Can You Have A Concussion After A Car Accident Even If The CT Scan Is Normal?

My mTBI Wasn’t Diagnosed Right After My Car Accident. Can I Still Make A Claim?

After a car accident, one of the first concerns many people have is whether they suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. It’s common for an emergency room physician to order a CT scan, and when the results come back normal, many patients assume they are in the clear.

Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

At The Thomson Law Firm, we’ve represented many people whose lives were disrupted by symptoms that persisted long after they left the emergency room. Understanding what a CT scan can—and cannot—show is an important part of protecting both your health and your legal claim.

What Does a CT Scan Look For?

A CT (computed tomography) scan is an excellent tool for identifying serious, life-threatening injuries. It can quickly detect:

• Skull fractures
• Bleeding in or around the brain
• Significant swelling
• Large structural injuries

These conditions require immediate medical attention, and a CT scan helps emergency physicians determine whether emergency surgery or hospitalization is necessary.

What a CT Scan Cannot Always Detect

Most concussions are considered mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). While the symptoms can be significant—and sometimes long-lasting—the injury often involves microscopic changes to brain cells rather than damage that can be seen on a standard CT scan.

That means a person can suffer a concussion even though the scan shows no major structural injury. Physicians often diagnose concussions based on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and neurological examination rather than imaging alone.

Symptoms May Not Appear Right Away

Another common misconception is that concussion symptoms always begin at the scene of the accident.

In reality, symptoms may develop hours or even days later. As the adrenaline from the crash wears off, you may begin to notice:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Fatigue
• Irritability or mood changes
• Trouble sleeping

Some people simply describe feeling “foggy” or not quite like themselves.

If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident, don’t ignore them. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify a concussion and ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Because concussion symptoms may not appear immediately, it’s important to continue monitoring your condition and seek medical attention if new symptoms develop in the days following the crash.

Why Early Medical Care Matters

Early diagnosis and treatment can play an important role in your recovery.

Depending on your symptoms, your physician may recommend cognitive rest, follow-up care with a neurologist, or referral to a concussion specialist. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations not only gives you the best opportunity to heal, but it also creates an accurate medical record documenting your injuries and recovery.

Why This Matters in a Personal Injury Claim

Insurance companies sometimes argue that because diagnostic imaging did not reveal a significant brain injury, the injured person must have recovered quickly or wasn’t seriously hurt.

Medical science tells a different story.

A concussion can interfere with your ability to work, care for your family, drive, concentrate, or enjoy everyday activities—even when imaging studies do not reveal a visible injury. These are real injuries that deserve to be evaluated, treated, and taken seriously.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been involved in a Virginia car accident, don’t dismiss ongoing headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or other symptoms simply because you were told your CT scan looked normal.

Listen to your body. If symptoms develop or persist, follow up with your physician and make your health your first priority. Receiving appropriate medical care early can make a meaningful difference in both your recovery and your future well-being.

Injured in a Virginia Car Accident? We’re Here to Help.

If you or someone you love continues to experience concussion symptoms after a car accident, The Thomson Law Firm is here to answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights.

For more than 30 years, attorney Paul Thomson has personally represented injured Virginians and West Virginians and their families. If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, we’ll explain your options, guide you through the claims process, and work to pursue the compensation you deserve.  See our results here.

Contact The Thomson Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.

 

Still Have Questions?

Check out other blog posts and frequently asked questions or contact us by calling or texting 1-540-777-4900.

The post Can You Have A Concussion After A Car Accident Even If The CT Scan Is Normal? appeared first on Roanoke Virginia Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers.

Original post here: Can You Have A Concussion After A Car Accident Even If The CT Scan Is Normal?