Car Accident Concussion? Here’s How It Affects Your Case

Recognizing car accident concussion symptoms early and getting prompt medical care protects not just your health but your right to compensation.

Car accident injuries can easily be overlooked—especially if it’s not visible or you didn’t lose consciousness. But even a mild concussion can disrupt your work, daily routine, and quality of life. Concussions are a form of brain injury that insurers often try to minimize in personal injury settlements, especially when imaging looks normal.

But you don’t have to fight insurers alone.

In this guide, we break down how a concussion from a car accident affects your body and your legal claim, highlighting the importance of speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer so your injury is taken seriously and properly documented.

What Is a Concussion After a Car Crash?

A car crash concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head or body. During a collision, the brain can move rapidly inside the skull, disrupting normal brain function. This can happen even if your head never strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, and even if you never lose consciousness.

Vehicle occupants can suffer concussions in rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and rollovers due to the violent acceleration and deceleration forces that also cause whiplash.

According to the CDC, concussion symptoms may not appear immediately. Many people begin to notice problems hours or even days after the crash, once the adrenaline wears off and inflammation develops.

Because concussions are often invisible on standard scans, they are frequently misunderstood and underestimated, making early medical evaluation especially valuable after suffering a car crash concussion.

Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop gradually in the days following the crash.

Physical concussion symptoms may include:

• Persistent headaches or head pressure
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or low energy
• Blurred or double vision

Cognitive and emotional symptoms often include:

• Memory problems or confusion
• Trouble concentrating or “brain fog”
• Irritability or mood swings
• Anxiety or sadness
• Changes in sleep patterns

These symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, drive, and handle everyday responsibilities. Because concussion symptoms are subjective and can fluctuate, insurers often challenge their seriousness without strong medical records indicating otherwise.

When a Car Crash Concussion Becomes Post-Concussion Syndrome

With proper rest and treatment, most concussions improve within a few weeks. However, some people develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a condition in which symptoms persist for months or even longer. PCS may involve chronic headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and emotional fluctuations.

PCS can greatly increase the value and complexity of a car accident concussion case. Long-term treatment, extended time away from work, and permanent lifestyle limitations often require more extensive compensation. Insurers are also more likely to dispute these claims, making thorough documentation and legal advocacy critical to support your case.

Why You Should See a Doctor Right Away

After a car accident, it is easy to dismiss symptoms like headaches or dizziness as stress or soreness. However, seeking medical care right away helps rule out dangerous complications such as brain bleeding or swelling and creates an early medical record linking your symptoms to the crash.

Insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means your concussion symptoms were not caused by the accident or were not serious. Prompt medical evaluation protects your legal claim, making it much harder for insurers to dispute your concussion from the car accident.

Medical Evaluation and Imaging

Doctors diagnose concussions primarily through your reported symptoms, medical history, and neurological exams. In some cases, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs are used to check for bleeding, swelling, or other serious brain injuries.

However, some concussions cause real and lasting symptoms without showing up on scans. Medical records documenting your complaints, follow-up visits, and treatment plan are critical evidence in car accident concussion claims—even when imaging appears normal.

Following Treatment and Recovery Plans

Treatment for a car accident concussion often includes physical and cognitive rest, limits on screen time and driving, and a gradual return to work or school. Some patients may be referred to neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or mental health providers, depending on their symptoms.

Always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Missed appointments or ignored treatment plans give insurers an excuse to argue that your symptoms are exaggerated or self-inflicted. Consistent care shows that your concussion symptoms are real and ongoing.

How a Car Accident Concussion Affects Your Texas Injury Case

A concussion from a car accident can significantly increase the value of personal injury claims. Brain injuries often affect concentration, memory, mood, and energy levels, which can interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities. Even when other injuries are relatively minor, a documented concussion may justify higher compensation due to its impact on quality of life.

In Texas, concussion cases require careful legal strategy because insurers are known for shifting blame and minimizing brain injuries that are not visible.

Proving the Other Driver’s Fault

Texas follows an at-fault system, meaning the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. This requires proving negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or running a red light.

Evidence supporting proof of negligence may include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Expert crash reconstruction

Documenting Concussion Symptoms and Limitations

Because concussion symptoms can be subjective, detailed documentation is crucial. Keep a daily symptom journal that tracks headaches, dizziness, memory issues, mood changes, and sleep problems. Share this information with your doctors to ensure your medical records accurately reflect your experience.

