A concussion after a car accident is a very serious and common injury for crash victims victims. But it is frequently undiagnosed because people – including medical professionals – fail to recognize the signs and symptoms. It can be fatal or result in lifelong disabilities if left untreated.
All too often, people fail to investigate whether a person has suffered a concussion after a car accident if he or she did not lose consciousness. Unfortunately, that’s a dangerous conclusion because there are many other signs and symptoms to alert the injured person and/or his or her family that this injury may have occurred. Headaches, confusion, slurred speech and loss of energy are all tell-tale signs.
Missing a diagnosis is dangerous because if it is left untreated it could result in a dangerous – potentially deadly – collection of blood between the brain and the skull. Referred to as a hematoma, this collection of blood and the resulting pressure could damage the brain’s ability to function properly. Sadly, in some cases, the damage is permanent and the injured person never regains his or her pre-crash level of cognitive functioning.Â
Because any injury to the brain could have a lasting impact on your health and livelihood, it is vital to seek medical attention after any crash.
What is a concussion after a car accident?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur during a car accident, even in low-speed collisions. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or sound. Prompt medical evaluation is important to diagnose the injury, manage symptoms, and prevent complications. This brain injury can vary in severity, and recovery times differ for each individual, making proper documentation and treatment essential for both health and potential legal claims.
Symptoms of a concussion after a car accident
Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion after a car accident early and seeking timely medical evaluation is crucial for both recovery and safety. This overview provides clear, evidence-based information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and legal considerations, helping individuals understand what steps to take if they experience a head injury following a collision.
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Slowed thinking or difficulty processing information
- Irritability, mood swings, or anxiety
- Depression or unusual sadness
- Sleeping more than usual or difficulty sleeping
Symptoms can be subtle and may not appear right away. Even if they seem mild, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, as a concussion can sometimes mask more serious injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury.
What to do if you have symptoms of concussion after a car accident?
If you experience symptoms of a concussion after a car accident—such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound—it’s important to take immediate action. This head injury is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that may not be immediately obvious, and untreated symptoms can lead to prolonged or more serious complications.
- Seek medical attention right away – If you experience any symptoms of a concussion after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt evaluation allows a doctor to assess your brain injury, diagnose it, and recommend the appropriate treatment. The sooner a person receives the necessary diagnostic tests and medical care, the better their chances of a full functional recovery and of ruling out a potentially more serious or permanent injury.
- Keep a record of your symptoms and care – Document any symptoms, doctor visits, tests, medications, and treatments. This information is valuable for tracking your recovery and may be helpful for insurance purposes.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Adhering to medical advice, including rest and any prescribed therapies, supports recovery and reduces the risk of further injury.
- Avoid activities that could worsen your condition – Until cleared by a healthcare professional, limit activities such as driving, operating machinery, or participating in sports or strenuous exercise, as these can aggravate symptoms.
- Monitor your symptoms carefully – Be alert to changes such as worsening headaches, nausea, confusion, vision problems, or loss of consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention if severe or unusual symptoms appear.
- Maintain communication with your healthcare providers – Keep your doctors informed about any new or persistent symptoms. They can adjust your care plan and provide documentation that may be important for insurance or legal purposes.
- Consider legal guidance if needed – If your injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation.
Prompt action and careful documentation does not only support recovery but also help protect your legal and financial interests in the event of a claim under our state’s No‑Fault statutes.
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How to make a claim
In Michigan, you start your claim for concussion after a car accident by filing an application for No-Fault benefits with the responsible auto insurance company, according to the No-Fault law’s “priority” rules. The No-Fault insurer will pay for your medical bills and your lost wages if you cannot return to work.
Can you sue for a concussion after a car accident?
Yes, you can sue for a concussion after a car accident in Michigan. You may be entitled to pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault driver if your injury qualifies as a “serious impairment of body function” under MCL 500.3135. You can also pursue No-Fault benefits for unpaid medical bills, attendant care, replacement services, medical mileage, and lost wages under MCL 500.3145(1). In addition, other economic damages, such as future medical expenses and ongoing lost income, may be recoverable depending on the severity of your brain and its impact on your daily life.
