If you suffered a concussion after a car accident, understanding your treatment options and legal rights is critical. Without proper medical attention and legal guidance, you risk both your health and your right to compensation. Many people experience symptoms of mild or severe traumatic brain injury later after the incident, which is why acting quickly matters.
That’s our goal at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky P.A. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about concussions, including the symptoms to watch for, how to get proper treatment, what your legal rights are, and how to pursue a concussion settlement that actually covers your losses.
Understanding Concussions and TBI
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. Car accidents cause thousands of these injuries every year, and they can have serious, long-lasting effects on your daily life, work, and mental health.
When the brain is shaken inside the skull, it causes chemical changes and sometimes physical damage to brain cells. That’s why concussion symptoms may not appear immediately and can worsen over time without proper treatment. In some cases, what begins as a mild brain injury can lead to permanent brain damage if left untreated.
It is also important to understand that a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury on one end of the spectrum, but many head injuries sustained in a car crash can range from mild to severe, depending on the force of impact. Whether you hit your head on the steering wheel, window, or were simply jolted by the force of impact, you may have sustained a concussion worth evaluating as soon as possible.
Concussion Symptoms to Watch for After a Car Accident
As we said earlier, some of these symptoms won’t appear until much later. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for signs of a concussion, even if the accident occurred a few days ago. Should any symptoms appear, go to a medical expert right away.
Common Symptoms of Concussions:
- Persistent headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or feeling off-balance
- Confusion or feeling ‘foggy’
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Memory gaps, especially around the moment of the crash
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Symptoms may include any combination of the above, and they can vary widely from person to person. If you experience symptoms that worsen over time, this could signal bleeding in or around the brain. Seek emergency care immediately.
Concussion Severity: From Mild to Severe Brain Injury
Not all concussions are the same. The severity can range from a brief moment of disorientation to a full loss of consciousness. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect depending on the severity of the head injury:
| Severity | Symptoms | Typical Recovery Time |
| Mild Concussion | Headache, dizziness, brief confusion, sensitivity to light | Days to 2 weeks |
| Moderate Concussion | Extended confusion, memory gaps, nausea, and vision problems | 2–6 weeks |
| Severe Concussion / TBI | Loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, cognitive impairment | Months to years; may be permanent |
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Concussion After a Car Accident?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, your age, overall health, and whether you receive proper care. Most people recover from a mild brain injury within 7 to 14 days with rest and gradual return to activity. However, many car accident victims experience a longer road to recovery than expected, and symptoms can last for weeks or even months.
What Does Recovery Actually Look Like?
During the recovery period, your doctor will likely recommend limiting physical activity and mental exertion. Screens, loud environments, and stressful tasks can all slow down the brain’s ability to heal. This is not just inconvenient; it often means time away from work and significant disruption to daily life.
For someone with a concussion from a car accident, it is important to follow every medical recommendation closely. The brain and body need adequate time to heal, and pushing through symptoms too early is one of the most common mistakes car accident victims make. When symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window, this is known as post-concussion syndrome.
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition where concussion symptoms last far longer than expected, sometimes months after the original injury. It’s more common than most people realize. According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies estimate that about 15% of people with a concussion will also experience PCS.
Symptoms and causes of post-concussion syndrome can include chronic headaches, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, memory issues, depression, and anxiety. These long-term complications and potential long-term effects can significantly affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy daily life.
For legal purposes, this syndrome is taken seriously. When building a claim, we at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky P.A. work with medical experts who can document how persistent symptoms have affected your life both personally and professionally. Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and ongoing medical treatment all factor into the compensation for a concussion claim.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury From a Car Crash
If you think you have a concussion or any head injury due to a car accident, taking the right steps after a car accident is vital both to your health and your case. This is why our team recommends the following steps for those who have been injured:
- Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention and get evaluated as soon as possible. Tell your doctor exactly what happened, how the impact occurred, and every symptom you’re experiencing, including any headache, dizziness, or confusion. Be thorough. Medical documentation, including medical records, is the foundation of any successful injury claim.
- Step 2: Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Rest. Avoid screens, loud environments, and strenuous physical activity until your doctor clears you. Trying to push through a concussion can lead to longer recovery times and more serious concussion injury complications. Your brain and body need time to heal, and a full recovery depends on following your doctor’s guidance closely.
