Suffered a Concussion, Hit Your Head or Sustained a Head Injury in a Car Accident? Get Legal Help in California

An LA concussion lawyer can help you get maximum compensation!

A concussion is often dismissed as a minor injury, but the reality is very different. Even in low-speed car accidents – or even when you don’t hit your head on anything within the interior of the vehicle – during a collision the force of impact can jolt the brain, leading to serious cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Many concussion victims struggle with symptoms such as memory issues, headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, frustration, insomnia, feeling isolated, edgy, feeling like they are in a fog, difficulty concentrating – and many other symptoms that can disrupt daily life, work, and long-term well-being.

In California, insurance companies frequently downplay the severity of concussions, making it harder for crash victims to get the medical treatment and financial compensation they need. That’s why having a skilled Los Angeles concussion lawyer, head injury lawyer or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) lawyer on your side is critical. An experienced concussion attorney can protect your rights, push back against insurance tactics, and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What is a concussion and why does it matter?

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden impact, jolt, or blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can result in temporary disruptions to normal brain function due to chemical changes and potential stretching or damage to brain cells.

While typically not life-threatening, a concussion requires proper care to prevent complications or long-term effects. Recovery usually involves rest and a gradual return to normal activities under medical supervision.

How do car accidents cause concussions?

Car accidents involve sudden and forceful movements of the head that make the brain shift or bounce within the skull. A crash can cause a concussion from:

A direct head impact – The head strikes a hard surface such as a steering wheel, dashboard, window or windshield, headrest, side of the interior of the vehicle or another object inside the vehicle. Even airbag deployment can cause a concussion if the force is strong enough.
Whiplash effect (sudden acceleration & deceleration) – Even without hitting anything, a rapid back-and-forth motion of the head (as in whiplash) can make the brain collide with the inner skull, causing a concussion. This often happens in rear-end collisions, where the head is forcefully thrown forward and backward.

A concussion injury can happen in any type of crash, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, T-bone or side impact accidents, and high-speed collisions. The speed of impact, use of seatbelts and airbags, and head position at impact are all factors that can influence the severity of a concussion.

Concussion symptoms after a car accident

A concussion can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or develop hours or days later.

Physical Symptoms:

Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Fatigue or drowsiness
Slurred speech
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Cognitive Symptoms:

Confusion or feeling "foggy"
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Slow thinking or delayed response to questions
Feeling disoriented or dazed

Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms:

Irritability or mood swings
Anxiety or nervousness
Depression or sadness
Unusual emotional responses (e.g., crying for no reason)

Sleep-Related Symptoms:

Sleeping more or less than usual
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Feeling excessively tired during the day

Do you need a doctor after a car accident concussion?

You should absolutely see a doctor soon after a car accident – even if you’re not sure you have a concussion or if your symptoms seem mild. It’s important to note that:

Symptoms may be delayed – Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately and can develop over hours or even days. A doctor can assess your condition before symptoms worsen.
There’s a risk of serious complications – Untreated concussions can lead to permanent brain damage, cognitive issues, or second-impact syndrome if another injury occurs before healing.
A doctor can document your injury – If your concussion was caused by a car accident, having medical records will strengthen your personal injury claim and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common concussion treatments

Doctors typically recommend a combination of rest, symptom management, and a gradual return to normal activities for concussion recovery. The treatment plan can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, but may include:

Physical Rest:

Avoiding strenuous activities, sports, and heavy lifting.
Resting in a quiet, low-stimulation environment.
Getting plenty of sleep and taking naps if needed.

Cognitive Rest:

Limiting screen time (phones, computers, TV, video games).
Avoid reading, texting, or prolonged mental effort.
Taking breaks from activities that require concentration.

Pain & Symptom Management:

Taking pain medication for headaches.
Staying hydrated, moving slowly, and avoiding sudden head movements.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Your doctor may recommend a gradual return to normal activities and a medical follow-up to evaluate your recovery and determine if further care is needed.

Can you get compensation for a car accident concussion?

Yes, in California, you can seek financial compensation for a concussion suffered in a crash if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. Compensation can cover:

Medical Expenses

Doctor visits, ER care, hospital stays
CT scans, MRIs, neurological exams
Medications and therapy (physical, cognitive, or psychological)

Lost Wages & Future Earnings

Compensation for missed work due to recovery
Future lost income if the concussion causes long-term impairments

Pain & Suffering

Physical pain and discomfort from the injury
Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD

Disability or Long-Term Effects

If you suffer from post-concussion syndrome (PCS), memory loss, or cognitive issues, you may qualify for additional compensation.

Who covers the costs of a concussion in a California car accident?