What causes a concussion after a car accident?
A concussion after a car accident can be caused by a strike, blow or jolt to the head that occurs during the crash. Importantly, it can occur even if there is no impact to the head. It can also be caused by the extreme force of the crash, which causes the head to whip violently forward and backward.
At its most basic level, this is an injury to the brain that results from the brain striking the interior of the skull. Whether the initial event is a blow to the head or the violent whipping motion that occurs in rear-end collisions, the sudden movement of the head (acceleration) – and equally sudden end to that movement (deceleration) – causes the brain to be thrown against the skull or to twist inside the skull.
The danger in this is that the brain can be bruised or damaged. This may cause bleeding in and around the brain, which will cause the skull to fill with blood and put pressure on the brain. Left untreated, this brain injury could be fatal or result in lifelong, life-altering disabilities.Â
Testing and diagnosis
Testing for and diagnosing this type of injury may involve the following actions by your doctor:
- Asking questions about how your injury occurred
- Asking questions about your symptoms
- Conducting a physical examination
- Ordering an MRI scan, CT scan or an electroencephalogram (to monitor brain waves)
- Administer neuropsychological and/or neurocognitive tests
- Administer an eye test that assess for changes in pupil size, eye movements and light sensitivities that are associated with this injury
Treatment for a concussion after a car accident
Treatment for a concussion after a car accident typically focuses on rest, symptom management, and a gradual return to normal activities while ensuring no more serious injury is present. Key steps in treatment may include:
- Medical evaluation: Doctors assess symptoms, perform neurological exams, and may order imaging to rule out serious injuries.
- Physical rest: Avoid strenuous activities, sports, and driving until cleared by a healthcare professional.
- Cognitive rest: Limit activities requiring intense focus, such as work on computers, reading, or schoolwork.
- Symptom management: Over-the-counter pain relief, hydration, and monitoring headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
- Gradual return to activities: Stepwise reintroduction of physical and cognitive tasks under medical supervision.
- Rehabilitation therapies: Physical therapy, vestibular therapy, or cognitive exercises if needed.
- Follow-up care: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to track recovery and address persistent symptoms.
Following these steps can improve recovery, prevent complications, and ensure a safer return to daily life.
How long can concussion last after a car accident?
How long a concussion can last after a car accident depends on each person, the severity of his or her injury, the recommended course of treatment and how the person’s body reacts to the injury and treatment. For some, it can last days or months. For others, the effects are long-term.
Research has shown that some survivors of this injury – approximately 1 in 10 – endure permanent cognitive deficits or emotional injury.
When should you contact a lawyer for a concussion after a car accident?
A lawyer can assist with a concussion after a car accident by establishing the connection between the crash and your injury, managing communications with insurance companies, and helping ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention, carefully document all symptoms and treatments, and avoid giving statements or accepting any settlements before consulting with a lawyer.
Proof of injury
Contacting a lawyer after a car accident can be crucial if you suspect a concussion or other head injury. This brain injury can be difficult to document because symptoms are often subtle, delayed, or invisible on standard imaging tests. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you in gathering and preserving medical records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, and detailed symptom logs that demonstrate the existence and severity of your injury. This documentation is essential for supporting insurance claims or potential legal action, ensuring that your injury is properly recognized and compensated.
A lawyer can also help protect your rights and navigate complex insurance processes. Insurance companies may underestimate or challenge head injuries, particularly when symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory problems are not immediately apparent. By working with an attorney, you can ensure that all evidence of your injury—including medical evaluations, follow-up care, and the impact on daily life—is presented accurately. This not only strengthens your claim but also helps you secure the compensation needed for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
Insurance company negotiation
After a concussion following a car accident, negotiating with an insurance company can be complex and overwhelming. A lawyer can handle these negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that your medical records, symptom documentation, and any diagnostic tests clearly demonstrate the severity and impact of your injury. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize the claim or question the connection between the crash and your injury. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics, advocate for your rights, and work to secure a settlement that fully reflects your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the injury.
A lawyer also brings knowledge of the legal standards and timelines relevant to personal injury claims. They can communicate effectively with the insurance company, prepare all necessary documentation, and ensure that you do not inadvertently waive important rights or accept a settlement that is too low. By managing these discussions, a lawyer helps protect your financial and medical interests, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than navigating complex insurance procedures on your own.