- Step 3: Document Everything
Keep a journal of your symptoms, including when they appear, how severe they are, and how they’re affecting your daily life. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and correspondence with insurance companies. This documentation will be important if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
- Step 4: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Before you speak to the other driver’s insurance company or accept any settlement offer, talk to a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies’ goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney will ensure that you get the compensation that you truly deserve and that your injury claim reflects the full extent of your damages.
Your Legal Options After You Have Suffered a Concussion
If someone caused the accident that gave you a concussion, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Car accident concussion cases can cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date the injury occurred to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to any compensation for a concussion at all, so acting quickly matters.
A concussion claim can be complex, especially when long-term effects are involved. This is why it is best to hire an injury lawyer. We not only take care of all the paperwork, but we also fight for you, ensuring that you don’t settle for an amount that doesn’t cover all of your damages.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Concussion Settlement
Compensation for a concussion can cover a wide range of losses. Many of our clients are surprised to learn what can be compensated in a personal injury claim. Below are the most common damages that are compensated:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is needed
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work long-term
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on personal relationships
In cases involving serious injury or particularly reckless behavior by the at-fault driver, punitive damages may also be available. The total value of your concussion settlement depends on the specifics of your case. We offer free consultations so you can get a real picture of what your case may be worth before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you get a concussion without hitting your head in a car accident?
Yes. Even if there’s no direct head impact, whiplash, the violent whipping motion of the neck during impact can cause the brain to bounce around within the skull, leading to a concussion.
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How soon do concussion symptoms appear after a car accident?
Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately; they can take hours or even days to develop. This is why it is important to monitor your condition closely, even if you feel fine right after the crash.
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How long does it take to recover from a concussion after a car accident?
Average recovery times drop from 14–21 days to under two weeks when patients begin treatment within 48 hours of injury. However, some victims experience symptoms for months, especially those with post-concussion syndrome.
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When should I go to the emergency room after a car accident concussion?
Any loss of consciousness or other alarming signs, such as seizures, repeated vomiting, or problems waking up from sleep, is a red flag of a severe brain injury that needs emergency care.
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Can I file a personal injury claim for a concussion from a car accident?
Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused your concussion, you have the right to pursue compensation. In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. at (410) 484-0400 for a free consultation.
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How much is a concussion settlement worth?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a concussion injury claim; it varies widely depending on the severity of the concussion and its impact on your life. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
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Do I need a lawyer for a concussion claim?
Insurance companies sometimes try to downplay concussion injuries or argue that your symptoms aren’t related to your accident. A car accident attorney will protect your rights and make sure your injury is taken seriously.
Suffering Brain Injuries from a Car Crash? Call the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. for Your Concussion Injury Claim
When you’ve suffered a concussion from a car accident, you need a law firm that truly understands brain injuries and knows how to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. We at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. have over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases throughout Maryland, including some of the most complex TBI and head injury cases in the state.
We take a personalized approach to every case. When you come to us, you’re not just a file number; you’re a person who has been through something traumatic, and we treat you that way. We listen, gather the evidence, and are dedicated to advocating for fair compensation with the same determination in every case we take.
We know that dealing with insurance companies, medical appointments, and financial stress while trying to recover from a concussion after a car accident is overwhelming. That’s why we handle everything for you. When you work with us, you are getting:
- Over 25 years of personal injury experience in Maryland
- Deep knowledge of traumatic brain injuries and car accident cases
- Free initial case review
- Contingency fee basis (we don’t get paid unless we win your case)
- Personalized, confidential legal representation from start to finish
Don’t Face a Concussion Injury Claim Alone
These injuries are a serious matter and must be treated as such. They can easily affect every part of your life. While this can be stressful to handle alone, the good news is that you don’t have to.
Whether your symptoms lasted a few weeks or you’re still dealing with the long-term effects of post-concussion syndrome months later, we at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. are here to help. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency basis, and bring over 25 years of dedication to every personal injury claim we handle.
Your recovery should be your focus; let us handle the legal fight.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion or any head injury due to a car accident in Maryland, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., to schedule a free consultation with no obligation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to with no upfront cost to you.
Call us today at (410) 484-0400 because you deserve a personal injury attorney who truly fights for you.