In California, financial responsibility for a concussion from a car accident typically falls on the at-fault driver or their insurance company. However, your own insurance may also cover some costs, depending on your coverage.

At-fault driver’s insurance (liability coverage)

California follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. The minimum insurance requirements in California, as of January 2025 are:

$30,000 per person for bodily injury
$60,000 per accident for bodily injury
$15,000 for property damage

Your own insurance (if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured)

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or limited coverage, you may be able to recover costs from your own policy through:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – Optional coverage that pays for medical bills if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough
Med Pay (medical payments coverage) – Optional coverage for medical bills regardless of who is at fault but is limited to the policy amount (usually $1,000–$10,000)
Health insurance – If auto insurance doesn’t cover all medical costs, your health insurance may pay for concussion-related treatment.

Should you accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Before accepting a settlement, it’s important to fully understand the extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and the true value of your claim. Key considerations include:

Have you reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)? A concussion can have lasting effects, including headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and post-concussion syndrome (PCS). You should not settle until you know whether you will make a full recovery or if you will need ongoing treatment.
Does the settlement cover future medical expenses? If you require continued care, therapy, or neurological treatment, the settlement must account for these costs. A lowball settlement may not cover long-term medical bills, leaving you financially vulnerable.
Have you accounted for lost wages and reduced earning capacity? If you’ve missed work, you should be compensated for lost income. If your ability to work has been permanently affected, you may be entitled to future lost earnings as well.
Does the settlement adequately compensate for pain and suffering? Insurance companies often undervalue non-economic damages like emotional distress, cognitive difficulties, and loss of enjoyment of life. A fair settlement should factor in how your concussion has impacted your daily activities and quality of life.

Accepting a settlement closes your case permanently – even if new symptoms appear later. That’s why you should consult a Los Angeles concussion attorney before accepting any offer.

Should I get a lawyer for a concussion injury?

YES! While you aren’t required to hire an attorney to handle your insurance claim for your claim, an experienced concussion lawyer can:

Evaluate your claim – A lawyer will assess all damages related to your concussion and determine the value of your claim. Insurance companies often undervalue concussion claims, but an attorney can ensure that all damages are accounted for.
Gather medical evidence – A lawyer will work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries. They will collect medical records, diagnostic tests (CT scans, MRIs), and doctors’ statements to build a strong case.
Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurance adjusters aim to settle head and brain injury claims quickly and for as little as possible. An attorney understands insurance company tactics and will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
Establish liability – A concussion lawyer can gather accident reports, witness statements, and video footage and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to prove the other driver was at fault for the accident and responsible for your head injury.
File a concussion lawsuit – If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit for your concussion. Your lawyer will handle all legal procedures, court filings, and deadlines. This often increases the pressure on the insurance company to settle for a higher amount.

A CA concussion attorney or personal injury lawyer can provide all of the above services and more on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay unless they collect money for you. This is a win-win proposition that will help with your claim and help maximize what you are entitled to. Don’t feel guilty. You have a right to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side.

How much is a concussion lawsuit worth?

The average settlement amount for a concussion after a car accident varies widely based on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, long-term effects of the injury, and the degree of fault involved.

Here are some estimated settlement ranges:

Mild Concussion (Full Recovery): Can be anywhere from a 5-figure settlement to high six figure settlement
Moderate Concussion (Ongoing Symptoms, Some Lost Wages): From a 5-figure settlement to even a 7-figure settlement
Severe Concussion (Long-Term Effects, Permanent Issues): From a 6-figure settlement to a 7- or an 8-figure settlement

Of course, the above depends on various factors of a case, the severity of the injury, specific facts, the insurance policies and coverages available. No two cases are typical or identical and all cases and results vary depending on the specifics of your particular case and claim. Every case is unique, so concussion settlements can vary significantly. If you are considering filing a claim for a head injury, it’s important to talk with an attorney who can assess your specific case.

Injured in a California crash? Contact Oaks Law Firm today!

In California, a car accident can happen anywhere at any time. When you’ve been injured in a crash, you may not be sure what to do next. All you have are questions. At Oaks Law Firm in Los Angeles, we believe everyone who has been injured in an accident should be aware of their legal options – and have an attorney who is ready to fight for their rights.

Over the past two decades, our personal injury law firm has earned a reputation in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and all of California as being tough attorneys who hold negligent parties accountable – and we have the case results to prove it. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome and will fight for every dollar you deserve.

If you suffered a concussion in a California car accident, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We can review the details of your crash, go over your legal options for recovering compensation, and answer any questions you have. We are here to listen and help!

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