Concussion Warning Signs After a Car Accident

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden impact or jolt rattles your brain inside your head. Importantly, you don’t need to hit your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window to sustain a concussion. The sudden deceleration from any collision can cause your brain to bounce against the inside of your skull, even at relatively low speeds. The violent jolt is why whiplash-type injuries so often result in concussions.

In Minnesota car accidents, concussions happen more frequently than most people realize. Research shows that approximately one in six concussions is caused by a motor vehicle crash, adding up to hundreds of thousands of crash-related concussions every year. Worse still, many of these cases are never properly screened or evaluated for concussion symptoms.

When concussion symptoms go unrecognized and untreated, victims often continue with normal activities that can worsen the injury. Doing so can lead to post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for months or longer. Early diagnosis and proper rest are crucial for recovery.

Some concussion symptoms appear right away at the accident scene or within hours of the crash. If you or anyone involved in your accident experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention ASAP.

Loss of Consciousness

Any loss of consciousness after a car accident should be taken seriously. Even brief unconsciousness lasting just a few seconds indicates that the force of the collision was significant enough to disrupt brain function. 

Confusion or Disorientation

Feeling dazed or confused about what happened, or unable to remember details immediately before or after the crash, are classic concussion symptoms. You might describe feeling like you're in a fog or that everything seems surreal.

Severe Headache

While many people experience headaches after the stress of an accident, a persistent or severe headache that develops shortly after impact is a red flag for potential concussion.

Nausea or Vomiting

Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting after a car accident can indicate brain trauma. This symptom should never be dismissed as simply shock or anxiety from the crash.

Dizziness and Balance Problems

If you feel lightheaded, unsteady on your feet, or the world seems to be spinning, these are important warning signs of a possible concussion.

Vision Problems

Blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light following a car accident can all indicate a brain injury.

Ringing in the Ears

Also known as tinnitus, persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears after a crash can be associated with concussions.

Not all concussions are apparent right away. Symptoms can be delayed by several hours or days after the initial injury. That delay is one of the most dangerous aspects of concussions, since victims may decline medical treatment at the scene. Here are some delayed symptoms to watch for over time.

Persistent or Worsening Headaches

If your headache becomes more severe over time rather than improving, or if it goes away but then returns, this could indicate brain trauma.

Memory Problems

Difficulty remembering events after the accident, forgetting conversations, or experiencing general "brain fog" are concerning signs that may appear days after the crash.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleeping much more or much less than usual, difficulty falling asleep, or feeling unusually fatigued are common delayed concussion symptoms.

Mood and Behavioral Changes

Increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings that develop in the days or weeks following your accident may be related to a concussion.

Cognitive Difficulties

Struggling to concentrate, feeling mentally sluggish, or having trouble processing information are delayed symptoms that often worsen when you try to return to work or normal activities.

Sensitivity to Light and Noise

Developing heightened sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds days after the accident can indicate a concussion.

Speech Problems

Slurred speech, difficulty forming words, or inability to form coherent sentences that develop after the initial accident period warrant immediate medical evaluation.

While most concussions don't require a trip to the emergency room, certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious brain injury that needs immediate medical attention, including:

• Severe headache that continues to worsen
• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of consciousness lasting more than one minute
• Seizures or convulsions
• Weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
• Unequal pupil sizes (one pupil larger than the other)
• Increasing confusion or agitation
• Slurred speech that develops or worsens
• Inability to wake someone up or recognize people
• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears

These symptoms could indicate more serious complications such as brain bleeding, swelling, or a skull fracture. If you notice any of these danger signs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own. Get help immediately.

While most concussions don't require a trip to the emergency room, certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious brain injury that needs immediate medical attention, including:

• Severe headache that continues to worsen
• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of consciousness lasting more than one minute
• Seizures or convulsions
• Weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
• Unequal pupil sizes (one pupil larger than the other)
• Increasing confusion or agitation
• Slurred speech that develops or worsens
• Inability to wake someone up or recognize people
• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears

These symptoms could indicate more serious complications such as brain bleeding, swelling, or a skull fracture. If you notice any of these danger signs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own. Get help immediately.

What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion After a Car Accident

1. Get Medical Evaluation Within 24–48 Hours

If you suspect a brain injury, never adopt a wait-and-see approach. Schedule an appointment with your doctor within one to two days of noticing symptoms, even if they seem mild. If you're experiencing any red flag symptoms like severe headaches, repeated vomiting, or profound confusion, go to the emergency room immediately.

2. Document Your Symptoms

Keep a detailed journal of what you're experiencing. Write down when each symptom started, how severe it is, and how it affects your daily activities. Journaling will help your doctor understand your condition, and could also provide crucial evidence if you decide to pursue compensation.

