What to Do If You Suspect a TBI After an Accident

What to Do If You Suspect a TBI After an Accident

Life changes fast after an accident. One second you’re fine, and the next you’re dazed, in pain, and unsure of what just happened. But when the dust settles and the adrenaline fades, some symptoms might feel… off. Maybe you can’t concentrate the way you used to. Maybe your head hurts constantly, or you're forgetful in ways that feel unfamiliar. If this sounds like you or a loved one after a crash, there’s a real possibility you could be dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

And here's the thing: TBIs aren’t always obvious at first.

They don’t always come with external wounds, but they can change your life in a split second. If you suspect you’ve suffered a brain injury after a car accident or any other type of trauma, here’s exactly what you need to know and do to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

What Is a TBI?

A traumatic brain injury happens when the brain is jolted, hit, or otherwise injured due to an external force. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs, especially when the head strikes a steering wheel, window, or headrest, or even just gets shaken violently during the impact.

There are different types of TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Don’t let the word “mild” fool you. Even a so-called mild TBI can come with long-term consequences like memory problems, mood swings, and chronic headaches. Every brain injury deserves to be taken seriously.

Common Symptoms of a TBI

Recognizing the signs of a TBI early is crucial. Some symptoms show up right away, while others take days or even weeks to appear. If you or someone close to you experiences any of the following after an accident, don’t brush it off. These could be red flags of a brain injury:

Physical symptoms:

• Headaches that won’t go away
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears

Cognitive symptoms:

• Trouble concentrating
• Memory lapses
• Feeling dazed or disoriented
• Slowed thinking or processing

Emotional/behavioral symptoms:

• Mood swings or irritability
• Depression or anxiety
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling unusually emotional or apathetic

Even if you think you’re “just shaken up,” trust your gut. Your brain doesn’t have to bleed to be injured.

Suspect a Brain Injury? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re starting to wonder whether your symptoms could point to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), don’t ignore that inner voice. TBIs are among the most commonly overlooked and most serious injuries after an accident. They can disrupt your thinking, emotions, physical health, and overall quality of life, often without any visible signs. That’s why taking the right steps immediately can make a world of difference. 

Whether you were just in a car crash or are starting to notice strange symptoms days later, here’s exactly what you need to do to protect your health, your legal rights, and your peace of mind.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The most important first step? Get to a doctor. Right away.

Don’t wait until the headache becomes unbearable or your focus completely slips away. A trained medical professional can perform neurological exams, imaging scans like MRIs or CTs, and cognitive assessments to evaluate the severity of your condition. Early intervention could mean the difference between a short recovery and long-term disability.

And here's something important: You don’t have to hit your head to have a TBI. Rapid back-and-forth motion (like whiplash) can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull, resulting in injury.

Step 2: Follow All Medical Instructions

Once you’ve been seen by a doctor, stick to the treatment plan like your life depends on it, because it just might.

That includes:

• Taking prescribed medications
• Going to follow-up appointments
• Attending physical or occupational therapy
• Getting plenty of rest and avoiding screens or intense mental activity (yes, even your phone!)

This isn’t just about healing your body, it’s also about creating a medical record. Insurance companies (and the courts) need documented evidence that shows your injury was real and that you took it seriously from day one. Gaps in care can be twisted to make it seem like your injury wasn’t that bad. Don’t give them that opportunity.

Step 3: Document Everything

When you’re dealing with a potential TBI, your memory might not be as reliable as it used to be, and that’s okay. But it also means it’s critical to write everything down while it’s still fresh.

Keep a personal injury journal or digital log where you note:

• When the accident happened
• What symptoms you noticed and when
• How those symptoms affect your daily life
• Missed work or school
• Doctor visits and treatments
• Emotional or psychological changes

Photos, videos, and text messages can also serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a claim later. The more detailed your records, the harder it is for insurance adjusters to downplay your experience.

Step 4: Watch for Delayed Symptoms

A big mistake many accident victims make? Thinking they’re “in the clear” just because they felt okay immediately after the crash. TBIs don’t always make themselves known right away. Some signs, especially cognitive and emotional ones, may not appear for days or weeks.

So stay vigilant. Pay attention to how you feel, even if it’s been a while since the accident. Keep those around you informed, too. Sometimes friends or family will notice changes in your mood, memory, or behavior before you do.

And if something doesn’t feel right? Go back to the doctor. Again and again if you have to. Your brain is worth it.