Statements from family members, friends, and coworkers can also be powerful evidence. Their observations about changes in your behavior, work performance, or personality after the crash help demonstrate how the concussion has affected your life.

Texas Comparative Fault and Brain Injuries

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, outlined in the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33. Under this law, you can still recover compensation if you are up to 50% responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionately by your percentage of fault. If your responsibility exceeds 50%, you are no longer eligible to receive compensation.

Settlement for Concussion in a Car Accident

Car accident concussion settlement values depend on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Medical expenses, lost income, and the overall impact on your quality of life all play a role. Even two people with similar concussions can receive very different settlement amounts based on these factors.

Understanding average settlement amounts can help set realistic expectations, but insurers evaluate each concussion claim individually. Thorough documentation and legal advocacy often make the difference between a low offer and fair compensation.

Typical Settlement Ranges for Concussions

Estimates typically place settlements for concussions in car accidents between $20,000 and $80,000, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the victim’s recovery process.

Cases involving PCS or more severe brain injuries can be worth significantly more. When symptoms are long-lasting, require extensive treatment, or permanently limit a person’s ability to work or enjoy life, settlements may reach six or even seven figures.

Damages You Can Claim in a Concussion Case

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Ongoing treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault driver engaged in extreme, wilful misconduct, such as drunk driving or street racing.

Insurance Challenges With “Invisible” Injuries

Adjusters frequently offer low initial settlement offers, arguing that symptoms are exaggerated, unrelated to the crash, or caused by a pre-existing condition. This tactic is especially common with so-called hidden injuries after a car accident.

Overcoming insurer skepticism requires consistent medical care, detailed records, and legal advocacy that justifies how the concussion has affected your life.

How AK Law Firm Helps Clients With Car Accident Concussions

A concussion may not leave visible scars, but it can still change how you think, work, and live. Proving the full impact of a brain injury requires legal experience, attention to detail, and a clear strategy for countering insurance company tactics.

AK Law Firm helps car accident concussion victims build strong, evidence-based cases that reflect the true cost of their injuries.

Proving and Valuing Brain Injuries

Concussion cases often hinge on medical documentation, expert analysis, and real-world impact. The experienced Texas car accident lawyers at AK Law Firm will gather medical records, consult with neurologists, and work with rehabilitation providers to understand both current symptoms and future treatment needs.

Your legal team may also collect employment records and statements from family members and coworkers to demonstrate how the concussion affected your ability to work and enjoy daily life. This information is extremely valuable when negotiating or litigating for fair compensation.

Supporting Concussion Victims Across Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio

AK Law Firm represents clients across Texas who have suffered concussions and other brain injuries in car accidents. Our firm assists with arranging medical care, tracking damages, communicating with insurance adjusters, and pursuing full compensation for accident-related losses.

We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and all legal fees are a percentage of your damage recovery. If there is no recovery, there are no fees.

If you were injured in a crash, help is available in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Call AK Law Firm to discuss your case and learn how to protect your rights after a car accident concussion.

FAQ: Car Accident Concussion and Your Case

How do I know if I have a concussion after a car accident?

Common signs of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, memory problems, foggy thinking, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop hours or days after the crash.

Only a medical professional can diagnose a concussion. If you notice symptoms after an accident, seek medical care as soon as possible to protect your health and your claim.

What is the average settlement for a concussion in a car accident in Texas?

Many concussion settlements fall in a broad range of $20,000 to $100,000, with some estimates placing average outcomes between $48,000 and $85,000. Cases involving post-concussion syndrome or long-term disability can be worth significantly more.

Every case is different. Factors such as fault, medical needs, recovery time, and insurance coverage can all affect the final settlement amount.

Do I need a concussion diagnosis to bring a claim?

You do not need the word “concussion” in your earliest medical records to pursue a claim. However, you must have medical evidence connecting your symptoms to the crash. A formal diagnosis from a doctor or specialist is very helpful, especially if symptoms persist.

Delays in seeking care can give insurers grounds to argue that your symptoms are unrelated or exaggerated, so early evaluation is important.

How long do I have to file a concussion lawsuit after a car accident in Texas?

In most cases, Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including claims involving concussions or post-concussion syndrome.

Because concussion symptoms can evolve over time and evidence is easier to preserve early, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.