A concussion after a Texas car wreck can turn daily life upside down. You may struggle with headaches, memory lapses, or dizziness, and wonder how long recovery will take. These injuries often hide beneath the surface, showing no obvious outward signs, yet they can leave lasting effects that disrupt work, family, and normal routines.
When another driver’s negligence caused your collision, you likely qualify for compensation. You need to know all you can about concussions after a car accident to protect yourself and your future.
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that often goes undiagnosed in the rush after a crash. Because brain trauma doesn’t always leave visible marks, doctors may miss it at first. Texas law also places specific requirements on injury claims, making it important to protect both your health and your right to financial recovery.
If you suspect you suffered a concussion in a car wreck someone else caused, you should seek medical attention right away and then speak with a Richardson car accident lawyer near you for a free consultation.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow or sudden movement causes the brain to shift inside the skull. This movement disrupts brain function, often leading to temporary or longer-lasting issues with memory, focus, balance, or mood. Need a lawyer after a serious crash to protect your rights and options. Doctors classify concussions as mild traumatic brain injuries, but the term “mild” can mislead people. Even a so-called mild concussion can trigger serious health problems that linger for weeks or months.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Concussions?
The impact of a collision can cause the brain to hit the skull, resulting in bruising or chemical changes. Drivers and passengers may strike their heads on steering wheels, dashboards, or windows, but concussions can also happen without direct contact when the head snaps forward and backward suddenly. Rear-end collisions, side impacts, and rollovers all create conditions that lead to concussions.
Types of Concussions Common in Auto Accidents
Doctors often classify concussions by severity:
- Grade 1: Symptoms last less than 15 minutes without loss of consciousness.
- Grade 2: Symptoms last longer than 15 minutes without loss of consciousness.
- Grade 3: Any loss of consciousness, even momentary.
In car crashes, people frequently suffer grade 2 or grade 3 concussions because of the intensity of the forces involved.
Why Concussions Are Often Missed Initially
Concussion symptoms don’t always appear right away. Adrenaline masks discomfort, and emergency staff may focus on visible wounds like cuts or fractures. Someone might be sent home with no diagnosis, only to realize days later that they’re dizzy, forgetful, or unusually irritable. This delay complicates both medical treatment and legal claims.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Post-Accident Concussion?
After a car wreck, many people focus on broken bones or whiplash and overlook concussion symptoms. Recognizing them early can change the course of recovery. Texas personal injury settlements often include compensation for these hidden brain injuries when supported by strong medical evidence.
Immediate Physical Symptoms
Common physical signs appear quickly after impact:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
The brain controls mood and thought, so disruptions often show up mentally or emotionally:
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Memory gaps
- Slowed reaction times
- Irritability or mood swings
- Feeling in a fog
Delayed Onset Symptoms
Some concussion symptoms surface hours or days later:
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty with multitasking
- Lingering headaches
- Depression or anxiety
- Persistent fatigue
When Symptoms Indicate a Serious Brain Injury
Severe symptoms require urgent care:
- Worsening headaches
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Unequal pupil size
These may signal a more serious brain injury, such as a brain bleed, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
The Medical and Legal Importance of Seeking Treatment
Medical care serves both your health and your injury claim. Skipping treatment risks long-term damage and makes it harder to connect the concussion to the accident. Mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Richardson include delaying medical evaluation, failing to document symptoms, and speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
Why You Need Immediate Medical Attention
Early treatment ensures you get the care needed to prevent complications. It also establishes a clear timeline between the crash and your injury. Waiting days or weeks allows insurance companies to argue that your symptoms came from something else.
Documenting Your Concussion for Legal Purposes
Doctors create records that show the onset and progression of your symptoms. These records link your concussion to the car accident, helping support your claim for financial recovery. Without this documentation, insurance adjusters may deny your injury altogether.
The Role of Medical Records in Your Claim
Medical charts, test results, and doctor notes create a detailed record. They reveal how your concussion developed and what treatment you require. Lawyers often rely on these records to build a strong case against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Specialists Who Treat Concussion Injuries
Different specialists may become involved in your care:
- Neurologists evaluate brain function.
- Neuropsychologists test memory and cognitive skills.
- Physical therapists help restore balance and coordination.
- Psychiatrists or counselors assist with mood changes.
How Do You Prove a Concussion Was Caused by Your Car Accident?
Insurance companies frequently challenge brain injury claims. Proving the link between the crash and your concussion requires careful evidence.
Establishing the Timeline of Your Injury
Medical visits right after the accident create a clear chain of events. If you report headaches or dizziness immediately, your records show that symptoms began at the time of the crash, not weeks later.
Medical Evidence Required Under Texas Law
Texas personal injury claims rely on medical documentation. Doctors’ reports, imaging scans, and neurocognitive tests form the foundation of your case. Without this evidence, the insurance company may argue that your symptoms don’t meet the threshold for damages.
