How to Know If You Have a Concussion From a Car Accident

A concussion from a car accident is a form of traumatic brain injury that happens when your head suddenly jolts or shakes upon impact. It makes your brain shift within your skull, resulting in headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, memory loss, and light or noise sensitivity. Understanding the potential symptoms and consequences of a concussion is crucial—especially for car accident victims who may experience delayed signs of injury.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify concussion symptoms after a car accident, when to seek medical care, and how to pursue legal compensation if negligence was involved.

What Causes a Concussion After a Car Accident?

A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or abrupt shock causes the brain to bounce violently back and forth within the skull. The abrupt movement can induce chemical reactions within the brain and, in a small number of instances, damage brain cells.

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of concussions. The sudden force of a collision might result in your head striking hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or car window. Even if there’s no direct head impact, whiplash—the violent whipping motion of the neck during impact—can cause the brain to bounce around within the skull, leading to a concussion.

Types of Car Accidents That Can Cause Concussions

Not all car accidents are the same—some are more likely to cause concussions due to the severity of impact or the angle of collision.

• Rear-End Collisions: Sudden braking or acceleration can create whiplash, which can indirectly cause a concussion.
• Head-On Collisions: The force of frontal impacts often leads to direct head injuries or violent jerking movements.
• Side-impact (T-bone) Accidents: This common type of crash can throw a passenger’s head sideways, causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
• Rollovers: These accidents are particularly violent, and since the automobile rolls over, there is a greater chance of head damage and neck injuries.

The Most Common Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident

Determining a concussion will, at times, be difficult, as symptoms do not necessarily occur immediately. Symptoms of concussion can persist for days, weeks, or even months in some people, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It’s important to know what to look for. The most common concussion symptoms are as follows:

Physical Symptoms:

Headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, fatigue or drowsiness, dizziness or “seeing stars,” sensitivity to light and noise, and ear ringing.

Cognitive Symptoms:

Confusion or disorientation, memory issues such as forgetting the events surrounding the accident (amnesia), difficulty concentrating, and slurred speech.

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:

Irritability or unexplained mood changes, feeling as if in a fog, and depression or anxiety.

Other Key Indicators:

Temporary loss of consciousness, delayed response to questions, and balance issues.

How Long Can It Take for Concussion Symptoms to Appear?

Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately—they can take hours or even days to develop. Some physically expressed signs, like dizziness and nausea, are immediately present. However, other symptoms, such as concentration problems or depression, can take hours or even days to manifest.

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, monitor any physical, emotional, or cognitive changes—they could be signs of a concussion. Seek medical advice when symptoms appear, no matter when they occur.

How Are Concussions Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have had a concussion, visit your healthcare provider as soon as you can for evaluation. Diagnosis usually involves the following steps:

Neurological Exam

This tests your vision, reflexes, coordination, balance, and hearing to ascertain general brain function.

Memory and Cognitive Testing

Questions may be asked to test for memory, problem-solving capability, and concentration.

Brain Imaging (When Needed)

While most concussions don’t require imaging, a CT scan or MRI may be conducted if severe symptoms (like potential brain bleeding) are suspected.

When to Seek Medical Attention

After a car accident, see a healthcare provider—even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Seek immediate care for signs like repeated vomiting, worsening headaches, confusion, weakness, seizures, or prolonged unconsciousness. Even subtle symptoms matter, as untreated injuries can lead to complications. Prioritize your health now for peace of mind.

Can You Get Compensation for a Concussion After a Car Accident?

If another driver’s negligence caused your concussion, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Concussions can be significant and lead to medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses—including doctor visits, imaging scans, and therapy—along with lost wages and pain and suffering. This also includes emotional distress and a diminished quality of life caused by the injury.

Get Help From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at The Barnes Firm

A concussion from a car accident can have lasting effects—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Barnes Firm is here to protect your rights and help you to get the compensation you deserve. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you through this process. Call (800) 800-0000today for a free consultation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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