Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Insurance Claims
A brain injury from a car accident can turn your life upside down, even if the damage isn’t visible right away. Unlike broken bones or cuts, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not show immediate symptoms. You might walk away from the crash feeling okay, only to develop headaches, memory issues, or confusion hours or even days later. These delayed signs often lead people to ignore their injuries—until the problems become more complicated to manage.
That’s why it’s critical to know what to watch for after a car accident brain injury. Understanding the symptoms early can help you get the proper medical treatment and protect your legal rights. Keep reading to learn the common signs of brain trauma, why prompt medical care is essential, and how you can recover compensation if someone else is at fault.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury happens when a blow or jolt harms the brain. During a car accident, this could be caused by hitting your head on the steering wheel or being violently shaken. Even if there’s no visible wound, your brain can still suffer damage inside the skull.
TBIs range from mild (like concussions) to severe injuries that affect speech, movement, memory, and emotions.
Not all brain injuries are the same. Some are easy to detect, while others may take time to show up. That’s why you should always get checked by a medical professional after an accident—even if you think you’re okay.
Symptoms of Brain Injury After a Car Accident
Brain injuries often come with a mix of physical, emotional, and mental changes. Here are some of the most common signs:
Physical Symptoms
You may feel dizzy, get frequent headaches, or notice blurred vision. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound are also common. If you briefly lost consciousness, that’s a serious red flag and requires immediate attention.
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
Some people feel confused or forget simple things. You might struggle to focus or follow conversations. Emotional changes—like irritability, sudden sadness, or mood swings—are signs that your brain may be affected.
Sensory Symptoms
Brain injuries can affect your senses. You might have to ring in your changes in scent, ears, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. These are all signals that the brain isn’t functioning correctly.
Symptoms of a TBI may take hours or days to appear. Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you feel fine.
When and Why to Seek Medical Attention
Many people walk away from accidents thinking they’re lucky. But adrenaline can hide severe symptoms. That’s why you should always get evaluated by a doctor, especially if you bump your head or feel off afterward.
Doctors may order a CT scan or MRI to look for internal damage. If they suspect a brain injury, they’ll recommend a treatment plan or refer you to a specialist. Documenting your symptoms early is also essential if you must submit a claim for insurance or legal action.
According to the CDC, an estimated 190 Americans die from traumatic brain injuries each day.
Treatment and Recovery Process
Your treatment plan depends on how bad the injury is. For mild cases like concussions, rest and avoiding screens or bright lights may help. You’ll also need to monitor your symptoms and follow up with your doctor.
For moderate to severe TBIs, recovery might include:
- Prescription medications to manage pain or seizures
- Surgery to address bleeding or swelling
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Cognitive rehabilitation to regain memory and focus
Emotional support is just as important. Many TBI patients also experience PTSD or anxiety and need help from a therapist or counselor.
Common Symptoms of Brain Injury by Severity Level
| Symptom Category | Mild TBI (Concussion) | Moderate to Severe TBI |
| Headache | Frequent, dull | Intense, persistent |
| Memory Loss | Short-term gaps | Extended or long-term loss |
| Mood Changes | Irritability | Depression, aggression |
| Sleep Issues | Trouble sleeping | Oversleeping or insomnia |
| Vision Problems | Blurred vision | Loss of focus or double vision |
| Physical Signs | Dizziness, nausea | Trouble with coordination |
Legal Rights for Brain Injury Victims in Louisiana
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may have the right to seek compensation. Louisiana law allows injured drivers or passengers to recover costs for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Louisiana law follows a comparative fault system (LA Civil Code Article 2323), which may reduce compensation based on your share of fault.
It’s also important to act quickly. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is only one year from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to get compensation.
A brain injury case can be more complex than other types of personal injury claims. You’ll need medical documentation, expert evaluations, and legal knowledge to build a strong case.
The outcome of any legal case depends on its unique facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
FAQs
What are the most common signs of a brain injury after a car accident?
Headaches, confusion, memory issues, sensitivity to light, and mood swings are all signs. Even minor crashes can lead to TBIs.
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
Ideally, within 24 hours. Early detection improves recovery and strengthens any injury-related legal claim.
Can symptoms of a brain injury appear days after the accident?
Yes. Some symptoms are delayed due to adrenaline and may emerge gradually over days or weeks.
What type of doctor treats brain injuries after an accident?
Start with a primary care physician or ER. For ongoing symptoms, you may need a neurologist, neuropsychologist, or TBI rehabilitation specialist.
Can I receive compensation for a mild TBI or concussion?
Yes. Even mild TBIs can lead to long-term issues. You may be entitled to compensation for treatment, time off work, and more.
What if I didn’t lose consciousness during the crash?
Loss of consciousness isn’t required for a brain injury. Other signs, such as confusion, dizziness, or headaches, still warrant evaluation.
Conclusion
Brain injuries from car accidents can have severe and long-lasting effects. Many people don’t realize they’re injured until symptoms start to interfere with work, family, or daily tasks. If you’ve been in a crash, don’t ignore headaches, confusion, or mood swings—these could be signs of something more serious.
Getting medical care early can help you recover faster and protect your legal rights. If your injury was caused by someone else’s mistake, the law may allow you to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm right now to find out how they can support your future.
Categories
In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
