Spotting Head Injury & Concussion Signs After a Car Accident

You’ve just been through a car accident. Your heart is racing, your neck is sore, and now you notice memory loss, light sensitivity, or blurry vision. It might feel like stress, but these are often signs of a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur even without a direct blow to the head.

Many accident victims in Michigan overlook concussion symptoms, increasing the risk of long-term effects like post-concussion syndrome, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life. Delaying medical care can also harm your ability to recover damages from the insurance company.

At Matz Injury Law, we understand how a mild traumatic brain injury can disrupt your life. Our car accident lawyers provide legal guidance and support to help you get the medical care you need, recover lost wages, and protect your rights.

What Is a Concussion After a Michigan Car Accident?

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a concussion is a brain injury that causes a temporary loss of normal brain function. Concussions are common after Michigan motor vehicle accidents, whether caused by a rear-end crash, side impact, or another type of collision. While most are mild traumatic brain injuries that improve with treatment, untreated concussions can lead to serious complications.

This type of brain injury often causes immediate changes in brain function, sometimes affecting consciousness or mental status. Common symptoms after a Michigan crash include:

• Headaches
• Memory problems
• Mood changes
• Trouble concentrating
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to noise or light

Many people recover within a few weeks, but others may experience symptoms for months. Even without losing consciousness, you could still have a concussion. Seeking prompt medical evaluation is important to protect both your health and your legal rights under Michigan law.

What Types of Michigan Car Accidents Are Most Likely to Cause Concussions

Certain types of crashes in Michigan pose a higher risk of concussions because of the force and motion involved:

• Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, which forces the brain to move violently inside the skull.
• Side-impact crashes create sudden lateral movement that may result in head trauma.
• High-speed frontal collisions can cause strong forward motion and blunt force injuries.
• Rollover accidents increase the chance of head impact and rotational brain injuries.
• Any crash with direct head impact raises the likelihood of a concussion.
• Even low-speed car crashes with whiplash can lead to concussion symptoms.

If you suspect a concussion injury after a Michigan car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately and then contact a personal injury lawyer. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law can explain your rights, gather the evidence you need, and pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion After a Michigan Car Accident You Should Not Ignore

A Michigan car accident can cause many injuries, but one often overlooked is a concussion. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others develop later and can lead to serious complications. Recognizing and treating a concussion early helps protect your health and your rights under Michigan law.

Headache

A persistent headache after a car accident may worsen with physical activity or mental effort and often does not improve with over-the-counter medicine. This may indicate a traumatic brain injury and should be evaluated by a medical professional, possibly with imaging tests such as a CT scan.

Confusion or Feeling Dazed

Feeling mentally foggy or confused can be a sign of a mild traumatic brain injury. You may feel dazed, have trouble processing events, or react more slowly than usual. This disruption in brain function requires medical attention.

Memory Loss (Amnesia)

Forgetting the moment of impact or events surrounding the crash may indicate a TBI. If you cannot recall how you struck your head or arrived at the hospital, seek immediate medical evaluation and consider requesting a CT scan.

Dizziness or Loss of Balance

Dizziness or balance issues may develop hours or days after a head injury. These symptoms suggest your brain’s coordination functions are affected and, if left untreated, could lead to further injury.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting after a crash can be a response to a head injury, especially when paired with other symptoms such as drowsiness or blurred vision.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound can occur after a concussion and is often associated with post-concussion syndrome. These symptoms mean your brain is overstimulated and requires medical care.

Fatigue or Drowsiness

The brain may work harder after a concussion, making you feel unusually tired. Changes in sleep patterns should be discussed with your doctor.

Blurred or Double Vision

Visual problems like blurriness or double vision are common after head injuries, but can be overlooked if focus shifts to other accident-related concerns.

Mood Changes

Irritability, mood swings, or personality changes can follow a concussion due to inflammation and chemical changes in the brain. Often, others notice these changes before the injured person does.

Difficulty Concentrating or Slurred Speech

Problems focusing, thinking clearly, or speaking smoothly may indicate a more serious traumatic brain injury. These symptoms can impact daily life and may require long-term care. In Michigan, they may also be part of a claim for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Signs of a Delayed Concussion After a Car Accident

Symptoms of a concussion are not always immediate. While some appear right after a Michigan car accident, others may develop days or even weeks later. Common delayed symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to sound or light
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Depression

If you notice any of these symptoms after your accident, seek immediate medical attention. Delayed symptoms can still indicate a serious injury, and prompt diagnosis is important for both your recovery and any potential legal claim.

What to Do if You Have Signs of a Concussion After a Michigan Car Accident

If you suspect a concussion or other head injury after a Michigan car accident, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have visible head trauma or struck your head in the crash.
• Monitor for symptoms such as confusion, headaches, dizziness, or pain in the neck and shoulders.
• Complete all recommended testing, including concussion evaluations, and follow your clinician’s advice if imaging, such as a CT scan, is indicated.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions, including resting and limiting screen time, loud noises, or mental strain.
• Keep detailed medical documentation, including records, prescriptions, and symptom notes.
• Attend all follow-up appointments and report any changes in your condition promptly.
• Contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and pursue possible compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

How to Tell if a Head Injury After a Michigan Car Accident Is Mild or Severe

The differences between mild and severe brain injuries after a Michigan car accident include:

• Loss of consciousness: Mild concussions may cause no loss of consciousness or only a brief one lasting a few seconds. Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause prolonged unconsciousness.
• Amnesia: Memory loss is common. In mild cases, it is usually short-term. Severe injuries may cause longer-lasting or permanent memory problems.
• Symptom severity: Mild TBIs may involve subtle symptoms, while severe injuries can cause neurological deficits, seizures, and long-term changes in brain function.

