Concussions and Brain Injuries After a Car Crash: What You Need to Know

When people think about injuries from a motor vehicle collision, they often picture broken bones or whiplash. But one of the most common — and most misunderstood — injuries I see in car accident cases is a concussion or other form of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Why Brain Injuries Are So Common in Car Accidents

Despite what some people may think, you do not have to hit your head on the steering wheel or windshield to suffer a concussion.

In a crash, the human brain can move inside the skull when the body is suddenly accelerated or decelerated. Even a “minor” rear-end collision can cause the brain to shift from front to back, resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury. Airbag deployment, seatbelt restraint, and rapid rotational forces can all contribute to this movement.

Modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact forces — but your brain is not.

Different Levels of Severity

Brain injuries exist on a spectrum.

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion)  This is the most common type. A person may or may not lose consciousness. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and mood changes.  Many people initially assume these symptoms will simply “go away.” Sometimes they do. Sometimes they persist for months or even become permanent.

• Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.  These injuries often involve a longer period of unconsciousness or more pronounced cognitive problems. Imaging studies may show visible brain abnormalities. Victims may experience lasting issues with speech, memory, processing speed, and emotional regulation.

• Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.  Severe TBIs can involve extended unconsciousness or coma. These injuries frequently require hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The impact on employment, independence, and quality of life can be profound.

Why Concussions Are Difficult to Prove

Unlike a broken bone that appears clearly on an X-ray, many concussions do not show up on CT scans or MRIs. Standard imaging often appears “normal.  This creates challenges in injury claims.  Indeed, insurance companies frequently argue that there was no loss of consciousness, there is no visible damage on imaging. the crash was “minor” and symptoms are subjective.

But medical science has evolved. We now know that a person can suffer significant cognitive impairment even when traditional imaging looks normal. Neuropsychological testing, symptom progression, medical records, and testimony from family members about behavioral changes can all play an important role in documenting these injuries.

Why Early Documentation Matters

If you suspect a concussion after a crash: seek medical care immediately. follow up with your primary physician, consider a referral to a neurologist or concussion specialist, report all symptoms — even subtle ones and avoid minimizing what you are experiencing.  Early documentation can make a significant difference both medically and legally.

The Bottom Line

Concussions and brain injuries are among the most common injuries in motor vehicle accidents — and among the most misunderstood. Just because there is no visible wound does not mean there is no real injury.

If you or a loved one experiences lingering symptoms after a crash, take them seriously. Brain injuries deserve careful medical attention — and in many cases, careful legal evaluation as well.

If you have a legal question you would like addressed in a future column of Ask the Lawyer, feel free to submit it to the magazine.