Experts to Prove the Severity of the Injury
Diffuse axonal injury is not always easy to prove. A skilled traumatic brain injury lawyer will work with medical experts to explain the full impact of the injury. These experts can review test results, provide written opinions, and speak about how the brain damage affects your daily life. This makes your case stronger and helps show the need for compensation.
Filing Claims for Medical Expenses, Pain, and Suffering
A traumatic brain injury attorney will file claims to cover medical expenses, including current bills and future medical costs. They will also seek payment for pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has on your daily life.
In many traumatic brain injury claims, victims also need help with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other long-term care. A Queens brain injury attorney will include all of these in your claim to ensure nothing is left out.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation
Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, even in serious brain injury cases. A traumatic brain injury lawyer knows how to deal with these companies. They will gather strong evidence, explain the extent of your diffuse axonal injury, and push for a fair settlement. This includes money for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Representing You in Court to Secure Maximum Compensation
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, your brain injury attorney can take the case to court. In front of a judge or jury, they will present medical records, expert testimony, and proof of how the injury affects your life.
Skilled personal injury lawyers will fight to secure maximum compensation so you can afford medical treatment, cover future medical bills, and move forward with support and care.
The Legal Process for Filing a Diffuse Axonal Injury Claim in Queens
Filing a legal claim after a diffuse axonal injury can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering. That’s why having an experienced injury lawyer makes a difference. From gathering evidence to speaking with insurance companies, your lawyer handles each step.
Here is a breakdown of what to do after a car accident that causes this serious brain injury:
Steps to Take After Suffering Diffuse Axonal Injury in a Car Accident
- Get Medical Attention Immediately: Always go to the hospital after a crash. Early diagnosis helps treat the injury and creates a record for your claim.
- Follow All Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments, therapy, and testing. These steps show that your injury is real and serious.
- Keep All Medical Records: Save test results, doctor’s notes, and bills. These records are key in proving the impact of your traumatic brain injury.
- Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer: A qualified traumatic brain injury lawyer can explain your rights, start your case, and guide you through the legal process.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may try to settle quickly. Let your lawyer speak for you to protect your right to full compensation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for DAI
Once medical care is in place, your brain injury attorney will begin the process of filing a personal injury claim. This claim includes the full impact of your diffuse axonal injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and future medical bills.
An experienced Queens brain injury lawyer will make sure the claim is complete, accurate, and submitted within the time allowed under New York law.
The Role of a Lawyer in Building a Strong Case
A traumatic brain injury attorney will gather all medical records, speak with doctors, and review how the injury occurred. They may also bring in experts to explain how the brain injury affects your life. This support is key in traumatic brain injury cases, especially when dealing with long-term damage or the need for rehabilitation. A well-prepared case helps brain injury victims seek full and fair compensation.
What to Expect During Settlement Negotiations or Trial
Most personal injury cases settle outside of court. Your lawyer will first try to reach a fair deal with the insurance company. If they refuse to pay what’s fair, your lawyer will take your case to trial. There, they’ll show the jury how the injury occurred and how it continues to affect your physical health, ability to work, and daily life.
FAQs
What is the difference between a diffuse axonal injury and a penetrating brain injury?
A diffuse axonal injury affects many parts of the brain due to rapid movement. In contrast, a penetrating head injury or penetrating brain injury happens when an object breaks through the skull and enters brain tissue.
Can a traumatic brain injury (TBI) come from sports injuries?
Yes. Sports injuries are a common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in football, soccer, and other high-impact sports.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if my TBI was caused by medical malpractice?
Yes. If a doctor’s mistake caused or worsened your brain injury, a personal injury lawsuit may help you recover damages for the harm done.
What therapies help after severe brain damage?
Speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are often used to help TBI victims recover after severe brain damage.
Are TBI claims common for NY traumatic brain injuries?
Yes. TBI claims are common for brain injuries in Queens and throughout New York. These injuries often cause significant injuries, mental anguish, and a long-term financial burden.
Contact Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has suffered a diffuse axonal injury after a car accident, you deserve legal support from a team that understands the seriousness of brain injuries. At Davidoff Law, our brain injury law firm has the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of your case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can bring.
Our goal is to secure fair compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and long-term care needs. We know how to build strong cases and deal with insurance companies that try to avoid responsibility. Our Queens car accident lawyers are here to stand by you and protect your future.
Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation. We will answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence. Let us fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.
Ruben Davidoff, founder of Davidoff Law, established his practice in 2012 after moving to Queens in 1988 and beginning his legal career in 1997. Admitted in NY State and the US District Court for the Eastern District of NY, he has extensive experience in personal injury, handling various cases like airline crashes, auto accidents, and slip/trip and fall cases. Mr. Davidoff provides personalized attention, recovering millions for clients through settlements or verdicts, leveraging decades of experience.
