Head injuries are a major risk in motor vehicle collisions. A person can suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car crash even if he or she never lost consciousness. A person might even suffer a TBI as a result of whiplash, without a direct blow to the head. Whatever the case, immediate medical attention is a must following a jarring collision because TBIs often arise with a delayed onset. Our Little Rock car accident attorney wants to make sure that you know the common early warning signs of a brain injury.

It is not uncommon for car accident victims to report that a head injury feels much worse 24, 48, or even 72 hours after the crash. That is one reason why brain injuries can be especially dangerous. An injured victim may initially believe they simply feel shaken up. They may delay care, but soon after develop much more serious neurological symptoms. A prompt medical evaluation can make the difference. There are many signs of a TBI that you should watch out for after a crash.

What are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Car Accident?

There are many symptoms that can indicate that a person has suffered a TBI. These injuries can manifest differently based on their severity and the exact part of the brain that was damaged. Indeed, TBI symptoms often vary significantly from one person to another. Here are some of the most common warning signs that a person may have sustained a brain injury in a collision:

Physical Symptoms: Look for physical symptoms first. The key ones include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Any one symptom, or any combination, indicates a possible TBI.
Cognitive Symptoms: An injured victim may also experience adverse cognitive effects. These symptoms generally include confusion, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, short-term memory problems, and/or mental fog.
Emotional/Behavioral Changes: A person may feel “off” after a car crash in Little Rock. That can be a sign of a brain injury if he or she suffered head trauma. Irritability, anxiety, unusual emotional reactions, sadness, agitation, and poor sleep are TBI symptoms.

Note: Certain symptoms are medical emergencies and require immediate attention. Specifically, any person who suffers a blow to the head (directly or indirectly) and experiences loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, or increasing confusion needs emergency medical care.

Why It Is So Important to Get Immediate Care for a TBI After a Crash

You need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible for a suspected brain injury. Several reasons make prompt care important. First, your health and well-being are the top priority after a car crash. Another key reason is that you cannot bring a strong personal injury claim without supporting medical records.

Some brain injuries can worsen after the initial trauma. Bleeding or swelling can develop inside the skull. Medical professionals can assess neurological function, determine whether diagnostic imaging or monitoring is appropriate, and identify signs that require emergency treatment. The sooner you get yourself checked out by a doctor, the sooner treatment for a possible concussion can start.

The legal reasons are also important. For TBI claims, prompt medical care can be important evidence. Arkansas law requires a plaintiff seeking medical expenses to establish that those expenses were reasonable and necessary, and Arkansas courts treat “necessity” as a question of whether the treatment was causally related to the defendant’s negligence. Medical records created shortly after a car accident are especially compelling evidence.

Notably, Arkansas appellate courts have specifically recognized the evidentiary significance of prompt treatment. In the 2024 case of Savage v. SMS Trucking, Inc., the Arkansas Court of Appeals noted that immediate medical treatment, together with testimony from the injured person, could support the causal connection between the accident and medical expenses.

To be clear, you should not give up on bringing a claim if you waited. That happens. A delay does not automatically defeat a TBI claim, particularly because symptoms can emerge gradually. Still, an unexplained treatment gap can give an insurance company an opening to dispute whether the crash caused the condition. No matter your situation, an attorney can help you determine the best course of action. Complicated cases can be won. For example, our firm recovered more than $800,000 in compensation for a child who suffered a TBI in a car accident after a long legal battle.

FAQs: Brain Injuries in Little Rock Car Accidents

How common are TBIs in car accidents?

Unfortunately, TBIs are relatively common in car crashes. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes caused 23.8 percent of all nonfatal TBI-related hospitalizations nationwide. In other words, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States suffer concussions in auto accidents each year.

Should I see a doctor if I have a headache after a car crash?

Yes. A headache following a car accident in Little Rock is a sign of a potential traumatic brain injury. Seek medical attention if you develop a headache after a car crash, especially if the pain is new, persistent, or worsening. A headache may signal a concussion, another traumatic brain injury, whiplash, or a neck injury. See a doctor to protect your health and your claim.

How long do TBI symptoms typically last after a car accident?

It depends. How long a person can suffer symptoms of a TBI from a car crash can vary widely. Weeks, months, years, and even permanent impairments are all well within the normal range. An injured victim should follow their doctor’s treatment recommendations rather than assume that symptoms will disappear within a particular time frame.

Contact Our Little Rock Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Reed Firm, our Little Rock car accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle the full range of brain injury claims. If you or your loved one suffered a suspected traumatic brain injury in a crash, we are here to help. Call us at 501-777-7333 or contact us online to schedule a free case review. With an office in Little Rock, we handle car accident injury claims throughout Arkansas.

What are the Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident?