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Car accident head trauma is among the most serious injuries a person can suffer in a motor vehicle accident. Victims can strike their heads against any number of hard surfaces during a crash—such as the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or roof. Indeed, it is not even necessary to have direct head trauma to sustain a brain injury. Sudden acceleration/deceleration can cause the brain to contact the interior of the skull. This is how quarterbacks who are blindsided can be knocked out before hitting the ground. While burns or broken bones are often immediately obvious, the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may take longer to detect, and can result in long-term or even permanent impairments.

TBIs are one of the most common causes of serious injury in car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. And unlike visible wounds, symptoms of a head injury may not appear until hours or days later. Even in the absence of skull fractures or open head injuries, victims may be dealing with serious internal damage to brain tissue, blood vessels, or nerve fibers. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor for warning signs and seek immediate medical attention—even if the injury seems mild.

Some individuals may only have a mild contusion to the head, but even minor types of head injuries can evolve into more serious complications. A person does not need to lose consciousness or show external wounds to have suffered a TBI. In many cases, victims themselves may not realize the extent of their injuries, and loved ones might not recognize subtle changes. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment as soon as possible after any car crash.

Major Changes to Look Out for After a Car Accident

After a motor vehicle accident, not all symptoms appear right away. Some changes may take days or weeks to emerge—and may not be recognized as signs of brain injury at first. That’s why it’s important to know what to watch for beyond the physical injury. The following symptoms could point to serious internal brain trauma, even when outward signs appear mild. From emotional instability to memory loss and coma, the consequences of a head injury can be complex and unpredictable.

Personality Changes

A severe head injury can damage parts of the brain responsible for personality, behavior, and emotional regulation. After a crash, one of the clearest signs of traumatic brain injury is a noticeable shift in personality. Some victims experience impulsivity, reduced inhibition, or even changes in sexuality. Others may become apathetic, emotionally flat, or socially withdrawn.

These changes can affect a victim’s ability to maintain relationships, hold a job, or manage daily responsibilities. In some cases, the effects are permanent.

Severe TBI is also associated with depression, mood swings, and increased aggression. Victims may lash out at loved ones, engage in risky behavior, or act in ways they later regret. Sudden outbursts of laughter or crying without an obvious cause can also be a sign of brain damage. These unpredictable emotional responses are often among the most difficult symptoms for family members to witness.

While these psychological and behavioral changes are not always reversible, they can sometimes be managed with intensive therapy and support from mental health professionals. If you or a loved one begins exhibiting unusual behavior after a car accident, it's important to document symptoms and seek care from a healthcare provider familiar with traumatic brain injuries.

The Possibility of Slipping into a Coma

One of the most dangerous consequences of severe head trauma is a coma. After a collision, victims with a head injury may initially remain conscious and seem relatively unharmed—only to lose consciousness hours later as pressure builds inside the skull due to internal bleeding or swelling. This is one reason many doctors recommend that head trauma victims stay awake and be monitored for several hours following the incident.

A CT scan or other imaging tool like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical for detecting internal damage, including brain hemorrhage, blood clots, or hematoma. Because the brain floats within the skull, sudden deceleration during a car accident can cause it to strike the inner skull walls, leading to contrecoup injuries, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), or other types of brain injuries. When brain swelling occurs, the enclosed skull has nowhere for the pressure to escape—leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.

Victims may begin to show signs of deteriorating brain function before slipping into a coma. Watch for severe headaches, disorientation, slurred speech, restlessness, or changes in consciousness. If any of these symptoms are present, seek emergency room treatment immediately.

Memory Loss

Memory loss is another hallmark symptom of TBI. Victims may experience short-term amnesia, forgetting the moments before, during, or after the car accident. In some cases, they may not even remember the crash itself—waking up the next day and resuming normal activities without realizing they’ve been injured.

