What You Need to Know About Brain Injuries After a Car Accident
- Natalie
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
From a Kentucky Attorney Who Helps Families Recover With Confidence
When people think about car accidents, they picture broken bones, whiplash, and maybe some bruising. But what about the injuries you can’t see?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most misunderstood and most serious outcomes of a car crash—and they don’t always show up right away. At Mory & Colliersmith, we help Kentucky families understand the impact of these injuries, fight for the care they deserve, and navigate the long recovery ahead.
Whether you're dealing with memory issues, migraines, mood swings, or confusion after a crash, here’s what every Kentuckian should know.
How Car Accidents Cause Brain Injuries
Brain injuries from auto accidents often occur when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull due to sudden impact, even if there’s no direct blow to the head. You can suffer a TBI from:
Hitting your head on a window, steering wheel, or airbag
Whiplash (rapid forward/backward neck motion)
Flying debris in the car
Loss of oxygen (anoxic injury) during a severe crash
Common types of TBIs from car accidents include:
Concussions
Contusions (brain bruising)
Diffuse axonal injuries
Coup-contrecoup injuries
Penetrating injuries
Each of these can range from mild to life-altering.
Common Symptoms After a Crash
You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a brain injury. In fact, many of our clients report symptoms days—or even weeks—after their crash.
Red flags to watch for:
Headaches that won't go away
Dizziness or balance issues
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Trouble concentrating
Blurred vision
Mood changes or anxiety
Memory loss or confusion
If you notice any of these, see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis is crucial.
What You Should Do After a Suspected Brain Injury
Get medical attention—fast. Ask for a CT scan or MRI if you’re experiencing symptoms.
Document everything. Keep a log of symptoms, treatments, and how your daily life is affected.
Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. They often try to downplay invisible injuries like TBIs.
Call a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help connect you to brain injury specialists and protect your right to long-term care and compensation.
Why Legal Help Is Critical in Brain Injury Cases
Brain injuries can require months or years of therapy, and they’re often invisible on standard imaging. That means insurance companies will try to argue you’re “fine”—even when your life has changed forever.
At Mory & Colliersmith, we work closely with medical experts to prove your injuries, estimate the care you’ll need, and fight for your full recovery—not just a quick check.
Brain Injury After a Car Accident: FAQ
What happens to your brain after a car accident?
Even without a direct blow to the head, the brain can be jolted or twisted inside the skull, causing tearing, bruising, or swelling. These injuries can disrupt your ability to think, feel, and function normally.
How long do symptoms of traumatic brain injury last?
It depends on the severity. Some mild TBIs (like concussions) resolve within weeks, while moderate to severe injuries may result in lifelong symptoms. Ongoing therapy and neurological care may be required.
Can an MRI or CT scan detect a brain injury?
Yes—but not always. Some TBIs, especially concussions or diffuse axonal injuries, may not appear clearly on scans. That’s why symptom tracking and medical follow-ups are so important.
What is the average payout for a brain injury from a car accident?
Ethically, we can’t promise a number—and every case is unique. What we can say is this: people with TBIs often need significant compensation to cover medical care, lost work, and changes in quality of life. Having the right legal team can make all the difference.
Can you fully recover from a TBI?
Many people do make full recoveries, especially after mild injuries. But others live with chronic symptoms. Recovery depends on injury type, age, treatment access, and early diagnosis. No matter where you fall, you deserve care, support, and compensation.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in a Kentucky car accident, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team at Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC is here to help you understand your options, connect with specialists, and fight for what’s fair.
📍Louisville-based. Family-focused. Fiercely committed. Call us today or visit morycolliersmith.com to schedule a free consultation.
