Concussions and TBIs Are Common in Car Wrecks

A digital X-ray-style illustration of a driver experiencing head trauma during a car crash, with the brain highlighted in pink as the airbag deploys.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the serious impact of head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially in car accidents. These injuries can be easy to overlook, but recognizing the warning signs and seeking medical attention right away can make all the difference.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. It’s one of the most common injuries in car accidents—even in minor crashes. While symptoms may not seem severe initially, untreated concussions can lead to long-term complications. Concussions are classified into three grades based on severity:

Grade 1 (Mild): Brief confusion or disorientation lasting less than 30 minutes, with no loss of consciousness.
Grade 2 (Moderate): Confusion lasts longer than 30 minutes without losing consciousness. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, and memory problems.
Grade 3 (Severe): Loss of consciousness, even if brief, with more intense symptoms that require immediate medical care.

No matter the severity, concussions should never be ignored. A car accident lawyer can help if you or a loved one suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence. Seeking prompt medical attention and legal guidance can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately after a car accident. Some may take hours or even days to develop. Common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and balance issues.
Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slowed thinking, and trouble finding words.
Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, or increased emotional sensitivity.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping more than usual, or feeling drowsy throughout the day.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Can I suffer a concussion even if I didn’t hit my head in a car accident?

Yes, you can still suffer a concussion in a car accident—even if you didn’t directly hit your head. Here's how:

Forceful impact: Car accidents create sudden movements that can cause the brain to shake or shift inside the skull, leading to a concussion.
Whiplash effect: In a rear-end collision, your head may jerk forward and backward rapidly, putting strain on the brain. This sudden motion can disrupt normal brain function, even without direct impact.
Side-impact or rollover accidents: These crashes can make your head move forcefully in different directions. The brain can still sustain injury without hitting a hard surface.

In some cases, you may not even realize right away that you’ve experienced a concussion because the symptoms might not appear immediately. The movement alone can be enough to cause a brain injury, and it’s important to monitor how you feel in the hours and days following the crash. Always seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms, even if your head didn’t take a direct hit.

How Insurance Companies Handle Concussion Claims

Insurance companies often try to downplay the seriousness of concussions after a car accident. Since concussions don’t always show up on standard imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, insurers may argue that your injury isn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the crash. They might also:

Delay or Deny Claims: Insurers may question the timing of your symptoms or argue that they are unrelated to the accident.
Minimize Medical Costs: They may push for a quick settlement that doesn’t cover long-term care, rehabilitation, or lost wages.
Use Your Statements Against You: Anything you say to an adjuster could be used to dispute your claim, including comments about feeling “fine” right after the crash.

That’s why it’s critical to get medical documentation of your injury as soon as possible and consult a car accident attorney who can handle negotiations with the insurance company.

How a car accident lawyer can help after a concussion

At Warner Law Offices, we understand how devastating a concussion from a car accident can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially as well. These injuries can often be overlooked at first but can lead to long-term challenges that affect your daily life. That’s why our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.

With our deep knowledge of personal injury law and a commitment to fighting for your rights, we’re here to help you through every step of the legal process.

Don’t face the aftermath of a concussion alone. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation to learn how we can support your recovery journey. Our office is located in Wichita, Kansas, and we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't pay anything unless we win your case.

"Tom will go the extra mile and is not afraid of fighting for your case. If you are looking for a bulldog, he is your man. He knows his job and has a very knowledgeable and helpful support staff. This is the man you want to represent you." — Larry E., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