This memory loss can delay treatment. It can also make it more difficult for victims to understand what’s happening or to report symptoms. Even those with mild TBI may exhibit forgetfulness, confusion, or an inability to recall key details. These symptoms can also overlap with blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, and other signs of a concussion.

In addition to delaying medical care, memory loss can interfere with gathering critical evidence after the crash. Victims may forget details about the accident scene, whether they were wearing a seat belt, or the names of any witnesses. This can make it harder to establish fault or demonstrate the seriousness of the injury—especially if too much time has passed. That’s why it’s important to involve a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Legal professionals can help reconstruct the timeline using tools like police reports, surveillance footage, medical imaging, and expert testimony.

Legally, memory loss may also affect the timing of a personal injury claim. Under Illinois law, the statute of limitations is typically based on when a person becomes aware of their injury. If memory loss prevents awareness, the clock may not start until the victim regains recollection of the incident. The same legal principle applies to victims who fall into a coma and later regain consciousness.

Still, if a victim never seeks medical care or receives a formal diagnosis, proving the existence of a head injury becomes more difficult. Without records, imaging results, or mental health evaluations, an insurance company or judge may challenge the legitimacy of the claim. That’s why prompt medical attention and documentation are essential—not just for recovery, but for legal protection.

Types of Head Injuries After a Crash

Head injuries from car accidents can vary in severity and location. Some of the most common types include:

• Concussions: A mild TBI that can still have lasting effects.
• Contusions: Bruising on the brain, often resulting from blunt force trauma.
• Hematoma: A buildup of blood outside blood vessels in the brain.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread damage to nerve fibers, often caused by severe rotation or deceleration.
• Contrecoup Injuries: Damage on the opposite side of the brain from the impact.
• Open Head Injury: When the skull is penetrated, exposing brain tissue.

Understanding the type of injury is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and determining long-term effects.

Signs of Concussion

A concussion is classified as a mild TBI, but that doesn't mean it's harmless. Even mild TBI can result in lasting symptoms, and in rare cases, complications such as hematoma or brain hemorrhage may occur after a motor vehicle accident.

Some of the most important concussion symptoms to watch for include:

• One pupil larger than the other
• Severe headaches
• Drowsiness or inability to wake
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or numbness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• Restlessness or agitation
• Confusion and disorientation
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty with coordination
• Unusual behavior or slowed thinking

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms after a crash, do not delay. Seek immediate medical attention.

Getting Treatment After a Head Injury

It’s critical to get checked by a doctor immediately after any head injury from a car accident. Even if symptoms seem minor, playing it safe could prevent long-term brain damage or life-threatening complications. CT scans or other forms of tomography can help detect bleeding, swelling, or other internal issues.

In addition to protecting your health, early medical treatment also creates essential documentation for your personal injury case. Without medical records, it’s much harder to prove that a traumatic brain injury occurred. If symptoms like memory loss, emotional changes, or impaired cognition appear later, having an initial record of the injury is crucial.

Let your healthcare provider know that you may have suffered a brain injury. Request neurological testing if you experience mood swings, slurred speech, or unexplained behavioral shifts. In some cases, follow-up visits with a neurologist, psychiatrist, or psychologist may be necessary to understand the full extent of your impairments.

A settlement can help cover not just medical bills and lost wages, but also the pain and suffering associated with permanent changes in personality, memory, or brain function. No amount of compensation can reverse a severe head injury—but it can ease the financial burden and help you focus on healing.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago?

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a car crash, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney who understands the medical and legal complexities of brain injuries. At Palermo Law Group, we offer a free consultation to discuss your options. We’ve helped countless car accident victims recover compensation for serious injuries—including those involving traumatic brain injury, contusions, skull fractures, and more.

Our team works with medical experts to build strong cases that reflect the true impact of TBI and other types of head injuries. Whether you're dealing with mild TBI or long-term brain damage, we can help you pursue justice and financial recovery.

For a free consultation contact our law firm by calling (630) 684-2332 or visit our website at https://www.palermolawgroup.com/.