Personal Injury | December 18, 2025 by JOSHUA D. ANDERSON

What to Know About Concussion Car Accident Settlements

No matter how minor, a car accident is stressful, which is why you get an adrenaline surge when one happens. It’s a normal response and not one you can control, but the trouble is that the surge can mask an injury. A serious injury, like a broken leg, is obvious. But something like a concussion is less obvious. And, thanks to the adrenaline surge, we may not realize we have one until days later.

While you can pursue a concussion as part of your car accident claim, proving it can be difficult. Here’s what to look out for, how to protect yourself, and how a personal injury lawyer can protect your interests.

What Is a Concussion in a Car Accident?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It happens when your brain moves rapidly inside your skull, bumping it against the inside of the skull, interrupting your normal brain function.

Concussion brain injuries that happen due to a car accident are commonly seen in rear-end, side-impact, and high-speed collisions. However, the rapid change in direction from an impact or sudden stop can cause a concussion in even a minor accident. Concussions and other brain injuries tend to happen due to:

• Sudden acceleration or deceleration
• Airbag deployment
• Hitting your head on the headrest, window, or steering wheel
• Whiplash — you don’t need to hit your head on anything to suffer a whiplash-related concussion

Concussion Symptoms

Some concussion symptoms are immediate and obvious, like blacking out or seeing stars. However, not experiencing these symptoms doesn’t mean you don’t have a concussion. You may not experience any symptoms until hours or even days after the accident, including:

• Headache
• Mental confusion, AKA brain fog
• Amnesia
• Inability to pay attention

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Most people recover from their concussion within two to six weeks. However, when your symptoms last longer than that, you likely have post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome symptoms are categorized based on how they affect you:

• Physical symptoms: headaches, fatigue, balance problems
• Sensory symptoms: light sensitivity, blurred vision, dizziness
• Mental symptoms: amnesia, trouble concentrating, brain fog
• Emotional and behavioral symptoms: irritability, anxiousness, mood swings

Can You Sue for a Concussion From a Car Accident?

Absolutely. A concussion is a type of personal injury claim that results from a car accident. Because there’s no true treatment for a concussion outside of rest, even a mild brain injury or concussion can interrupt your life. You may have experienced: 

• Extreme fatigue
• Difficulties working or driving
• Struggling to multitask
• Trouble working or attending classes

However, proving you have a concussion can be difficult. You may not have any visible injuries or have late-onset symptoms because of the adrenaline rush you likely had post-accident. Even if you feel perfectly fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help document your injuries and support your claim, whether you have a mild or severe concussion.

What’s the Average Settlement Amount for a Concussion in Washington State?

Washington State doesn’t track the average amount for concussion settlements or post-concussion syndrome settlements. However, Washington personal injury laws allow you to pursue compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses and medical bills
• Present and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering

More serious brain injuries will likely result in a higher settlement than those with a less severe concussion. But, ultimately, the amount of your concussion settlement will depend on:

• How serious the injury is
• How severe the concussion is
• If you’re suffering post-concussion syndrome

How Do Insurance Companies View Concussion Injuries?

While insurance policy limits may cap your settlement amount, that’s not the only thing that may impact how your settlement is valued. Because concussion symptoms tend to be invisible and the impact on your life may seem vague, the insurance company may minimize the true impact a concussion has on your life, particularly in the case of post-concussion syndrome.

Even when you suffered a serious injury in a car accident, the insurance company may claim that you’re exaggerating your injuries. When your symptoms are delayed and don’t appear until days or weeks after the accident, the insurance company may challenge your claim, stating your condition is caused by something unrelated to the car accident.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for My Concussion Claim?

No matter how minor your injuries seem or how serious your car accident, hiring a personal injury attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney will:

• Gather the appropriate medical records and evidence that support your claim
• Handle all the communication and negotiation with the insurance company
• Make sure your future medical expenses or medical bills are paid for
• Calculate your long-term damages to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries

Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys

When you’ve been in a serious car accident, you may not realize you’ve suffered a severe injury like a concussion until days or even weeks after the accident. Proving your concussion was caused by the accident can be difficult because no single test can demonstrate you’ve suffered a brain or head injury. While seeking medical attention right after the accident can help, hiring a personal injury lawyer ensures you have someone on your side and looking out for your best interests.

The experienced team of personal injury lawyers at Anderson Law Injury Attorneys has over 50 years of personal injury experience. Our knowledgeable, compassionate team is committed to open, transparent communication so you understand your options and know what’s happening every step of the way.

Contact us today for your free consultation and learn more about your options. There’s no obligation and no fee unless you win.

The information contained on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and is not legal advice. Nothing in this website establishes an attorney-client relationship between us. Different facts can dramatically affect a legal opinion. You should consult an attorney for legal advice that pertains to your personal situation.