After a car accident, many people feel shaken but assume they are fine if they do not see visible injuries. Concussions, however, are not always obvious right away. Symptoms can show up hours or even days later, and insurance companies often try to downplay them as minor “whiplash” or stress. The truth is a concussion is a serious brain injury, and it should never be ignored.
The motor vehicle accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. help Pittsburgh crash victims understand their injuries and pursue the compensation they deserve. Our firm works with medical experts to document concussions, connect symptoms to the crash, and build a strong case for fair recovery. If you were injured in a car accident and are experiencing any concussion symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and get medical care right away.
Why Concussions After Car Accidents Are Tricky
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or violent movement of the head. Even if there was no direct blow, the rapid back-and-forth motion of a crash can cause the brain to shift inside the skull. Because concussions affect brain function, symptoms can be subtle and delayed. This makes them easy to overlook, but ignoring them can lead to long-term problems.
Insurance companies often try to minimize concussion claims by suggesting symptoms are unrelated or “not serious.” That is why medical documentation and early treatment are critical. The more evidence you have showing the injury is real and connected to the crash, the stronger your personal injury claim will be.
The Top 10 Symptoms of a Concussion
Here are the top concussion symptoms after a car accident that you should never ignore. If you notice any of these, seek medical attention right away.
1. Headache or Pressure in Head
A persistent headache or a feeling of pressure in the head is one of the most common concussion symptoms. This pain may worsen with physical activity, screen time, or bright lights. Headaches that do not improve or become more intense over time should never be ignored.
2. Dizziness or Loss of Balance
If you feel unsteady, dizzy, or like the room is spinning, it could be a sign of a concussion. Balance problems may appear when standing, walking, or turning your head. These symptoms can increase the risk of falls and signal underlying brain trauma.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting after a crash can indicate a brain injury. Nausea may come and go or worsen with movement or light exposure. Repeated vomiting is especially concerning and requires immediate medical attention.
4. Confusion or Feeling “Foggy”
If you feel mentally slow, confused, or “not yourself,” this is a serious red flag. Many people describe difficulty processing information or feeling disconnected from their surroundings. These cognitive changes can interfere with work, driving, and daily decision-making.
5. Sensitivity to Light or Noise
Many concussion patients become unusually sensitive to bright lights or loud sounds. Everyday environments may suddenly feel overwhelming or painful. This sensitivity often worsens with screen use or crowded settings.
6. Blurred Vision or Double Vision
Vision problems after a crash should always be evaluated by a medical professional. Blurred or double vision can make reading, driving, and working difficult. These symptoms may also indicate eye-tracking or neurological issues related to the concussion.
7. Fatigue or Excessive Sleepiness
While it may seem normal to feel tired after a crash, extreme fatigue or constant sleepiness can signal a concussion. You may feel exhausted even after resting or sleeping far more than usual. Sudden changes in sleep patterns should be taken seriously.
8. Difficulty Concentrating
If you are struggling to focus or complete tasks that were easy before, this could be a concussion symptom. Many people notice problems with attention, problem-solving, or multitasking. These issues can significantly affect job performance and daily responsibilities.
9. Memory Problems
Short-term memory issues, such as forgetting conversations or events, are common after brain injuries. You may have trouble remembering recent information or keeping track of tasks. Memory lapses can be frustrating and are a strong indicator that medical evaluation is needed.
10. Mood Changes or Irritability
Concussions can affect emotional regulation, causing mood swings, irritability, or depression. You may feel unusually anxious, short-tempered, or emotionally overwhelmed. These changes are not just emotional reactions to the accident and can be directly linked to brain injury.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
You should seek emergency medical care immediately if concussion symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of long-term complications, prolonged recovery, or permanent neurological damage.
Even if your symptoms seem mild at first, it is still critical to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Concussions often worsen over time, and early diagnosis allows doctors to monitor symptoms, recommend proper treatment, and prevent further injury.
Medical records created soon after a car accident help establish a clear link between the crash and your concussion. Insurance companies frequently argue that delayed treatment means the injury was not serious or was caused by something else. Early evaluation, consistent follow-up care, and documented symptoms make it much harder for insurers to minimize or deny your claim.
By prioritizing medical care right away, you protect both your health and your legal rights, giving your personal injury case the strongest possible foundation.
How Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. Can Help After a Concussion
Concussions can be difficult to prove without medical documentation, and insurance companies often challenge the severity or cause of symptoms. Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. helps crash victims build strong cases by:
- Connecting concussion symptoms directly to the crash
- Working with doctors and specialists to document injuries
- Gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation
- Taking cases to court when insurers refuse to pay what is fair
If you were in a car accident in Pittsburgh and are experiencing concussion symptoms, do not wait. Our firm offers support, guidance, and strong representation to protect your rights and help you recover what you deserve.
For help with your case, contact Shenderovich, Shenerovich & Fishman, P.C. today at (412) 391-7610 for your free, confidential consultation. Your health matters, and your claim matters. If you suspect a concussion after a car crash, get medical help and speak with an experienced attorney right away.