Expert Medical Testimony
Sometimes, lawyers call on medical professionals to explain how the accident caused your concussion. Their testimony helps a jury or judge understand the science behind your symptoms and why they stem from the crash.
Connecting Your Symptoms to the Accident
Your attorney may use a combination of accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to connect the dots. For example, if you were rear-ended and immediately complained of dizziness at the scene, that supports a strong causal link. Some car accident cases go to court when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, so thorough evidence gathering is essential.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Concussion in Texas?
A concussion can lead to significant financial strain. Texas law allows recovery for different categories of damages.
Medical Expenses and Future Treatment Costs
These include ER visits, diagnostic scans, hospital stays, and ongoing care such as physical therapy or counseling. Future treatment costs cover the possibility of long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your concussion keeps you from working, you may recover lost income. If your symptoms limit your future job opportunities or reduce your ability to work full-time, you may also claim diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
This category accounts for the physical pain, cognitive issues, and emotional strain caused by a concussion. Brain injuries disrupt not only health but also relationships, independence, and daily enjoyment of life.
Long-term Care and Rehabilitation Costs
Severe concussions sometimes require ongoing therapy or assistance with daily activities. These costs add up quickly, and Texas law allows injured people to seek recovery for them.
Texas Laws That Affect Your Concussion Claim
Texas law shapes how concussion claims move forward after car accidents.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the chance to recover compensation.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rules
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you share some fault for the crash, your recovery decreases by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20 percent at fault, your damages are reduced by 20 percent. If you’re more than 50 percent at fault, you can’t recover at all.
Insurance Requirements and PIP Coverage
Texas drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. Some also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Your Richardson car accident lawyer can help you explore all coverage options available in your case.
Special Considerations for Uninsured Motorists
If the at-fault driver had no insurance, you may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy. Many Texans add this coverage for protection against drivers who break the law and drive without insurance.
Common Challenges in Concussion Cases
Concussion cases often face pushback from insurance companies. Understanding common obstacles can help you prepare. Can I sue after car accident is a common question, and the answer depends on proving negligence and linking the concussion directly to the crash.
Insurance Companies Minimizing Brain Injuries
Insurers may argue that concussions are minor and don’t justify significant compensation. They often claim that symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident.
Proving Invisible Injuries
Unlike broken bones, concussions don’t show up on every scan. Lawyers must use medical evaluations, neurocognitive testing, and witness accounts to prove the injury.
Dealing with Pre-existing Conditions
If you had migraines, depression, or previous head injuries, insurers may argue that your current problems stem from those conditions. Medical experts help separate pre-existing issues from new trauma caused by the accident.
Overcoming Delayed Diagnosis Issues
Because concussion symptoms sometimes appear days later, insurers use the delay to deny claims. Timely follow-up care and detailed medical records are key to overcoming this hurdle.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Legal support makes a significant difference in concussion cases. Every victim should know that timely medical care, thorough documentation, and experienced legal guidance can greatly strengthen a claim.
Thorough Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our attorneys gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert evaluations to build the strongest case possible.
Working with Medical Experts and Specialists
We consult with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other professionals who can explain your injury and its long-term effects.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle for less than your case is worth. Our attorneys push back against these tactics and pursue full financial recovery for your injuries.
Litigation Experience in Complex Brain Injury Cases
When insurers refuse to act fairly, we take the case to court. Our team has the litigation experience needed to present strong evidence before a judge and jury.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process
We guide you through every stage, from initial consultation to settlement or trial, ensuring that your rights remain protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Concussion Claims
What if the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance?
You may still have options. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, your own policy can step in to cover your losses.
Can I still recover compensation if I didn’t go to the hospital immediately?
Yes, but insurance companies will likely use the delay against you. Seeking treatment as soon as possible helps strengthen your claim.
What if my concussion symptoms appeared days after the accident?
Delayed symptoms are common with concussions. Document your symptoms with a doctor right away so there’s a record linking them to the crash.
How much is my concussion case worth in Texas?
The value depends on medical costs, lost wages, long-term impact, and pain and suffering. Each case is unique, so only a thorough review can provide an accurate estimate.
Will I have to go to court for my concussion claim?
Many cases settle outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, litigation may become necessary.
Let Our Texas Car Accident Attorneys Help
AMS Law Group understands how devastating concussions can be. Brain injuries affect work, family, and independence in ways that most people never expect. Our attorneys take the time to investigate every detail, work with top medical professionals, and challenge insurance companies that try to downplay your injuries.
We work to recover full financial damages for medical care, lost income, long-term treatment, and the impact a concussion has on your daily life. If the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries, don’t wait to get help. Contact AMS Law Group today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights from start to finish.