You might not even realize you suffered a brain injury after a car accident, but the effects can last a lifetime. Brain injuries—especially concussions—are often subtle and may go undiagnosed at first. You may walk away thinking you only have neck or back pain, when in reality, you could also be dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Why They Go Unnoticed
After an accident, you might go to urgent care or see a doctor about your immediate pain, such as soreness in your neck, hip, or knee. If you casually mention bumping your head, you may not be asked the right questions to uncover a concussion. Symptoms like headaches, confusion, forgetfulness, sensitivity to light or noise, and irritability are often dismissed or attributed to stress. Yet together, they can point to a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)—the most common form of TBI after car accidents.
The Questions That Matter
Specialists like neurologists know the right questions to ask: Did you feel dazed or confused? Do you remember the moment of impact? Even a brief gap in memory can signal a concussion. Importantly, you don’t need to lose consciousness to have a brain injury.
Why Early Treatment Is Critical
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these injuries can lead to long-term struggles—difficulty working, driving anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress. The sooner you are evaluated by a neurologist or neuropsychologist, the better your chances of recovery.
We’re Here to Help
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we help clients get the medical care and legal support they need after a brain injury. If you or a loved one suffered a concussion or TBI after an accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation.