Did My Accident Cause a Brain Injury?

How to Recognize Symptoms of a Brain Injury After an Accident

Accidents happen fast, and it can take a minute to understand what happened to you. Brain injuries in particular can be tricky because their symptoms don’t always show up right away. And so you might be left wondering, “Did my accident cause a brain injury?” and not really knowing.

As an experienced personal injury lawyer based in Memphis, I’ve worked with many clients who didn’t realize they had a brain injury until days or even weeks after their accident. But it’s important to recognize the signs early and take action.

What Is a Brain Injury?

A brain injury, also called a traumatic brain injury (TBI), happens when a sudden jolt or blow to the head affects how your brain works.

Even if the injury seems mild at first, it can have serious and long-lasting effects on your life. Some brain injuries heal on their own over time, but others may require medical treatment, therapy, or even surgery.

If you’ve been in an accident, always watch for the below symptoms. Whether it was a car crash, a fall, or something else, your brain could have been hurt even if you didn’t hit your head hard.

Early Symptoms of TBI

Physical signs can offer the most immediate and obvious way to tell if you’ve been injured, including:

Headaches

One of the most common symptoms of a brain injury is a headache. While headaches are normal after an accident, pay attention to how severe or long-lasting they are.

If you have a headache that doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse, it could be a sign of something more serious.

Dizziness or Balance Issues

Feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet is another common sign of a brain injury. If you notice that you’re having trouble walking or standing up straight, this could indicate your brain isn’t functioning normally.

Nausea or Vomiting

Many people don’t realize that feeling nauseous or throwing up can also be a symptom of a brain injury. If these symptoms come on suddenly, especially after an accident, you should take them seriously and get medical attention.

Blurred Vision or Sensitivity to Light

If you find yourself having trouble seeing clearly or feel sensitive to bright lights, this could be your brain’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Vision changes are a common symptom of brain injuries and should never be ignored.

Mental and Emotional Signs of Brain Injury

Brain injuries don’t just affect your body—they can impact your thinking and emotions as well. Mental and emotional signs include:

Confusion or Memory Problems

If you’re having trouble remembering things or feel confused about where you are or what happened, this could be a sign of brain trauma. Memory loss, especially right after the accident, is a big red flag.

Mood Swings or Irritability

Brain injuries can affect your mood, making you feel more irritable, anxious, or even depressed. If your emotions seem out of control or you’re acting differently than usual, it’s time to reach out to a medical professional.

Difficulty Concentrating

If you find it hard to focus on simple tasks or if you’re easily distracted after an accident, this could be a sign of a brain injury. This symptom is often overlooked, but it can be a serious indicator that your brain needs help.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

If you notice any of the above symptoms after an accident, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Brain injuries can worsen if left untreated, and early treatment can make a big difference in your recovery.

A doctor can run tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to see if there’s any damage to your brain.

In addition, each state will have a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. If your accident caused the injury, you may only have a few months to file a claim and protect yourself.

Our trusted personal injury lawyers can take on your case and fight for you, letting you focus on your recovery. But if you pass the statute of limitations, you can’t file at all.

So if you’re wondering, “Did my accident cause a brain injury?,” it’s best to speak with an injury attorney in your area as quickly as possible.

Personal Injury Cases and Brain Injuries

Brain injuries happen far too often in personal injury cases, and they often lead to long-term medical needs and significant lifestyle changes. As a result, we pay special attention at our personal injury firm on whether your accident caused a brain injury.

Here are some common areas of personal injury law where brain injuries frequently happen:

Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs. The sudden impact of a crash can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, even in minor collisions. Victims may experience anything from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

In many cases, symptoms don’t become obvious until a few days later and sometimes are more severe than expected. That’s why we usually recommend seeing a doctor after any car crash – even minor ones.

In addition, any accident with larger vehicles can result in catastrophic brain injuries. This is particularly true for truck accidents, where victims often experience more severe trauma compared to regular car accidents.

And lastly, even with helmets, motorcyclists face an especially high risk of brain injuries due to their vulnerability on the road.

But beyond all of these examples, sometimes the equipment itself holds the blame. Products like helmets, airbags, or machinery can fail, leading to brain injuries in traffic accidents. In these cases, an attorney might recommend you hold the manufacturer or retailer liable.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents, including in places like grocery stores, workplaces, or public areas, can result in head injuries. A sudden fall can cause the brain to hit the skull, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries, especially in older adults.

Construction Accidents

Construction workers are at risk of head injuries from falls, being struck by falling objects, or equipment accidents. These brain injuries can occur even when wearing safety gear.

Workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation, or you may need to file a third-party claim. Our attorneys handle both kinds of cases and can help you figure out your options.

Medical Negligence and Birth Injuries

Medical negligence during childbirth can lead to brain injury, including conditions like cerebral palsy.

As many as 10% of cerebral palsy cases may be caused by medical errors. Improper delivery techniques or failure to respond to fetal distress can result in lifelong impacts for the child.

Sports Injuries

Athletes, especially those in contact sports, face a risk of brain injuries from repeated impacts. Concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) occur far too often in sports like football.

Depending on the situation, schools, coaches, or athletic organizations that failed to prioritize player safety could be liable for the injury.

Assaults

Brain injuries can result from physical assaults, including domestic violence or other criminal acts. Victims may suffer head trauma that requires extensive medical care, and legal action might involve both civil and criminal claims.

Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Nursing homes residents can suffer brain injuries from abuse or neglect, including falls or head trauma that go untreated. As a result, their families may file lawsuits to hold the facility accountable for the harm caused.

In all these cases, brain injuries can have serious consequences. Getting legal representation can help make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you need for recovery.

When an Accident Causes a Brain Injury: Your Legal Rights

If you’ve suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence—whether it was in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another type of accident—you may be entitled to compensation.

Medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of dealing with a brain injury can add up quickly. You need someone who understands the full scope of the law to help you fight big insurance and recover what you need for the long-term.

As an award-winning Memphis personal injury lawyer, I help victims understand their rights and get the compensation they deserve.

Don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you recognize the symptoms of a brain injury and take action, the better your chances of making a full recovery—both physically and financially.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident and you suspect a brain injury, contact us today. The conversation is free, and we don’t get paid anything unless and until we win your case.

You need to focus on what matters: getting better after your accident. Let us focus on fighting for your rights after a brain injury so you can get the compensation you need and deserve.