Principle Attorney
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be one of the most serious and often overlooked outcomes of a car accident. These injuries aren’t always obvious at first. In fact, many people walk away from a crash, not realizing their brain has been injured. However, over time, symptoms can appear that disrupt daily life, work, and relationships.
If you were hurt in a car accident and something still doesn’t feel right, it’s worth taking a closer look. We’ve helped many clients uncover injuries they didn’t realize they had until weeks later. In this post, we’ll explain how TBIs happen, what to watch for, and how we can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen in Car Accidents
Crashes on high-speed corridors like I-70 and I-25 often involve sudden stops or violent impact, which increases the risk of head injuries, even when seat belts and airbags are in use. Even a low-speed collision can cause your head to whip back and forth, which may lead to a brain injury. You don’t have to hit your head on anything for it to happen, although hitting the steering wheel, window, or airbag can also cause a TBI.
These injuries happen when the brain moves inside the skull due to sudden force. In some cases, this can stretch or tear brain tissue. In others, it can cause bleeding or bruising inside the brain. Common causes of TBIs in car crashes include:
- Hitting your head on a hard surface
- Rapid deceleration or whiplash
- Pressure or blunt-force trauma from airbags or debris
Many clients tell us they felt “shaken up” after their crash, but didn’t think they were seriously hurt until the symptoms began.
Often-Missed Symptoms of a TBI
Mild or moderate TBIs are often missed because the signs aren’t always dramatic. Some symptoms can take hours or days to appear. You may not realize what’s happening until they interfere with your routine.
Common symptoms include:
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Sudden mood swings or anxiety
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Fatigue that won’t go away
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Nausea or dizziness
- Feeling “off” or not like yourself
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for stress or general soreness from the accident. But they may point to a more serious injury that needs medical attention. We’ve seen clients injured in traffic near downtown Denver or near major venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre develop symptoms days later, with no immediate sign of trauma at the scene.
Why TBIs Are Commonly Underdiagnosed
Traumatic brain injuries often don’t show up on initial scans like X-rays or CTs. Emergency rooms tend to focus on broken bones, visible injuries, and anything life-threatening. If you aren’t showing obvious signs, you may be sent home with little follow-up.
Some people are told everything looks “normal,” only to learn later they had a concussion or a more serious injury. That’s why it’s so important to keep track of how you feel after a crash. If something changes or doesn’t improve, go back to your doctor or get a second opinion from a neurologist or brain injury specialist.
The Long-Term Impact of a TBI
A TBI can affect nearly every part of your life. Even a mild one can disrupt your ability to concentrate at work, manage emotions, or keep up with daily tasks.
More serious TBIs can lead to:
- Memory loss
- Speech or coordination problems
- Depression or personality changes
- Long-term disability
These effects may not show up right away, but they can last for months or even years. We understand how frustrating and isolating this can feel. That’s why we work closely with you to document your symptoms and show how the injury has affected your life.
Documenting and Treating a TBI for a Legal Claim
The more detailed your medical records, the stronger your injury claim. Start by telling your doctor about every symptom, no matter how small.
It also helps to:
- See a neurologist or concussion specialist
- Get copies of your MRI, CT scans, and treatment notes
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they impact your routine
- Ask for referrals to therapy or rehabilitation services
We can also help connect you with medical providers who understand brain injuries and how to document them clearly.
How Compensation Is Calculated for a Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries often bring higher settlement values because of their long-term effects. We work to calculate not just your medical costs, but the full scope of your losses.
That may include:
- Emergency care and hospital bills
- Ongoing therapy and medications
- Time missed from work and future income loss
- Emotional distress and pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different. We take the time to understand how your injury has changed your day-to-day life, so we can demand the compensation you need to move forward.
Get the Help You Need
If you’ve been in a car accident and are still dealing with symptoms that just won’t go away, don’t wait to get help. You may have a traumatic brain injury, and we can guide you through the process of getting the care and financial recovery you deserve. Whether your accident happened downtown, on I-25, or out near the foothills, our Denver-based team is here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya today for a free consultation.