Maximizing compensation
A lawyer can help maximize compensation for a concussion after a car accident by thoroughly documenting the full scope of your injury and its impact on your daily life. This injury can involve both visible and invisible symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and fatigue, which can affect your ability to work, care for yourself, and engage in normal activities. An experienced attorney ensures that all medical records, symptom logs, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans are accurately documented and presented, helping demonstrate the true extent of your injury to insurance companies or in court.
In addition, a lawyer can identify all potential sources of compensation and pursue damages beyond just immediate medical bills. This can include lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and suffering or reduced quality of life. By negotiating skillfully with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in legal proceedings, a lawyer ensures that your claim fully reflects the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of this injury, giving you the best chance of securing fair and comprehensive compensation.
Access to experts
After a concussion following a car accident, a lawyer can leverage access to medical and other expert professionals to strengthen your case. This injury often involve subtle or delayed symptoms that can be difficult to quantify, and insurance companies may downplay their severity. An experienced attorney can connect you with neurologists, neuropsychologists, or rehabilitation specialists who can provide expert evaluations, detailed reports, and testimony to clearly demonstrate the impact of your injury on your daily life and long-term health.
In addition to medical experts, a lawyer may work with crash reconstruction specialists, vocational experts, or economists to illustrate the broader effects of your injury, such as lost earning potential, career limitations, or the need for ongoing care. By coordinating expert input, a lawyer ensures that your claim reflects the full scope of your injury and its consequences, increasing the likelihood of fair compensation and helping you navigate the complex legal and insurance processes with confidence.
How long do i have to file a lawsuit?
In Michigan, the timeframe for filing a lawsuit after a concussion from a car accident depends on the type of claim:
- No-Fault / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits:
- You generally have 1 year from the date of the crash to file a claim for unpaid medical bills, lost wages, or other PIP benefits.
- This is governed by MCL 500.3145.
- You generally have 1 year from the date of the crash to file a claim for unpaid medical bills, lost wages, or other PIP benefits.
- Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver (Pain and Suffering / Non-Economic Damages):
- You generally have 3 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries such as a brain injury, pain and suffering, or long-term effects.
- This is governed by MCL 600.5805(2).
It’s important to act promptly, because missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation. Consulting a qualified Michigan auto crash attorney early ensures your rights are protected and your claim is filed on time.
What type of compensation can I get?
In Michigan, if you suffer a concussion after a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on whether you are filing under No-Fault benefits or pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.
1. No-Fault / PIP Benefits (MCL 500.3101)
These are first-party benefits through your own insurance and typically include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for doctor visits, imaging tests, medications, therapy, and ongoing treatment related to your brain injury.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost if your brain injury prevents you from working.
- Replacement services: Coverage for services you cannot perform due to injury (e.g., childcare, household tasks).
2. Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver (Pain and Suffering / Non-Economic Damages, MCL 500.3135)
If your brain injury qualifies as a serious impairment of body function, you may also pursue compensation for:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms caused by the head injury.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or other mental impacts resulting from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: For limitations on activities you could previously enjoy.
- Future medical expenses: If ongoing treatment or therapy is needed.
- Lost future earning capacity: If the brain injury affects your ability to work long-term.
Why choose the attorneys at Michigan Auto Law?
Michigan Auto Law stands out for its exclusive specialization on motor vehicle crash cases, allowing our attorneys to develop deep expertise in our state’s complex auto injury and No-Fault laws. With decades of experience and multiple offices across the state, we have achieved more million-dollar settlements and verdicts in Michigan than most other firms. We prioritize clear communication and individualized attention, ensuring clients are informed and supported throughout the legal process. Recognized by industry peers and organizations, including the Brain Injury Association of America, our firm combines proven results with a client-focused approach, giving you the experience and advocacy you need after a serious crash. If you or a loved one suffered a concussion after a car accident call now for a free consultation. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Have you suffered a concussion after a car accident? Call Michigan Auto Law first
If you have suffered a concussion after a car accident call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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