A concussion is one of the most frequently overlooked injuries after a car accident. Because it’s not always as obvious as a broken bone or a visible wound, many people leave the scene thinking they’re shaken up but ultimately fine. The truth is that concussions can be subtle, delayed, and surprisingly disruptive to daily life. Symptoms may appear slowly, intensify over time, or change from day to day — which makes understanding them even more important.

Whether you were involved in a minor fender-bender or a high-impact crash, any sudden jolt to the head or violent movement of the neck can cause the brain to move inside the skull. That movement, even without a direct hit to the head, can lead to inflammation, chemical changes, and temporary disruption of brain function. This is what doctors refer to as a concussion.

If you’re dealing with headaches, dizziness, fogginess, or changes that “don’t quite feel right” after a collision, you’re not alone — and you shouldn’t ignore it. Here’s what you need to know.

Read: How Car Accident Injuries and medical treatment can affect your claim

What Exactly Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (often referred to as a “mild TBI”). The word “mild” refers to the fact that it typically does not involve structural damage that appears on imaging, such as bleeding or skull fractures. But “mild” does not mean insignificant. A concussion can disrupt your ability to think clearly, remember things, concentrate, drive, work, or perform tasks that were effortless before the accident.

A concussion occurs when:

• The head strikes an object

• An object strikes the head

• The body is violently whipped forward or backward

• A sudden force causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull

Even a crash at 10–15 mph can generate enough force to cause a concussion. Many people mistakenly assume you must black out or hit your head to get one — neither is true.

Common Symptoms After a Car-Accident Concussion

Concussion symptoms vary widely. Some begin immediately, others develop over several hours, and some don’t show up until the next day. Many people dismiss early signs because they seem mild or unrelated.

The most common symptoms include:

• Headaches or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Nausea

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Feeling mentally “foggy”

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory problems

• Slow thinking or delayed responses

• Irritability, anxiety, or emotional changes

• Fatigue

• Blurry or double vision

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

One red flag many people overlook is feeling “not like yourself.” That sense of being out of sync, unfocused, or mentally slowed is often one of the earliest signs of a concussion.

Why Symptoms Are Often Delayed

Concussions don’t always behave like typical injuries. You might feel relatively normal immediately after the accident because your body is flooded with adrenaline. Once the adrenaline fades and inflammation increases, symptoms become more noticeable.

Delayed symptoms do not mean the injury isn’t real. In fact, delayed-onset symptoms are extremely common. Insurance adjusters sometimes try to use this timing to question the legitimacy of the injury, but delayed presentation is medically well-documented.

When You Should See a Doctor

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and notice any of the symptoms above — even mild ones — you should get evaluated by a medical professional. Concussions can worsen if not treated properly, and some require monitoring to ensure no more serious complications are developing.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Worsening headache

• Repeated vomiting

• Extreme drowsiness

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Unequal pupil size

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)

Even if symptoms seem manageable, it’s still smart to get checked. A doctor can perform neurological tests, recommend rest, and guide your recovery properly.

How Concussions Are Diagnosed

There’s no single test that “proves” a concussion. Instead, doctors typically use:

• Neurological examinations

• Balance assessments

• Cognitive testing

• Imaging (when necessary to rule out more serious injury)

MRIs and CT scans usually appear normal after a concussion, which sometimes surprises people. But concussions are functional injuries — they affect how the brain works rather than showing up as visible damage.

A strong diagnosis comes from symptoms, mechanism of injury, and a thorough exam.

Why Rest and Recovery Are So Important

You can’t push through a concussion the way you might push through a sore muscle. Your brain needs rest to heal, and attempting to resume normal routines too quickly can prolong symptoms or make them worse.

Doctors often recommend:

• Reducing screen time

• Avoiding strenuous physical activity

• Limiting bright lights and loud environments

• Taking breaks from mentally demanding tasks

• Gradually returning to work or school

Some people need only a few days of rest. Others require weeks of structured recovery.

How a Concussion Can Affect Daily Life

Concussions don’t just cause discomfort — they can disrupt everyday routines in ways people don’t expect. Tasks that were automatic, such as following conversations, staying focused, driving at night, or completing work assignments, may suddenly feel unfamiliar or more difficult.

Common challenges include:

• Forgetfulness or misplacing items

• Trouble multitasking

• Mood swings or irritability

• Trouble working on a computer for long periods

• Needing frequent rest breaks

• Feeling overwhelmed by busy environments

These changes often frustrate people because they feel out of character. But they’re normal during recovery, and they typically improve with proper care.

How a Concussion Can Impact an Insurance Claim

Because concussions are invisible injuries, they tend to be heavily scrutinized by insurance companies. Adjusters may claim symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident. This makes documentation incredibly important.

Strong documentation includes:

• Early medical evaluation

• Follow-up appointments

• Neurological exams

• A symptom journal

• Notes about missed work

• Statements about cognitive or emotional changes

• Any recommendations for therapy or specialist care

The more detailed and consistent your records, the harder it is for an insurer to downplay your injury.

Should You Handle a Concussion Claim on Your Own?

Some concussion claims can be handled without a lawyer, especially if symptoms resolve quickly and the insurance company communicates fairly. But because concussions can be unpredictable and sometimes lead to long-term effects, many people choose to get help — not because they want to file a lawsuit, but because they want to make sure nothing is overlooked.

You may want to consider professional help if:

• Symptoms last longer than two weeks

• You’re having memory issues, anxiety, or cognitive problems

• Your doctor recommends ongoing treatment or work restrictions

• The insurance company questions your injury

• There are other injuries involved

• You’re unsure how to calculate the long-term cost of your recovery

A concussion is not something to take lightly, and it’s okay to ask for support if the process becomes stressful or confusing.

Read: When it’s necessary to hire a lawyer

How to Protect Your Health and Claim After a Concussion

Whether you pursue your claim alone or with help, a few simple habits can strengthen both your recovery and your case:

• Get evaluated early

• Follow doctor instructions carefully

• Keep a daily symptom log

• Save all receipts and medical bills

• Avoid rushing back into normal routines

• Communicate honestly about your symptoms

• Attend all follow-up appointments

These steps help ensure you recover fully — and that you’re treated fairly.

Final Thoughts

Read: How to Handle Whiplash Claims

Concussions after car accidents are far more common than people realize, and they’re nothing to brush off. While they may not show up on a scan or create obvious physical marks, they can disrupt your memory, focus, emotions, and overall well-being in ways that feel unsettling and unfamiliar.

Understanding what a concussion is, recognizing symptoms early, and getting the right medical care can make a world of difference in your recovery. Whether you’re handling the claim yourself or exploring professional help, the most important thing you can do is take your symptoms seriously and give yourself the time you need to heal.

If you treat your recovery with patience and awareness, you give your brain the best chance to bounce back — and you protect your rights along the way.

Last edited: 12/10/2025 by James Carter