3. Be Honest About How You Feel

Don't downplay your symptoms to doctors, family members, or insurance adjusters. Some people feel pressure to minimize their injuries or push through symptoms to get back to normal life as quickly as possible. Pushing aside symptoms can be dangerous for your health and harmful to your legal rights. Be honest about any difficulties you’re facing.

4. Follow Your Treatment Plan

Once diagnosed, your doctor will likely recommend physical and cognitive rest. This typically means limiting screen time, avoiding strenuous activities, and reducing mentally demanding tasks. Don't rush back to work or normal activities before your healthcare provider clears you. Ignoring your doctor’s advice puts you at risk and could complicate future legal action.

5. Report to Your Insurance Company

Under Minnesota law, you must notify your insurance company of accidents resulting in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. Report your concussion symptoms even if they developed after you initially reported the accident.

6. Contact a Minnesota SiebenCarey “Know Your Rights” Car Accident Attorney

Because concussion symptoms aren’t as visible as other injuries, insurance companies often attempt to downplay or dismiss them. Protect yourself with the right legal support in your corner. An experienced SiebenCarey car, truck, or motorcycle accident attorney can:

• Ensure you're getting proper medical care
• Help document the connection between your accident and symptoms
• Fight for fair compensation while you focus on recovery

Understanding Your Legal Rights Under Minnesota Law

Even though concussions are often classified as "mild" traumatic brain injuries, this terminology can be misleading. For victims dealing with persistent symptoms, the effects are anything but mild. Minnesota state law recognizes that concussions and other traumatic brain injuries deserve serious consideration in personal injury claims.

Minnesota's No-Fault Insurance System

Under Minnesota's no-fault insurance system, you're required to file a claim with your own insurance company first, regardless of who caused the accident. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should pay for initial medical expenses and lost wages.

However, if your injuries are serious enough, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

What Compensation Can Include

In Minnesota, you can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Impact on your quality of life and relationships
• Future medical costs if symptoms persist
  

The financial impact of a head injury can be devastating. Your attorney will take this into account when calculating the value of your claim.

Important Legal Deadlines

You typically have six years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for injuries in Minnesota. However, the sooner you speak to a lawyer at SiebenCarey, the better. Evidence vanishes, memories fade, and building a case only becomes harder with time.

Why Concussion Claims Require Experienced Legal Representation

Emergency departments miss up to half of concussion diagnoses because symptoms can be subtle and there's often no visible injury. Insurance companies can exploit this, arguing that delayed symptoms aren't related to the accident or that victims are exaggerating. Experienced legal representation is all the more important for concussion cases.

At SiebenCarey, we've spent over 70 years fighting for injured Minnesotans. We understand the medical complexities of concussion cases and know how to counter insurance company tactics with thorough investigation, expert medical testimony, and compelling evidence.

With offices in Minneapolis, Lakeville, and Duluth, we serve accident victims throughout Minnesota. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one is experiencing concussion symptoms after a car accident, contact SiebenCarey today at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) for a free consultation. We're available 24/7 to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

FAQs

Can I drive after a concussion from a car accident?

No, you should not drive for at least 24 to 48 hours after a concussion. Even if you feel fine, concussion symptoms can impair your reaction time, concentration, and decision-making abilities. Research shows that people who believe they've fully recovered from a concussion still drive unpredictably, similar to intoxicated drivers. Don't get behind the wheel until your doctor has medically cleared you to drive.

Can I have a concussion if I didn't lose consciousness?

Yes, you can. In fact, loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of concussion cases. The absence of unconsciousness doesn't mean your brain wasn't injured. Watch for other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, or sensitivity to light and sound.

How long does it take to recover from a car accident concussion?

Most people recover from a concussion within two to four weeks. However, recovery time varies significantly from person to person. Some individuals experience symptoms for only a few days, while others develop post-concussion syndrome with symptoms lasting months or longer. Several factors can affect the recovery timeline, such as:

• The severity of the injury
• Age
• History of previous concussions
• How well the treatment plan is followed
  

Can concussion symptoms get worse over time?

Yes, concussion symptoms can worsen if you don't rest properly or if you return to normal activities too quickly. Symptoms may also appear or intensify days or weeks after the initial injury. That is why it's so important to follow your doctor's recovery plan and avoid rushing back to work, sports, or other demanding activities before you're medically cleared.

What's the difference between a concussion and post-concussion syndrome?

A concussion is the initial brain injury, while post-concussion syndrome occurs when symptoms persist beyond the normal recovery period, typically longer than two months. Post-concussion syndrome can include:

• Chronic headaches
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
  

Will insurance cover my concussion treatment?

Under Minnesota's no-fault insurance system, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should pay for your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. If your medical bills exceed $4,000, or if you suffer permanent injury or long-term disability, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

Do I need to go to the emergency room for a concussion?

Not necessarily. While you should seek medical attention within 24 to 48 hours of a suspected concussion, most cases don't require emergency room treatment. However, go to the ER immediately if you experience red flag symptoms.