In the hours and days that follow a car accident, many people focus on the obvious—vehicle repairs, insurance calls, and visible injuries. But not every injury shows up right away.
Head injuries like concussions can be easy to miss at first. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how you feel in the moments and days following a crash.
What is a concussion?
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. In a car wreck, your head can snap forward and backward violently, even if it never hits anything directly. This is known as a coup-contrecoup injury.
When your car hits an object, your brain strikes the inside of your skull (the "coup"), and then bounces back to strike the opposite side (the "contrecoup"). This double-impact can cause microscopic tearing of brain fibers and chemical changes that a standard ER x-ray will never detect.
Why head injuries often go unnoticed after a crash
Adrenaline can mask pain, and right after a crash, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. You may feel shaken but not seriously hurt. Symptoms such as headaches or dizziness might not appear for hours or even days.
Concussions also don't always involve losing consciousness. Many people assume that if they didn’t black out, they must be fine. That’s not true. You can suffer a concussion and remain awake the entire time.
Concussions aren’t always visible injuries. Even with subtle symptoms present, they are often overlooked in the chaos that follows a car accident.
Common concussion symptoms
If you’ve been in a wreck, it’s important to monitor how you feel. Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Confusion or memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, or unusually tired
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
Symptoms may appear right away or develop over time.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a crash, seeking medical attention is crucial. A proper evaluation documents your injuries, rules out more serious complications, and allows treatment to begin as soon as possible.
What to do if you suspect a concussion
After a car accident, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. You may assume your symptoms will go away on their own. But when it comes to possible head injuries, it’s always better to be cautious.
Concussions can get worse without proper care, and ignoring symptoms may delay healing or lead to complications. If something doesn’t feel right after a car wreck, trust your instincts and:
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Avoid returning to normal activities too quickly
- Keep records of your symptoms and treatment
In both Texas and Oklahoma, insurance adjusters look for a "Gap in Treatment" to deny claims. If you wait two weeks to see a doctor because you thought your "foggy feeling" would go away, the insurer will argue that something else caused the injury in the meantime.
By seeking immediate care at a specialized neurology clinic or with a concussion expert, you link the injury directly to the crash and prevent the insurer from "timing out" your right to compensation. In short, taking these steps not only protects your health but also creates a clear record of your concussion.
Frequently asked questions: Concussions & car wrecks
Why did my ER doctor say my CT scan was "normal" if I have a concussion?
A CT scan is designed to find "structural" emergencies like skull fractures or brain bleeds (hemorrhages). It isn't sensitive enough to see the "functional" damage of a concussion, which happens at a cellular level. A "clear" CT scan does not mean you don't have a brain injury. It just means your brain isn't currently bleeding.
Can I be compensated for "brain fog" or memory loss?
Yes. In legal terms, these are often categorized under "Loss of Enjoyment of Life" or "Cognitive Impairment." If you can no longer manage your household finances, struggle to perform your job, or find yourself losing your temper with family members due to post-concussion syndrome, those are real, compensable damages.
What is "Second Impact Syndrome"?
This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person suffers a second concussion before the symptoms of an earlier concussion have subsided. This is why we tell our clients to avoid sports or heavy physical labor immediately after a wreck. A second, even minor, jolt can cause rapid brain swelling that is often fatal or permanently disabling.
Does a concussion claim take longer to settle?
Often, yes—and for good reason. You should never settle a brain injury claim until you have reached "Maximum Medical Improvement." If you settle early and your symptoms don't clear up after six months, you can't go back and ask for more money. We make sure the full trajectory of your recovery is understood before we ever discuss a settlement number.
Can the insurance company look at my high school sports records?
If you have a history of concussions from football or other sports, the insurance company will try to claim your current symptoms are "pre-existing." However, Texas and Oklahoma law protect you from the "aggravation" of prior injuries. If the car wreck made a dormant issue active again, the negligent driver is still responsible for the "new" version of your injury.
Make sure your concussion is taken seriously
At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, we understand how a concussion can affect your health, your ability to work, and your everyday life. That's why we stand up for car accident victims across Texas and Oklahoma who are dealing with the impact of head injuries.
Our legal team works to ensure your injuries are taken seriously and your voice is heard. We pursue the maximum compensation that reflects the full extent of what you've been through.
If you've suffered a concussion after a car wreck, contact us for a free consultation. Remember, symptoms can fade, and injuries can worsen. Don't wait to get the help you deserve.
"Great communication, very easy to work with. They definitely give the impression that they care about your well-being, not just the money. Definitely worth the time and work they put into a case, no rock was left unturned." - Randall Q. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