What to Do If You Suffer a Concussion in a Car Accident in California 2025

A concussion typically interrupts your brain functions and can cause a variety of serious symptoms. If you are involved in a car accident and experience a concussion, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. If you were in a recent collision, you may wonder what to do if you suffer a concussion in a car accident in California.

After a serious accident, it’s important to follow several crucial steps. Get medical attention, document your medical visits/accident-related symptoms, and consider speaking with a trusted licensed attorney.

Common Concussion Symptoms

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), often due to being in a car accident. You don’t have to have direct contact with any part of the vehicle to have a concussion. A sudden shaking of your head can jostle your brain inside your skull, which can lead to a concussion.

Some common symptoms people notice after a concussion are:

• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Memory issues, like confusion, forgetfulness, etc.
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light/noise
• Sleep issues
• Slurred speech
• Ringing in the ears
• Mood and personality changes

Depending upon the severity of your injury, you might face long-term medical issues. These symptoms can disrupt your life and impact your daily routine. They may even affect your ability to work or care for your children.

Even if you think you’re feeling okay, it’s important to get medical care anyway. A qualified healthcare provider can decide if you have a concussion. They can evaluate your injury’s severity and determine what treatment can help you heal from the accident. Symptoms of a concussion can sometimes get masked by other injury issues, which is why a professional can figure out the full extent of the injuries you’ve sustained.

Document Your Medical Visits and Accident-Related Symptoms

It can be overwhelming to have been involved in a car collision. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep a record of what happened, so write down your medical visits and the symptoms you’re noticing. If you can’t, have a friend or relative document:

• Symptoms
• When they started
• Their severity
• The impact they’ve had

Keep records of all doctor visits, provided care, and your prescriptions. This information is useful to doctors and can be helpful for a possible injury claim as well. Also, make sure you carefully follow your provider’s recommendations.

Brain Injuries and Motor Vehicle Accidents

Across the country, motor vehicle accidents have traditionally been the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in young adults. Brain injuries are also a major cause of both death and disability. In 2021 alone, there were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States. This is a rate of about 190 TBI-related fatalities each day. Also, based on the most recent data, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in the same year.

TBI injuries occur frequently, are serious, and can happen to anyone. If you were involved in a recent accident and sustained a concussion, one of the important things you can do right away is speak with a knowledgeable attorney.

Consult a California Personal Injury Attorney

A California personal injury attorney can provide vital information after an accident if you’ve suffered a concussion. If you think someone else may have caused your accident, an attorney can investigate your accident and establish fault. A lawyer with experience in handling brain injury cases can:

• Discuss your options.
• Explain the process of filing a legal claim.
• Pursue compensation for your property damage and injuries.
• Maximize your recovery for your brain injury and medical bills.

In California, you don’t have a long time to decide whether to file a personal injury claim for damages. An attorney can make sure you quickly file and protect your right to recovery. They can answer questions and pursue compensation for your concussion.

FAQs

What Is the Average Payout for a Concussion in California?

The amount you may get for a concussion in California depends on case-specific factors, like:

• The severity of your injury
• The extent of the medical treatment you may need in the future
• How aggressively your attorney negotiates for your payout

If you want to maximize your recovery, an attorney can discuss your accident and estimate what you might expect to obtain if you win your case.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in California?

If you were involved in a car wreck and weren’t at fault, you could file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused your accident. You might be compensated for the losses you incurred because of your concussion, like:

• Medical bills
• Wage loss
• Lost earning capacity
• Physical impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

An attorney can discuss your options when pursuing compensation for the specific damages in your case.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Do After an Accident-Related Concussion?

Yes, you should avoid posting about your accident (at all) on your social media profiles. Do not discuss your accident online, even if your profile is private. Some people delete their accounts while they have a pending claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes look through social media posts, using the photographs they find there against people to refute their brain injury claims.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for a Concussion Case?

Generally, the cost of hiring a personal injury attorney depends on the case. You might be tempted to work on your case alone, but this can be a costly mistake. Attorneys can provide indispensable legal assistance and get you the most out of your case, as they’re familiar with California laws. A more experienced attorney’s quality of work is typically reflected in their fees, but they can also provide you with a higher likelihood of success.

Protect Yourself With Corrales Law Group

Recovering from a concussion or any TBI can be challenging. Regardless, you deserve the right to hold someone financially responsible for their actions if they’ve caused your injuries. Corrales Law Group can fight for your case and recovery. We’re a bilingual law firm that’s proudly represented accident victims since 2012.

Contact our office today to arrange a consultation.