Regardless of severity, any suspected brain injury after a Michigan crash should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can protect your health and strengthen a potential injury claim.

Recovering Compensation for Post-Concussion Syndrome After a Michigan Car Accident

Michigan’s no-fault system requires that all drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses (up to your policy’s selected limit), lost wages (typically up to 85% of your gross income for up to three years, subject to a monthly cap), and other services regardless of fault.

However, to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or diminished quality of life, you must meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold outlined in MCL 500.3135. This threshold requires:

• An objectively manifested impairment was observed by someone other than the injured person.
• It affects an important body function, such as cognitive ability.
• It impairs the injured person’s general ability to lead their normal life. The impairment does not have to be permanent to qualify, and the evaluation is based on a case-by-case comparison of life before and after the accident.

If you believe your concussion symptoms meet this threshold, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation beyond PIP, such as:

• Excess economic loss
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of activities

How Do You Prove Post-Concussion Syndrome After a Michigan Car Accident?

Proving post-concussion syndrome (PCS) after a Michigan car accident requires detailed evidence showing both the existence of the condition and its impact on your daily life. Useful documentation includes:

• Medical records from neurologists, neuropsychologists, or other treating providers that confirm your diagnosis and track symptom progression.
• Cognitive testing results demonstrating measurable changes in memory, concentration, or other brain functions compared to pre-accident abilities.
• Statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing changes in mood, personality, work performance, or daily functioning since the crash.

Because PCS symptoms are often subjective and develop over time, thorough documentation is critical to meeting Michigan’s serious impairment of body function threshold. An attorney can coordinate expert evaluations and organize this evidence to strengthen your claim for non-economic damages.

How Hiring a Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Concussion Claim

Hiring a Michigan personal injury lawyer after a concussion can help ensure your claim is handled efficiently and within the state’s legal deadlines. Under MCL 600.5805, most personal injury cases must be filed within three years, so timely action is important. For no-fault (PIP) benefits, you must also give notice to your insurer within one year of the accident and bring any PIP claim within one year of the expense being incurred, or you may lose those benefits.

An attorney can evaluate your case, identify the evidence needed, and connect you with medical specialists whose evaluations may strengthen your claim. These experts can explain how your concussion affects your daily life and support that it meets Michigan’s serious impairment of body function standard.

With a lawyer managing communication and negotiations with the insurance company, you can focus on recovery while they work to secure compensation for your medical care, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life.

Why Choose Matz Injury Law As Your Car Accident Lawyer

Matz Injury Law has decades of experience representing people injured in Michigan car accidents, including those suffering from concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. We have recovered more than $300 million for our clients, combining proven results with attentive, personalized service.

Our fee is 22%, which means you keep more of your settlement compared to the 33% charged by many other firms. This approach reflects our commitment to putting more of the recovery in your pocket.

From your first call through resolution, we take the time to listen, explain your options, and protect your rights. Whether through negotiation or litigation, our goal is to help you move forward with the resources you need to recover.

Testimonials

“Mr Matz was great helping me after my auto accident. I had no idea what was going on or where to turn but he led me the correct direction and to the right kind of doctors I needed to treat my injuries. He was there to answer any questions and still is, even if its not to do with the case he represented me on. His son is very helpful and caring also!” — Judy W.

“For anyone looking for an attorney please look no further than Matz Injury Law!! Not only was Jared professional, he helped me beyond what I could have asked for. I’m so thankful for you all!!! To say I’m appreciative and grateful is an understatement. There’s no need to look for any other attorneys for you auto accidents!! They are so wonderful!!! Highly recommended 10/10!!!!!” — Tessa C.

“Steve has been such a blessing throughout my whole process of working with my auto insurance after my traumatic car accident. He’s very attentive, willing to answer any question and have it make sense! I truly got lucky have him to represent my claim.” — Michelle C.

Protect Your Health and Rights After a Concussion in a Michigan Car Accident

If you or a loved one is experiencing concussion symptoms after a Michigan car accident, contact Matz Injury Law for a free consultation. We can explain your legal options, connect you with resources for medical care, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Michigan law.

Call our law firm today at 866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Minor Car Accident Cause a Concussion?

Yes. Even without direct head contact, the sudden motion from a crash can cause the brain to move inside the skull and result in a concussion.

How Is a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury Treated?

Treatment often involves rest, monitoring symptoms, and follow-up appointments. Some cases may require physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Severe injuries might need surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Can Concussions Cause Long-Term Health Issues?

Yes. Long-term effects can include memory problems, concentration difficulties, mood changes, and, when head injuries are repetitive, possible increased risk of conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Research is ongoing regarding links to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Some people recover quickly, while others may experience symptoms for months or longer.

Can I File an Insurance Claim for My Concussion?

Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system allows you to claim medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Detailed medical records and symptom documentation will help support your claim and, if necessary, prove eligibility for non-economic damages.