Step 5: Avoid Conversations With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may sound sympathetic, but they’re not your friend. Their job is to minimize payouts, and they’re trained to look for ways to devalue or deny your claim. And when it comes to something as complex and invisible as a brain injury, they’ll try to poke holes wherever they can.

You might get a call from an adjuster asking you to make a statement. They might say it’s just “routine” or that it will help move your claim along faster.

Don’t fall for it.

Without legal guidance, anything you say can be used against you, especially if you downplay your symptoms (which most people do out of politeness or confusion). The smart move? Let your attorney handle those communications for you.

Step 6: Understand the Long-Term Impact of a TBI

TBIs can leave a lasting imprint on every part of your life, from your relationships and career to your mental health and sense of identity. You might experience:

• Difficulty returning to work or school
• Problems maintaining focus or motivation
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Struggles in personal relationships
• Ongoing medical costs and therapy bills

And while some people make a full recovery, others live with the consequences of a TBI for years or even permanently. That’s why it’s essential to take your injury seriously from the start. The road ahead might not be easy, but getting proper care and support now can make all the difference in your long-term outcome.

Step 7: Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Early

You might be wondering, Do I really need a lawyer for this? If there’s even a chance you’ve suffered a TBI after an accident, the answer is a firm yes.

Brain injuries aren’t just medically complex; they’re legally complex, too. Insurance companies often resist full compensation for TBIs because these injuries can be harder to prove than a broken bone or visible wound. You’re not just fighting for a bill to be covered, you’re fighting for your future quality of life.

Here’s what an experienced personal injury attorney can do for you:

• Investigate the cause of your accident and gather solid evidence
• Work with medical experts to clearly document your TBI
• Handle all communication with the insurance companies
• Calculate the full extent of your damages (not just medical bills, but lost wages, future care costs, and pain and suffering)
• Negotiate fiercely for a settlement that truly reflects the value of your claim
• And if necessary, take your case to court to get justice

You shouldn’t have to face this battle alone. The right attorney doesn’t just represent you; they stand between you and those trying to minimize your suffering.

Step 8: Be Patient with the Healing Process

Recovering from a TBI isn’t like getting over the flu. It’s unpredictable. Some days might feel “normal,” while others hit you with a wall of fatigue, brain fog, or sadness. That’s part of the process.

The key is to give yourself grace. Healing takes time, sometimes months or even years. And just because someone else “bounced back” faster doesn’t mean your experience is any less valid. Everyone’s brain is different.

Surround yourself with support: doctors, therapists, family, friends, and legal advocates who believe you and believe in you. You deserve that, and more.

What Damages Can You Recover After a TBI?

If your TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence, whether in a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can cover a wide range of losses, including:

Economic damages:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Diagnostic imaging (MRIs, CT scans)
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Cognitive or psychological impairment
• Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)

Future damages:

• Ongoing medical care or in-home assistance
• Future therapy or counseling
• Long-term wage loss due to inability to return to work

But here's the catch: none of this is automatic. You have to fight for it, and the sooner you start building your case, the better your chances of securing what you need.

But, Can I Afford a Lawyer?

Let’s address one of the biggest fears people have about hiring an attorney: “What if I can’t afford it?”

At a reputable personal injury firm, you don’t pay anything upfront. Most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you do. No win, no fee. That levels the playing field between injured individuals and billion-dollar insurance companies.

So don’t let money stop you from protecting your rights. The stakes are too high.

When You Need Support, “Call Ash”

If you’re reading this because you or someone you love may be dealing with a traumatic brain injury after an accident, we see you. You’re dealing with invisible pain, confusion, and a system that often makes recovery harder, not easier.

That’s exactly why Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys is here.

We’re not your average law firm. We're a proud female-owned, client-first, California-based firm that takes on cases other attorneys might turn away. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including policy-limit settlements and six-figure results, all with compassion, hustle, and a commitment to doing what’s right.

And we don’t just say we care, we show it:

• We’ll travel to your location after an accident so you don’t have to lift a finger.
• We’ll take the time to listen, explain the process, and never make false promises.
• We’ll fight aggressively for the full compensation you’re owed, because you deserve nothing less.
• We don’t get paid unless you win. Simple as that.

Our founder, Ashley Rawlins, also known as Car Crash Ash, built this firm on the belief that every client deserves honesty, empathy, and powerhouse representation. If you’re hurt, confused, or just need someone to walk this road with you, reach out to us. We’re here for you from day one until your case is resolved—and beyond.

If you're in California and need answers, guidance, and real results, it’s time to experience the Ashley Advantage. Contact Rawlins Law Accident & Injury Attorneys today at (858) 529-5872 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free case consultation. 

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