Sometimes, the hardest injuries to live with are the ones no one can see. A concussion from a car accident doesn’t always leave bruises or visible scars, but it can change the way you think, feel, sleep, work, and function. You don’t need to lose consciousness or hit your head against glass for your brain to suffer. And it’s not “just in your head.” It’s real and it matters.

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). But don’t let the word “mild” fool you. Even low-speed collisions can cause brain movement inside the skull, disrupting neural pathways in ways that affect memory, mood, and decision-making. These symptoms can last for months or evolve into long-term impairments if left untreated.

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., we’ve represented concussion victims throughout New York for over 30 years. We understand the medical science behind these injuries and how insurance companies try to deny them. We take care of the legal side so you can focus on healing. If you’re experiencing car accident head injury symptoms, reach out for a free case review today. You’ll pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contents hide
1 What Is a Concussion from Car Accident Trauma?
2 Car Accident Head Injury Symptoms: What Are the Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident?
3 Why Would an Insurance Company Resist a Settlement for Concussion in Car Accident Claims?
4 Do I Have a Legal Claim for a Concussion After Car Accident Trauma?
5 What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion After a Car Accident
6 If You’re Experiencing Concussion Symptoms, Don’t Wait

What Is a Concussion from Car Accident Trauma?

A concussion is caused by sudden acceleration, deceleration, or forceful jarring that shakes the brain. This trauma disrupts normal brain function, even when there’s no external head wound or fracture. In a crash, your brain can slam into the skull and swell, causing confusion, pressure, and in severe cases, internal bleeding. While some people experience immediate effects, others don’t recognize symptoms for hours or even days. Many of these cases involve no visible trauma, which makes legal proof especially tricky. That’s why proper documentation and fast action matter.

Car Accident Head Injury Symptoms: What Are the Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident?

The signs of concussion after car accident trauma vary widely from person to person. They can mimic fatigue, anxiety, or even intoxication, making them easy to ignore or downplay. Symptoms may include:

  • Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating;
  • Headaches that worsen over time;
  • Sensitivity to noise or light;
  • Dizziness, balance issues, or blurred vision;
  • Memory lapses or difficulty recalling words;
  • Irritability, depression, or emotional volatility;
  • Sleep disturbances; and
  • Nausea or vomiting without another cause.

Some victims feel “off” without knowing why. Others notice subtle changes in personality, reaction time, or short-term memory. If you or a loved one experiences any of these car accident head injury symptoms following a crash, seek immediate medical attention. Then speak to an attorney who understands the intersection of trauma medicine and personal injury law.

Why Would an Insurance Company Resist a Settlement for Concussion in Car Accident Claims?

Unlike broken bones, concussions don’t always show up on imaging. That gives insurance adjusters a convenient excuse: they’ll argue the injury isn’t serious, isn’t connected to the crash, or doesn’t warrant compensation. But they’re wrong. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that even mild traumatic brain injuries can produce persistent symptoms in a significant percentage of patients. These aren’t psychosomatic complaints; they’re real neurological disruptions that affect your quality of life.

To support a settlement for a concussion in car accident claims, attorneys gather evidence that may include:

  • Emergency room and neurologist reports;
  • MRI or CT imaging (to rule out bleeding or structural injury);
  • Neuropsychological evaluations;
  • Testimony from loved ones or coworkers; and
  • A record of missed work, therapy, or activities affected by the injury.

The stronger the paper trail, the stronger your case.

Do I Have a Legal Claim for a Concussion After Car Accident Trauma?

In New York, your right to pursue compensation depends on whether your injury meets the “serious injury” threshold. Concussions and mild TBIs may qualify when they:

  • Result in permanent consequences (cognitive, emotional, or physical);
  • Cause significant disruption of daily functions; or
  • Prevent you from working or managing regular activities for 90 out of the 180 days following the crash.

If you meet this standard, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. That opens the door to compensation for:

  • All medical expenses not covered by no-fault insurance,
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity,
  • Pain and suffering,
  • Emotional distress, and
  • Long-term care or rehabilitation.

But proving the full impact of a concussion after a car accident takes more than a diagnosis. It takes an advocate who knows how to connect science to the law and can present it clearly in court or during negotiations.

What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion After a Car Accident

Time matters. The longer you wait to document your symptoms or consult an attorney, the harder it becomes to prove your case. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • See a doctor immediately—ER visits, neurologists, and primary care records all help;
  • Get follow-up evaluations—concussion symptoms often evolve or worsen after the initial visit;
  • Track your recovery—keep a daily journal of symptoms, missed work, medications, and limitations;
  • Avoid talking to the insurance company alone—adjusters may use your words to devalue the claim; and
  • Call an experienced personal injury attorney—early legal guidance strengthens your chance of success.

At Greenspan & Greenspan, we help you build a case grounded in medical fact and legal strategy. We’ve secured significant settlements for crash victims across New York, including those whose only visible injury was to their brain.

If You’re Experiencing Concussion Symptoms, Don’t Wait

A concussion from a car accident trauma is easy to dismiss, especially when life pushes you to move on. But the consequences can last long after the bruises fade. With over 30 years of experience, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C. has helped thousands of clients secure compensation for serious injuries, including those with concussions and mild TBIs. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and maintained a strong record of success built on trust, transparency, and results. Contact us today to schedule your free case review. We’ll listen. We’ll investigate. And we’ll fight for the compensation you’re legally entitled to. And if we don’t win, you don’t pay.