A car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what just happened. In the moments afterward, pain and other symptoms may not always be immediately noticeable.
Head injuries deserve particular attention. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can happen when a bump, blow, or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. In a car accident, this can happen even without a direct hit to the head.
Knowing the possible signs of a concussion and when to seek medical attention can help you take appropriate steps after an accident.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms vary from person to person. According to the CDC, some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not become noticeable for hours or days.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headache
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Confusion or feeling “foggy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Feeling slowed down
• Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
• Changes in sleeping patterns
You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, Mayo Clinic notes that most concussions do not cause a loss of consciousness.
When To Seek Emergency Medical Care
Some symptoms after a head injury may be signs of a more serious injury. Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Increasing confusion or unusual behavior
• Weakness, numbness, or trouble with coordination
• One pupil larger than the other
• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
How Likely Is a Concussion After a Car Accident? The Stats
There is no single reliable percentage for the likelihood of a concussion after a car accident. National data often group concussions with other traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
For broader context, CDC data show that TBIs remain a significant health concern. In 2020, there were approximately 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations in the U.S., and nearly 69,000 TBI-related deaths were reported in 2023. These figures include TBIs from all causes, not just car accidents.
What To Do If You Have a Concussion
If you experience possible concussion symptoms after a car accident, consider taking the following steps.
Seek Medical Attention
A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms, check for signs of a more serious head injury, and determine whether additional testing or treatment may be necessary.
Ease Back Into Your Routine
Your healthcare provider may recommend a short period of rest followed by a gradual return to regular activities. Light activity, such as a short walk, may be appropriate as you recover. If an activity makes your symptoms worse, reduce or stop it and follow your provider’s guidance.
Follow Medical Instructions
Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about work, driving, exercise, screen use, medications, and returning to normal activities.
Track Your Symptoms
Keep track of headaches, dizziness, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms. This information can help your healthcare provider understand how your recovery is progressing.
Keep Your Medical Records
Save medical records, bills, prescriptions, treatment instructions, and other documents related to your injury. These records may also be important if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
What NOT To Do If You Have a Concussion
Do Not Ignore New or Worsening Symptoms
Symptoms can develop or become noticeable after the initial injury. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or new concerns develop. Emergency warning signs require immediate medical attention.
Do Not Rush Back Into Demanding Activities
Returning to strenuous exercise, sports, work, or other demanding activities too quickly may worsen symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for gradually returning to your normal routine.
Do Not Drive Until It Is Safe
A concussion can affect attention, reaction time, vision, and coordination. Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to drive again.
Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Drugs During Recovery
Alcohol and recreational drugs can affect judgment and may make it more difficult to monitor concussion symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance during recovery.
Do Not Change Your Care Without Medical Guidance
If you have questions about medications, activities, work restrictions, or other parts of your recovery, speak with your healthcare provider before making changes.
Long-Term Effects of a Concussion
Many people recover from a concussion within days or weeks, but some experience symptoms that continue for weeks or longer.
Ongoing symptoms can make it harder to:
- Return to work or school
• Drive or complete tasks that require focus
• Exercise or participate in physical activities
• Keep up with household responsibilities
• Use screens for extended periods
• Participate in social activities
If symptoms continue or interfere with everyday activities, talk with a healthcare provider. Additional evaluation or treatment may be recommended.
How Our TORKLAW Attorneys Can Help
A concussion after a car accident can affect more than your health. It can impact your ability to work, manage everyday responsibilities, and move forward with confidence. If someone else may have been responsible for the accident, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone.
Our TORKLAW attorneys can:
- Investigate how the accident happened
• Gather and preserve available evidence
• Review applicable insurance coverage
• Document medical expenses, lost income, and other losses
• Handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies
• Pursue compensation on your behalf when appropriate
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
If you suffered a concussion or another head injury in a car accident, now may be the time to learn about your legal options. Our experienced TORKLAW attorneys are available 24/7 to listen, answer your questions, and evaluate your case at no cost.
Call TORKLAW today for a free consultation: (888) 632 4545
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions After Car Accidents
Is It Safe To Sleep After a Concussion?
In many cases, sleep is part of the recovery process after a concussion. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance about rest, sleep, and monitoring after a head injury.
If someone becomes increasingly drowsy, difficult to wake, confused, or develops other emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care. The CDC lists increasing drowsiness and difficulty waking as concussion danger signs.
How Long After a Head Injury Can Symptoms Occur?
Some concussion symptoms may appear right away, while others may not become noticeable until hours or days after the injury. The CDC notes that concussion symptoms can develop over time.
If new or worsening symptoms develop, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Can a Concussion Cause Memory Loss?
Yes. Concussions can cause problems with both memory and concentration. Some people may have trouble remembering events surrounding the injury or notice memory problems during recovery. Mayo Clinic identifies memory loss and concentration problems among possible concussion symptoms.
Can Concussions Cause Seizures?
Seizures can occur after a traumatic brain injury, but they are considered a danger sign after a head injury rather than a common concussion symptom. The CDC includes seizures or convulsions among symptoms that warrant emergency medical care.
If a seizure occurs after a car accident or head injury, seek emergency medical care.
