Concussion symptoms after a car accident
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. After a car accident, the most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise. You may also notice memory problems, trouble concentrating, or feeling foggy.
Common concussion symptoms after a crash
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling slowed down or foggy
- Trouble remembering the crash or events right before it
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or feeling more emotional than usual
- Sleep problems, such as sleeping too much or too little
Why symptoms often show up hours or days later
Right after a crash, your body releases adrenaline. That rush can mask pain and other symptoms, so you may feel fine at the scene and only notice problems hours or days later. Do not wait for symptoms to get worse before getting checked out.
Symptoms that need emergency care right now
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you or anyone with you has any of these:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- One pupil larger than the other
- Seizure
- Repeated vomiting
- Worsening headache that does not go away
- Slurred speech or weakness in arms or legs
- Extreme confusion or cannot be woken up
These can signal a more serious brain injury, like a brain bleed. Time matters with these symptoms.
Why seeing a doctor quickly matters for your legal claim
If someone else caused your car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your concussion and its effects. Insurance adjusters argue that a gap in medical care means the injury was not serious. Getting evaluated right away creates a medical record that connects your symptoms to the crash. A car accident lawyer at Mendez and Sanchez can help you understand what that claim may be worth.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is when concussion symptoms do not go away as expected. Instead of clearing up within a few weeks, symptoms like headaches, memory problems, dizziness, and mood changes persist for months or even years. It is recognized and compensable in California personal injury cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of concussions in California personal injury cases?
Car accidents are the leading cause of concussion injuries in California personal injury claims, followed by slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, and sports-related collisions. In a car crash, the force of impact causes the brain to shift inside the skull, which is enough to cause a concussion even without a direct blow to the head. All of these causes can support a personal injury claim if another person or entity was at fault.
How quickly do concussion symptoms appear after a car accident, and should I go to the ER right away?
Some concussion symptoms appear within minutes of impact. Others, including persistent headaches, memory problems, and mood changes, can appear or get worse hours or days later because adrenaline masks symptoms right after the crash. Go to the emergency room immediately if you lose consciousness, have a seizure, vomit repeatedly, or notice one pupil larger than the other. For milder symptoms, see a doctor the same day or the next morning.
What is post-concussion syndrome and can it affect my California injury claim?
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition where concussion symptoms including chronic headaches, cognitive fog, depression, dizziness, and light sensitivity persist for weeks, months, or years after the initial injury. California courts and insurance carriers recognize it as a legitimate, compensable injury. It can significantly increase the value of a personal injury claim because it affects your ability to work and function in daily life.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit for a concussion in California?
California's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including concussions from car accidents, is two years from the date of the injury under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If you do not file within that window, you generally lose the right to sue. Some exceptions apply, such as claims against a government entity, which require a government tort claim filed within six months.
What types of compensation can I recover for a concussion injury in California?
In California, you may recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity if a concussion affects your ability to work. You can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If post-concussion syndrome develops, future care costs and long-term wage losses become part of the claim.
Do I need a lawyer if I have a concussion from a car accident in California?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but concussion cases are harder to settle than soft tissue injuries because symptoms are not always visible on standard imaging like X-rays. Insurance companies often dispute the severity of brain injuries or argue symptoms have another cause. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to document a concussion claim properly, gather the right medical evidence, and negotiate for full compensation. Mendez and Sanchez offers free consultations and works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.