Car accidents in Colorado don’t always leave visible injuries. Even without broken bones or cuts, the violent force of a collision can cause serious trauma to the brain. One of the most common yet frequently overlooked injuries after a crash is a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you were involved in a car accident in Colorado Springs or anywhere in Colorado, recognizing concussion symptoms early and seeking treatment from a neurologist can protect both your health and your personal injury claim.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a sudden jolt or impact that forces the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This can happen even in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Low-speed crashes
- Accidents where your head never directly hits anything
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs are a major cause of disability in the United States.Even what seems like a “minor” accident can result in a serious brain injury.
Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident
Concussion symptoms are often delayed. Some appear immediately, while others may develop hours or even days later. This delayed onset is one reason many accident victims fail to seek medical care right away.
Physical Symptoms
- Persistent headaches or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue or unusual drowsiness
Cognitive Symptoms
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Feeling “foggy” or slowed down
Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
Sleep Disturbances
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Insomnia
Many people do not lose consciousness during a concussion. Because symptoms can initially feel mild, victims often dismiss them as stress or adrenaline from the accident. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can worsen the injury.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms after a crash, you may have a car accident brain injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Why Concussions Should Never Be Ignored
An untreated concussion can lead to serious long-term complications, including:
- Chronic headaches
- Persistent cognitive difficulties
- Emotional instability
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Increased risk of future brain injuries
The Mayo Clinic explains that repeated or untreated concussions can have lasting neurological consequences.From a legal perspective, delaying treatment can also make it harder to prove that your brain injury was caused by the car accident — something insurance companies often challenge.
Why You Should See a Neurologist After a Car Accident
While emergency room doctors and primary care physicians play an important role immediately after a crash, a neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating brain injuries.Seeing a neurologist after a suspected concussion is one of the most important steps you can take.
A neurologist can:
- Conduct detailed neurological exams
- Identify subtle cognitive impairments
- Order advanced imaging (if necessary)
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Monitor recovery progress
- Provide medical documentation linking your injury to the crash
For personal injury claims in Colorado, detailed documentation from a neurologist can significantly strengthen your case.If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future neurological care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
You can learn more about your rights on our Car Accident Injury page
How a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Concussion
Insurance companies often downplay concussions because they are “invisible injuries.” Without clear imaging, insurers may argue that:
- You were not seriously injured
- Your symptoms are unrelated
- You are exaggerating
At Malnar Injury Law, we work regularly with concussion and traumatic brain injury victims in Colorado Springs. We help our clients:
- Connect with top local neurologists
- Ensure proper medical documentation
- Build strong personal injury claims
- Fight back against insurance company tactics
If you’re unsure whether you need legal representation, visit our Personal Injury Blog page How to find best Car ACCIDENT LAWYER IN THE COLOARDO SPRINGS:
Protect Your Health and Your Rights Take Concussion Symptoms Seriously
If you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado Springs and are experiencing:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
Don’t wait.A concussion is a serious brain injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and protect your legal rights.If you or a loved one may have suffered a concussion in a car accident, contact Malnar Injury Law today for a Free Strategy Consultation.
📞 Call 719-466-6529
🌐 https://www.coloradoinjury.pro/We are committed to helping Colorado accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions After a Car Accident in Colorado
How long after a car accident can concussion symptoms appear?
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after a crash or may take several hours or even days to develop. Many car accident victims in Colorado do not realize they have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury until symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems worsen over time. This delayed onset is one reason it’s critical to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after any collision.
Can you get a concussion without hitting your head in a car accident?
Yes. You can suffer a concussion even if your head never strikes the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. The sudden force of a car crash can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Rear-end collisions are especially common causes of this type of injury.
Should I see a neurologist after a car accident?
If you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, memory issues, mood changes, or other neurological symptoms after a car accident, seeing a neurologist is strongly recommended. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating brain injuries and can identify subtle impairments that general physicians may miss. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications and strengthens documentation for a personal injury claim.
What are the long-term effects of a concussion from a car crash?
Untreated or severe concussions can lead to:
- Chronic headaches
- Persistent cognitive difficulties
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Some individuals experience symptoms for months or even years after the accident. Proper medical treatment significantly improves recovery outcomes.
Can I file a personal injury claim for a concussion in Colorado?
Yes. If another driver was at fault for the car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Neurological treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
Colorado law allows accident victims to pursue damages when negligence causes injury. A documented diagnosis from a neurologist strengthens your case.
How much is a concussion settlement worth in Colorado?
The value of a concussion or traumatic brain injury settlement depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the brain injury
- Length of medical treatment
- Whether symptoms are permanent
- Impact on employment
- Insurance policy limits
Mild concussions may result in smaller settlements, while long-term brain injuries can result in substantial compensation. Every case is unique.
What should I do immediately after a car accident if I suspect a concussion?
If you suspect a concussion after a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Avoid driving yourself if experiencing dizziness
- Follow all medical recommendations
- Document your symptoms daily
- Contact a Colorado car accident attorney
Prompt action protects both your health and your legal rights.
Can insurance companies deny a concussion claim?
Insurance companies sometimes attempt to minimize or deny concussion claims because brain injuries are not always visible on standard imaging tests. They may argue:
- Symptoms are unrelated to the accident
- The injury is minor
- Treatment was delayedThis is why medical documentation from a neurologist and representation from an experienced personal injury attorney can be critical.
