What Should You Do If You Suspect a Concussion from a Car Accident?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

You just walked away from a car crash, thinking you’re fine. Even though you were shocked by the accident, everything seems to be normal. But then hours later, your head starts pounding and you feel dizzy. If these symptoms are starting to pop up, then it could be due to a concussion from car accident trauma, even if you didn’t have a direct hit to your head.

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we’ve worked with many clients over the years who initially felt okay after their accident, then developed symptoms later. We understand the best steps to take to protect both your health and your legal rights.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull. This movement damages brain cells because the brain is hitting the inside of the skull and can even create chemical changes to the way your brain works. According to the CDC, a concussion doesn’t always cause you to lose consciousness.

The force from a car accident can cause your brain to actually slam against the inside of your skull. For example, if your head jerks forward and backward suddenly, then it can cause the brain to move.

Common Causes of Concussions in Car Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are the most common reason why a car accident concussion occurs. If another car hits you from behind, then it makes your head snap forward and then backward violently. This whiplash motion causes your brain to bounce inside your skull, and a concussion can happen even if you don’t have direct head contact.

Head Trauma from Airbags or Windows

While airbags save lives, they can also cause concussions when the airbags deploy with a lot of force. Side-impact crashes can also result in head injuries because your head might strike the window or door frame.

Concussion Symptoms After Car Accident Trauma

Concussion symptoms after car accident trauma don’t always appear immediately. In fact, some people walk away from the accident thinking they are ok. But the reality is that this delayed onset is the reason why concussions can be especially dangerous.

For example, we had a client who seemed perfectly normal at the accident scene. Three days later, she couldn’t remember simple conversations or focus at work. Her employer thought she was faking the issues until medical tests confirmed her concussion.

Watch out for common physical symptoms, such as persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and blurred vision. Cognitive and emotional symptoms include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, confusion, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Never ignore potential concussion symptoms. It’s always best to seek medical care if any type of accident or injury occurs. Emergency room doctors use CT scans or MRIs to check for brain bleeding or swelling and then provide prompt treatment to minimize the long-term effects of your injuries.

Avoid Driving with a Concussion

Driving with a concussion puts you and others at serious risk. It’s important to understand that concussions can affect your reaction time, judgment, and coordination. So, unless you are cleared by a doctor to drive, you should look to family and friends who can help with driving.

Monitor Your Symptoms Closely

Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur and the severity of your symptoms. This documentation can be used as crucial evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit in the future.

Car Accident Concussion Treatment Options

Car accident concussion treatment often includes time to rest, with a gradual return to your normal activities when the doctor approves. According to the Mayo Clinic, most concussions heal within two weeks, but some patients need several months or longer for full recovery if it was a severe concussion.

Treatment typically includes physical and cognitive rest, medications, physical therapy for balance issues, and cognitive rehabilitation for memory problems.

Legal Steps to Take After a Concussion from a Car Wreck

Insurance companies often minimize concussion injuries if the symptoms are “invisible” on standard tests. The insurance adjusters are looking for every excuse to claim that your symptoms are unrelated to the accident or that you’re exaggerating your condition.

It’s essential that you document everything from the moment of impact. Ask witnesses for contact information so that you can talk to them later if needed and take photos of vehicle damage and other injuries. Make sure to contact our experienced Michigan car accident lawyers as soon as possible. We know how to gather medical evidence that proves your concussion and the overall impact it is having on your life.

Get the Help You Deserve After Your Injury

A concussion from car accident trauma can change your life in ways you never expected. These invisible injuries affect your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy daily activities. You deserve to be compensated for all of the related costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t let insurance companies minimize your injury or rush you into a quick settlement. You need a trusted legal team: Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. We bring years of experience and fight for fair compensation that covers your current and future needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-866-MICH-LAW (). We work on contingency, which means that we only get paid if your case is won, so there’s no financial risk to get started.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.