Every year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury. Of those, about 17% are caused by car crashes, according to the CDC. That’s hundreds of thousands of people every year dealing with lasting effects—some mild, some life-changing—after hitting their head in a wreck.
You hit your head on the window in a car accident. Maybe it didn’t seem serious at first. But now your head won’t stop hurting after the car accident. You feel off. Foggy. Dizzy. That’s not something you ignore.
A head injury from a car accident can range from a mild concussion to a severe brain bleed. And you might not notice the full impact right away. That’s what makes these injuries dangerous. They’re often invisible, but the damage is real—and it can get worse fast.
Let’s break down what symptoms you should watch for, the different types of head injuries that happen in car wrecks, and when it’s time to call in legal help.
Head Injury Symptoms
Some symptoms hit right away. Others creep up days later. Either way, don’t brush them off.
If your head is hurting after a car accident, it might be a sign of something more serious than just a bump.
Common symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent headache or pressure in your head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Confusion or memory issues
- Dizziness or trouble balancing
- Slurred speech
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Sleep problems (too much or too little)
- Mood swings or irritability
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
It’s not just about how hard you hit your head. The way your brain moves inside your skull during a crash can cause injury, even without an external bump or bruise.
Some people think, “I didn’t hit my head that hard.” But that’s not how it works. Your brain is soft. Sudden movement, whiplash, or a jolt can cause internal trauma. And once swelling starts, things can go downhill fast.
Get medical attention right away—even if you think it’s “just a headache.” Then talk to a personal injury attorney who knows how to handle these cases.
Types of Head Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
When it comes to a head injury from a car accident, you’re looking at several possibilities. Here are the most common ones:
1. Concussion
The most common traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions happen when your brain bounces or twists inside your skull. They can result from hitting your head or just from sudden deceleration.
Symptoms: Headache, confusion, dizziness, memory issues, sleep disturbances.
Severity varies. You might recover in days—or it could take months.
2. Contusion (Brain Bruise)
A contusion is a direct bruise to the brain, often from hitting your head on a window, steering wheel, or dashboard.
If you hit your head on the window in a car accident, this is one of the injuries doctors check for. Large contusions may require surgery.
3. Coup-Contrecoup Injury
This occurs when the brain hits one side of the skull and then rebounds to hit the opposite side. You don’t even have to lose consciousness. It’s common in high-speed crashes and rollover accidents.
This type of injury can affect multiple parts of the brain at once.
4. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
This happens when the brain is shaken so violently that the nerve fibers (axons) are torn. DAI can cause serious and long-term damage. People with DAI often lose consciousness at the scene and may experience permanent impairment.
5. Penetrating Head Injury
Less common, but more severe. This is when an object fractures the skull and enters brain tissue. It’s life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.
Closed Head Injuries in Car Wrecks
A closed head injury means the skull hasn’t been broken, but the brain has still been injured. These are the most common in car accidents.
Closed head injuries are especially dangerous because you can look totally fine on the outside. No blood. No broken bones. But inside, the brain may be swelling, bleeding, or bruised.
You don’t need to hit your head on a window or object to have one. Just the force of a rear-end crash or a side-impact collision can cause this.
Signs you may have a closed head injury:
- A worsening headache
- Memory lapses
- Emotional changes
- Difficulty focusing
- Loss of coordination
If you were in a wreck and now your head is hurting after a car accident, don’t wait for it to get worse. Head injuries can be slow to show up—but fast to spiral.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Head Injury
- Get medical care immediately.
Don’t guess. Let a doctor diagnose you properly. Ask for imaging (like a CT scan) if symptoms persist. - Document everything.
Write down your symptoms daily. Keep medical records. Take photos if there’s visible bruising or swelling. - Talk to a personal injury lawyer.
Head injuries often involve ongoing treatment, time off work, and long-term care. That’s why it’s important to contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm. We’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases, including traumatic brain injuries. We know how to prove damages, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait. Your Brain Matters.
If you’ve been in a crash and your head is hurting after a car accident, trust your instincts. It’s not just stress or a tension headache. It could be the sign of something serious.
Whether you hit your head on the window in a car accident or felt a jolt that made your vision go blurry, get checked out—and get legal help. You don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the next steps. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers—and compensation. We’re here to help you get both.