Concussion Warning Signs After a Car Accident

Car accidents don’t always leave visible injuries. Sometimes the most serious damage is inside your head — literally. Concussions are one of the most common car accident injuries, and they can happen even in low-speed crashes.

The problem? Many concussion symptoms don’t show up right away, and when they do, people often dismiss them as “just stress” or “a bad headache.” Ignoring a concussion can put your health and recovery at risk.

Here are the warning signs to watch for if you’ve been in a crash.

1. How Car Accidents Cause Concussions

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when your brain hits the inside of your skull due to sudden force. In car accidents, this can be caused by:

• Hitting your head on the steering wheel, window, or airbag.

• Violent whiplash-like motion without direct head impact.

• Objects in the car striking your head.

Even without losing consciousness, you may still have a concussion.

2. Common Concussion Symptoms

Warning signs can appear right away or develop over hours to days. Look out for:

• Headaches or pressure in the head.

• Dizziness or balance problems.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating.

• Fatigue or drowsiness.

• Slurred speech or delayed response.

  
  

3. Delayed or Subtle Signs

Some symptoms creep in later, which makes them dangerous to overlook:

• Memory issues (forgetting parts of the crash).

• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression).

• Sleep problems (insomnia or excessive sleepiness).

• Persistent “foggy” feeling.

These are often brushed off as stress, but they may signal a brain injury.

4. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to See a Doctor

Concussions can worsen if untreated. Without medical care, you risk:

• Long-term cognitive problems.

• Increased sensitivity to future head injuries.

• Post-concussion syndrome (symptoms lasting weeks or months).

Doctors can perform neurological exams and imaging to confirm a concussion and guide recovery.

5. What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion

• Seek immediate medical care. Don’t try to “tough it out.”

• Avoid driving or operating machinery until cleared by a doctor.

• Rest and follow medical instructions closely.

• Document your symptoms to strengthen your accident claim.

Concussions are nothing to ignore. If you’ve had a car accident and are experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion, complete our questionnaire now — FindLawFast can help you find the right path forward.

The Bottom Line

Concussions are silent but serious. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t ignore headaches, dizziness, or confusion — they may be your body’s way of warning you about a brain injury.

👉 Learn more in our Medical Questions category.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or legal advice. Concussion symptoms vary widely, and every case is different. Always seek professional medical care after a car accident.